Asiana Club - Free transfer hotel for connections in ICN

The last time I flew OZ C through ICN, I was pleasantly surprised to get a free transit hotel for the ~8 hours (daytime) I had to spare, and even more surprised that Y pax seemed to get the same deal. But is this still being offered, and does anybody know the exact terms and conditions, because I can't seem to find a word about it online? Does it even have anything to do with OZ, or is it ICN's own arrangement? :confused: In particular, I'd like to know if I'm still eligible if I do an SQ-OZ/OZ-SQ transit.

I had this hotel offer included in a FRA-ICN-SYD-ICN-FRA trip. As the SYD-ICN and ICN-FRA connection needs one night in ICN OZ provided a hotel voucher. I cannot say anything about the quality of the hotel as I chose to stay at the airport Hyatt instead on my own dime.
The hotel was part of the J fare which also came with a one-way upgrade to F on the FRA-ICN leg.
The transit hotel in the terminal at ICN is also quite ok. I used this on the outbound trip, as I also had about 8 hours until my connection.

They also had a free Chauffeur Service to Seoul for paying F passengers. I am not sure whether this still exists. You can ask Asiana at +82 2 2661 4000.

When I flew OZ SIN-ICN-JFK in Y, OZ provided a day room in one of the Inn at a nearby town in ICN. Later I found that it is available to all Y pax, once, either outbound or inbound, but not both ways. So, on the inbound I decided take a ride on the KAL limousine, heading to Lotte World to spend the day. Come to think of it, it was enjoyable ^

Just completed a trip to Seattle in J that included a daytime layover of ~13 hours at ICN. Was shuttled to a hotel in the airport town. The name of the hotel is the Hotel June and it's a bit of a dump.

Also the airport town is the pits. We felt like we were imprisoned and after a few hours of napping we elected to return to the airport and take a bus into Seoul for a bit instead of waiting it out at the hotel.

I do think it's nice that they offer the service but frankly I seriously doubt I'd take them up on it again. The in-airport transit hotel is a far better option even if I had to pay for it myself. For an overnight stay I'd go into Seoul.

I stayed at an airport town hotel before ("Hotel Airpark"), and it was alright in my book, except for the absolutely terrible lunch (and I say that as a lover of Korean food). There are a few interesting things to do though, with the Haesoopia spa at the top of my list:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Yeongjong_Island
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5936668&postcount=9

But back to my original question: TypicalAnonym, were you flying OZ, or another airline? Who arranged the stay?

Yes, it was OZ. They arranged the stay. I did not even know about it until I checked in for the flight in HK, at which point they told me I should talk to their transfer agent on the ground in ICN about a hotel that had already been arranged.

Just completed a trip to Seattle in J that included a daytime layover of ~13 hours at ICN. Was shuttled to a hotel in the airport town. The name of the hotel is the Hotel June and it's a bit of a dump.

Also the airport town is the pits. We felt like we were imprisoned and after a few hours of napping we elected to return to the airport and take a bus into Seoul for a bit instead of waiting it out at the hotel.

I do think it's nice that they offer the service but frankly I seriously doubt I'd take them up on it again. The in-airport transit hotel is a far better option even if I had to pay for it myself. For an overnight stay I'd go into Seoul.

My view entirely. June is not a good location for anyone, to be honest. We were put there overnight on a SYD-LHR C class misadventure. We were scheduled to be in a Seoul centre hotel, but due to late arrival, put in June.

Avoid! Breakfast was lettuce and bread.

Bed was alarmingly hard (and I'm a seasoned on the ground camper)

The minimum connection time at ICN will have me missing the last direct, non-stop flight on OZ from ICN to NRT; I won't be able to fly until the next day, thus leaving me at ICN for 12-18 hours. I arrive at ICN on SQ 15 from SFO and will be flying business class on all Asian legs.

Am I entitled to a hotel room? Anyone? Anyone?

The last time I flew OZ C through ICN, I was pleasantly surprised to get a free transit hotel for the ~8 hours (daytime) I had to spare, and even more surprised that Y pax seemed to get the same deal. But is this still being offered, and does anybody know the exact terms and conditions, because I can't seem to find a word about it online? Does it even have anything to do with OZ, or is it ICN's own arrangement? :confused: In particular, I'd like to know if I'm still eligible if I do an SQ-OZ/OZ-SQ transit.

