Asiana Crews Criticized for Using Starbucks as Bag Storage

Dozens of Asiana flight attendants repeatedly took over a Seoul Starbucks to store their bags during visa interviews.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Dozens of Asiana flight attendants have been using a Starbucks Reserve location in Seoul, South Korea as a makeshift baggage storage facility while visiting the nearby U.S. Embassy for visa interviews. The flight attendants would fill the Starbucks with their bags, preventing other customers from using the seating, despite the store only receiving minimal drink orders from the group. This went on for at least five separate incidents before Starbucks intervened.

Why it matters

The incident highlights a lack of consideration for other customers and the strain it placed on the Starbucks location. It also raises questions about Asiana's policies that require flight attendants to travel with their bags even when visiting locations that prohibit bringing luggage.

The details

According to reports, around 30 Asiana flight attendants would show up at the Starbucks Reserve location near Gwanghwamun Square, which is close to the U.S. Embassy in Seoul. The flight attendants would collectively order only 5-10 drinks while filling the chairs and tables with their bags, preventing other customers from using the seating. This occurred on at least five separate occasions in recent weeks.

  • The incidents took place over the past several weeks at the Starbucks Reserve location near Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul.
  • The flight attendants were visiting the nearby U.S. Embassy for visa interviews.

The players

Asiana Airlines

A South Korean airline that requires its flight attendants to travel with their bags, even when visiting locations that prohibit bringing luggage.

Starbucks Korea

The Starbucks Reserve location in Seoul that was repeatedly used by Asiana flight attendants to store their bags, despite the store's policies against extended unattended seating.

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What’s next

Asiana has apologized for the incidents and said it will strengthen staff training to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The airline may also need to re-evaluate its policies around requiring flight attendants to travel with their bags when visiting locations that prohibit bringing luggage.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for better coordination and consideration between airlines, their employees, and businesses like Starbucks when it comes to managing luggage and seating during travel-related activities. It also raises questions about Asiana's internal policies that led to this disruptive behavior at the Starbucks location.