Asiana Airlines Withdraws Suspension of Economy Smartium Customer Lounge Service

Customer Backlash Over Service Reductions Ahead of Merger

Asiana Airlines attempted to discontinue the business lounge service provided to Economy Smartium class passengers but later withdrew the decision. It appears that the airline reversed its decision due to customer backlash and public opinion concerns as it prepares for a merger with Korean Air.

On the 23rd, Asiana Airlines announced that it will continue to offer the business lounge benefit at Incheon International Airport to customers who purchase Economy Smartium seats. The Economy Smartium seat is a class between Economy and Business. This 'premium economy' class seat was introduced in 2017 with the introduction of the A350 aircraft.

Passengers using this seat on long-haul routes (to the Americas, Europe, Australia) were able to enjoy benefits such as access to the Incheon Airport business lounge, priority boarding, and priority baggage claim.

However, earlier this month, Asiana Airlines announced a reduction in benefits, stating that from January next year, passengers who book tickets will only be able to use the business lounge until the end of February next year based on the boarding date. At that time, Asiana Airlines explained, "The decision was made considering lounge congestion after the end of COVID-19."

But as passenger dissatisfaction grew, it seems the airline withdrew the plan. Asiana Airlines stated, "We decided to maintain the service due to concerns about the decline in customer convenience caused by the reduction of services."