Korean Air Skypass - ICN layover on award ticket - what to expect from KE?

In November, I will fly SFO-ICN-AKL and return in business class. The ticket is a Delta Skymiles award booked in D class. On the outgoing flight, there is a 23h 40m layover, and on the return flight there is a 22h 15m layover.

What can I expect from KE at ICN such as hotel and food vouchers? Should I contact KE in advance or just go to the transfer desk at ICN and see what happens? I have not been able to find out anything definite based on threads in this forum or on the KE web site. Note I have no FF status with either DL or KE.

Thanks!

You should be able to enter the KE business lounge. They'll let you know where it is.

I don't know of any airline giving food and hotel vouchers for a "scheduled" layover. However, KE does have discounted "transit" rates at local hotel that you will find on their website... and yes you will be able to use their lounge with a Business class ticket or Prestige class as they call it.

I have had long layovers at ICN. When I was on KE metal using a purchased KE ticket in business class I was given food vouchers and a room for the layover at the ICN Hyatt. However, when flying on KE metal on a purchased Delta ticket (code share), KE would not provide the same service. I was told that would be Delta's responsibility. So I hoped on the bus to the hotel, whipped out the plastic, got the room, ate, used the spa and pool and was refreshed for the onward journey.

You will be warmly greeted at the airside lounge with your business class boarding pass. Enjoy you trip.

I don't know of any airline giving food and hotel vouchers for a "scheduled" layover.

Many do. TK for example. LH. Some Persian Gulf airlines.

I have the same happening to me in June, flying NAN-ICN and then ICN-MXP with a stepover in ICN.
It was an award ticket, and the assistance told me that no complimentary room or food voucher is given for D tickets.

However, access to the lounge is granted (and food is good!).

I have the same happening to me in June, flying NAN-ICN and then ICN-MXP with a stepover in ICN.
It was an award ticket, and the assistance told me that no complimentary room or food voucher is given for D tickets.

However, access to the lounge is granted (and food is good!).

Lately, Skyteam lounge food has gotten better than last year.

Lately, Skyteam lounge food has gotten better than last year.

Oh that's good to hear... I just wish KE would make some arrival lounges at ICN so I can shower when I get off the plane from the US...

Oh that's good to hear... I just wish KE would make some arrival lounges at ICN so I can shower when I get off the plane from the US...


you do have an access to lounges if you transit. i haven't heard of any airport that caters specifically to just pure arrival. get to your hotel and take a shower in that case.


both first and business class lounges in ICN for KE have shower rooms. good ones too.

you do have an access to lounges if you transit. i haven't heard of any airport that caters specifically to just pure arrival. get to your hotel and take a shower in that case.


both first and business class lounges in ICN for KE have shower rooms. good ones too.

Ah, from what I heard, there are arrival lounges at the airports in Europe... but I could be mistaken...

Ah, from what I heard, there are arrival lounges at the airports in Europe... but I could be mistaken...
You're right. CDG has an AF arrivals lounge. LHR T3 has an AC arrivals lounge. LHR T5 has a BA arrivals lounge, iirc. LHR T4 has the Yotel, which DL uses for as an arrivals lounge for J and ST E+ passengers. I'm sure there are more, but those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head.

I've got a related question: in March I'll be flying PVG-ICN-ORD and am wondering if it is possible to do a visit to Seoul or even just the Incheon area during a transit. I'm an American citizen so I don't think there would be a visa problem. So would a 22hr layover be enough for me to be able to leave the airport and come back or should I opt for the 11hr layover to chill in the airport which would be fine also. Anybody have any experience with visiting Korea on a layover?

I'm doing something similar JFK - ICN - BKK and back next month and we actually changed our return flight to give us an 11 hour layover in ICN so we can have some time to explore Seoul. I'll definitely give you an update on our experience but from what I've been told and through my research, even an 11-hour layover is a good block of time, depending on what you want to do. From what I've been told there is a desk in the ICN airport who specialize in "Transit Tours" and have a few different ones available based on how long you have between flights and how much time you have (including getting through customs and getting back). As we don't know much about Korea we're going to just do that as they set it all up for you. I believe some you can pre-book but we're just going to do it day of and see whats available. Here's the link to the Korea tourism site talking about Transit Tours if it helps: http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_5_1.jsp

I should check FT more often. I'd have definitely showed the OP around. 11 hours is more than enough time to get in and see the palace and heart of Seoul. I'm an avid Couch Surfer and have shown people around frequently. MSG me or e-mail me if anyone's stopping over; I'll do my best to meet up, though I'm only here till March. My e-mail is my FT username at gmail dot com.

And, for future reference, there's a spa in the basement of the airport. It's a Korean "jimjilbang" and includes sleeping spaces (though nowhere near as comfortable as a hotel). I think it costs about $20 to use (more expensive than in the city, but nicer facilities, I think). Saunas, hot baths, showers, massage and scrubs if you're so inclined.

Lastly, I think the KE lounge there has showers. No arrival lounge though.