KQ321
Oct 2, 11, 9:35 am
I was recently trying to book a ticket on KoreanAir.Com
However, upon clicking 'next' at "Step 3 (Review)" in the process, I repeatedly got an error message saying "The requested service is not available at this time. Please choose chat service or contact Korean Air Call centre or nearest branch office for further assistance", and got returned to the splash page.
Having tried from several different locations, I discovered that the KE online booking engine apparently blocks IP addresses coming from certain countries (particularly in Africa). Unfortunately, they don't mention this on their website anywhere (nor could I find it any other online forums - although I've seen a similar reported in relation to CX).
When I tried again from a location in Europe, the booking went through OK. However, if you're trying to book a KE flight online while in Africa, don't be surprised if you have problems!
Although I was able to book the flight as a 'guest' (without having to enroll in SkyPass), unfortunately the passenger details page only accepts SkyPass numbers - not other Skyteam FFP numbers. (Although once I'd completed the booking, I was able to add my FB number over the phone). In case KE are reading this, it would be nice if they could match the standard set by several other Skyteam airlines' booking sites, and accept FF numbers from other Skyteam FFPs during the online booking process. It would also be nice if members of other Skyteam FFPs could access their reservations and make advance seat selections online.
Finally, does anyone know if it's possible to view a KE reservation via a website such as checkmytrip or virtuallythere? The KE booking engine appears to be built on Amadeus (which implies checkmytrip) but I couldn't find my reservation on either checkmytrip nor virtuallythere. (As has been mentioned by other people in this Forum, I received a traditional 6 letter alphanumeric PNR on the completion page of the booking website - but the eTicket gives a 7-digit number as a booking reference. And the "e-Ticket Itinerary/Receipt" email itself is rather confusing, and requires following a link before the flight details are actually displayed...)
However, upon clicking 'next' at "Step 3 (Review)" in the process, I repeatedly got an error message saying "The requested service is not available at this time. Please choose chat service or contact Korean Air Call centre or nearest branch office for further assistance", and got returned to the splash page.
Having tried from several different locations, I discovered that the KE online booking engine apparently blocks IP addresses coming from certain countries (particularly in Africa). Unfortunately, they don't mention this on their website anywhere (nor could I find it any other online forums - although I've seen a similar reported in relation to CX).
When I tried again from a location in Europe, the booking went through OK. However, if you're trying to book a KE flight online while in Africa, don't be surprised if you have problems!
Although I was able to book the flight as a 'guest' (without having to enroll in SkyPass), unfortunately the passenger details page only accepts SkyPass numbers - not other Skyteam FFP numbers. (Although once I'd completed the booking, I was able to add my FB number over the phone). In case KE are reading this, it would be nice if they could match the standard set by several other Skyteam airlines' booking sites, and accept FF numbers from other Skyteam FFPs during the online booking process. It would also be nice if members of other Skyteam FFPs could access their reservations and make advance seat selections online.
Finally, does anyone know if it's possible to view a KE reservation via a website such as checkmytrip or virtuallythere? The KE booking engine appears to be built on Amadeus (which implies checkmytrip) but I couldn't find my reservation on either checkmytrip nor virtuallythere. (As has been mentioned by other people in this Forum, I received a traditional 6 letter alphanumeric PNR on the completion page of the booking website - but the eTicket gives a 7-digit number as a booking reference. And the "e-Ticket Itinerary/Receipt" email itself is rather confusing, and requires following a link before the flight details are actually displayed...)