The minimum connection time at ICN will have me missing the last direct, non-stop flight on OZ from ICN to NRT; I won't be able to fly until the next day, thus leaving me at ICN for 12-18 hours. I arrive at ICN on SQ 15 from SFO and will be flying business class on all Asian legs.

Am I entitled to a hotel room? Anyone? Anyone?

Sadly you are NOT entitled to a hotel room because OZ is not responsible for SQ flights.

Sadly you are NOT entitled to a hotel room because OZ is not responsible for SQ flights.

Fair enough. I thought that any of SQ, OZ or Icheon Airport might have some kind of comped hotel room to encourage people to connect through there, to boost traffic, etc.

Fair enough. I thought that any of SQ, OZ or Icheon Airport might have some kind of comped hotel room to encourage people to connect through there, to boost traffic, etc.
Not paying for a hotel encourages pax to book sensible connections. ;)

dupe.

There are 2 moderately transit hotels in the ICN airport. You may also choose to stay at a hotel in the airport's town or go into Seoul. I generally stay at the Inchon Hyatt. There is a shuttle bus every 15 min or so with a stop outside the outside the arrival hall. The hotel is great, new, quiet and modern. There is a nice spa with a lap pool, sauna, steam room and Japanese style bath. The restaurant and bakery are top notch with a variety of food, Asian and Western style.My stays have generally been 10-12 hours. It is a great place to rest and get ready for the next leg of your journey.

If I had a full day I'd go into to Seoul.

I've got a LAX>ICN>PEK trip coming up in August w/ a 9.5 hr layover (landing at 6AM, leaving at 330PM), debating whether or not to use a hotel for a hot shower and rest. How's the terminal/airport itself for hanging out for that amount of time? I'm also an UAL Prem. Exec, is there a lounge I can use in the vicinity?


EDITTED:
Nerver mind the lounge question, a quick search on UAL board got me the answers.

I've got a LAX>ICN>PEK trip coming up in August w/ a 9.5 hr layover (landing at 6AM, leaving at 330PM), debating whether or not to use a hotel for a hot shower and rest. How's the terminal/airport itself for hanging out for that amount of time? I'm also an UAL Prem. Exec, is there a lounge I can use in the vicinity?


EDITTED:
Nerver mind the lounge question, a quick search on UAL board got me the answers.

is 1P *G?? Then you can use OZ or SQ lounges in ICN.
If I were you, I would go to downtown to grab nice breakfast and lunch rather than airport food.

I am transiting JFK-ICN-SYD with a 14 hour layover. Was planning on staying at the Skygarden Air Transit Hotel (at my own expense).

Flying with OZ.

Would they normally provide a Transit Hotel Landside? Do they still?

(Is it any good?!)

I am transiting JFK-ICN-SYD with a 14 hour layover. Was planning on staying at the Skygarden Air Transit Hotel (at my own expense).

Flying with OZ.

Would they normally provide a Transit Hotel Landside? Do they still?

(Is it any good?!)
Yes, they should (and no, it's probably not). But for the price you can't really complain, now can you?

Tip: pay a visit to Haesupia (http://www.haesupia.com/), most hotels will shuttle you there for free.

is 1P *G?? Then you can use OZ or SQ lounges in ICN.
If I were you, I would go to downtown to grab nice breakfast and lunch rather than airport food.

Yes, 1P is *G. Good to hear on the lounge situation.

I'm carrying US passport and have a Chinese visa (for the PEK trip), do I need a Korean visa for a half day excusion like this? How much time should I allot for getting out, then back in through immigration for my ensuing ICN>PEK flight?

EDITTED: Got my visa question answered via this (no need if I'm in the country for <30 days), http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1018.html

EDITTED: Got my visa question answered via this (no need if I'm in the country for <30 days), http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1018.html

Just be aware that for US passport holders you only can go visa free for tourism and transit. In other words, if you say you are on a business trip, or you appear to be on a business trip you do need a visa.

There are no such restrictions for most other countries who can go to Korea for business without a visa.

No visa needed to enter South Korea on business if US passport holder.

However you are still subject to custom and immigration rules.

No visa needed to enter South Korea on business if US passport holder.

However you are still subject to custom and immigration rules.

