Looking to travel to Okinawa with Asiana Airlines? Here’s a detailed review of my experience flying on flight OZ172 in economy class aboard the A330-300 aircraft in September 2024. While I usually fly Korean Air, Asiana Airlines’ unique use of a wide-body aircraft for this route made it a compelling choice. Let’s dive into every detail, from check-in at Incheon Airport to the in-flight meals.
Check-In and Lounge Experience at Incheon Airport
It had been a while since I last visited Terminal 1 at Incheon Airport, as my recent trips have been with Korean Air, which operates out of Terminal 2. Despite being older, Terminal 1 is well-maintained and comparable in terms of convenience. I opted for the reserved parking service, which was conveniently located near the terminal—a great start to the journey. 👍
I used online check-in and the self-service bag drop, which streamlined the process. If you’re traveling light with no checked baggage, you can head straight to security, making things even more efficient. However, during my visit in December, security lines at Terminal 1 were significantly longer than usual. I highly recommend arriving at least three hours before your flight until operations normalize.
After security, I made my way to the Matina Lounge. Morning flights can make the lounge quite crowded, and I had to wait over 30 minutes to get in. The lounge provided a good opportunity to enjoy a filling meal, which I appreciated since it can take some time for in-flight meals to be served after takeoff. I recommend stopping by the lounge to avoid boarding with an empty stomach.
Boarding Asiana Airlines Flight OZ172 to Okinawa
After a brief stop at the duty-free shops, it was time to head to the gate. Asiana Airlines operates several A330-300 aircraft, but not all of them are created equal. The specific plane I boarded was an older model, often humorously referred to as a “rust bucket” by frequent flyers. The overhead screens and outdated entertainment system reflected its age. While functional for the two-hour flight, the experience highlighted the variability within the same aircraft model.
I’ve flown Asiana Airlines four times recently, and I noticed that the seat pitch on this plane felt narrower compared to other flights. While more spacious than most low-cost carriers, it’s worth noting if you’re particularly tall or value extra legroom. For entertainment, I suggest downloading content to your phone or tablet in advance, as the in-flight system offers little to keep you occupied.
In-Flight Meal and Overall Experience on Asiana Airlines Flight OZ172
The in-flight experience was smooth and pleasant, with no turbulence to speak of. Asiana Airlines served a single meal option: beef bulgogi rice. The meal included a salad, bread, and water, with a choice of juice or cola as the beverage. Compared to Korean Air’s meals, I found Asiana’s catering to be more flavorful. During a recent flight to Nagoya, however, Asiana omitted the salad and bread, providing only the main dish, so meal offerings may vary by route.
Approaching Okinawa, the views of the islands and pristine waters from the window were stunning. We landed safely and on schedule—a satisfying conclusion to the flight.
Arriving at Okinawa Airport
Okinawa Airport had undergone noticeable changes since my last visit. The vibrant, tourist-friendly atmosphere was apparent from the diverse shops and souvenir options available in the domestic terminal. It’s a great place to browse before heading into the city.
Summary
Asiana Airlines’ A330-300 stands out as the only wide-body aircraft servicing the Okinawa route, providing a more spacious cabin than smaller alternatives. While the dated cabin interior and limited in-flight entertainment were drawbacks, the overall service and quality of the in-flight meal were commendable. Travelers sensitive to noise should prepare for a bustling cabin environment, as this route often caters to families with young children. With its stable flight and competitive pricing, this was a satisfying way to kick off my Okinawa adventure. 😊
[Oriental Hotel Okinawa Resort & Spa – Club Room Review]