AFAIK this is not correct. From the State Department Website (emphasis by me):

A passport is required. U.S. passport holders may enter the Republic of Korea without a visa for a stay of up to 30 days for tourism or transit to another country. When staying for more than 30 days or for any purpose other than tourism or transit, the U.S. passport holder must obtain a visa prior to entry.

If you go on a business trip to Korea and have a US passport you must apply for a visa to do so. If you have the passport of Jamaica, Mexico, France etc you do not need to do so.

In reality, it will be difficult for a Korean Immigration Officer to determine whether you are a tourist or on a business trip. But technically you do need a visa.

I am taking the SYD-ICN-FRA flight. SO I will have a lay-over of more than 18 hours there.

So as I understand it I will get a free hotel because I am traveling in Z-Class. Will these Hotel always be at the Airport or can can I chose one in Downtown Incheon or Seoul?

Could somebody please confirm for me whether the complimentary transit hotel is only for paid-flights? I have an award booking in business; currently it's a 2 hour transit but it would be worth a night stop if there's a free hotel provided.

Seems to be quite a lack of information on this subject, even from the airline iteself.

Could somebody please confirm for me whether the complimentary transit hotel is only for paid-flights? I have an award booking in business; currently it's a 2 hour transit but it would be worth a night stop if there's a free hotel provided.

Seems to be quite a lack of information on this subject, even from the airline iteself.

They won't give you a free hotel room if you are voluntarily staying overnight in Seoul. In addition to that, OZ does not provide a free hotel room for an award booking.

Great. :) Thanks for the information. I assumed that would be the case but thought I'd check. That resolves the dilemma.

AFAIK this is not correct. From the State Department Website (emphasis by me):

Quote:
A passport is required. U.S. passport holders may enter the Republic of Korea without a visa for a stay of up to 30 days for tourism or transit to another country. When staying for more than 30 days or for any purpose other than tourism or transit, the U.S. passport holder must obtain a visa prior to entry.

If you go on a business trip to Korea and have a US passport you must apply for a visa to do so. If you have the passport of Jamaica, Mexico, France etc you do not need to do so.

In reality, it will be difficult for a Korean Immigration Officer to determine whether you are a tourist or on a business trip. But technically you do need a visa.

I go to Korea 4-6X/year, always on business, US passport, no visa and I have never had any questions about visas from the immigration officers. And I always state on my entry documents that I am there on business.

Below is from the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs web site (http://www.mofat.go.kr/english/visa/apply/index.jsp). The only restriction is that the visitor may not engage in remunerative activities during their stay.

Nationals of Countries allowed for visa-free entry

Asia
Hong Kong(90 days), Japan(90 days), Macau(90 days), Brunei, Taiwan, Indonesia(diplomatic and government officials)

America
United States (90 days), Canada (6 months)
Argentina, Honduras, Uruguay, Paraguay, Guyana, Ecuador

Europe
Monaco, Vatican, Slovenia, Albania, Cyprus, San Marino, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro (90 days) Andora, Croatia

Oceania
Guam, Nauru, New Caledonia, Micronesia, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Fiji, Palau, Samoa, Australia (90 days) Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, Tonga

Middle East and Africa

Saudi Arabia, Arab Emirates, Yemen, Oman, Qatar (90 days), South Africa, Swaziland, Egypt, Mauritius, Seychelles, Kuwait, Lebanon (diplomatic and government officials)

Hi 1KBill! Thanks for the update. The information I posted was correct at time of posting. However since then (Nov 2008), Korea has joined the US visa waiver program and now US citizens don't need a visa for business purposes.

Of course in reality, I don't think any US citizen on a business trip ever applied for a visa but technically the requirement was there in the past.

The site you quote by the way is full of wrong information. Which is problematic considering it is an official government site.
- It states that "※ Nationals of the above countries are allowed up to 30 days of visa-free sojourn for tourism or visitation" which we just established is not correct.
- It lists places as countries which aren't countries (Guam).
- If doesn't include any countries from the EU which of course also have visa free entry

Hi,

I am traveling SFO/ICN/PEK next week. Since I will arrive at ICN around 5:30pm and the next plane to PEK is next morning about 8:30am. I've heard that I am going to have a free stopover hotel when I get to ICN. But my question is...

When I check in at SFO, where are my checked bags supposed to go. PEK or ICN? I guess ICN airport would not keep the bags overnight so I need to get my bags in ICN and re-check them next morning. Am I right??

I'd appreciate if you share your prior experience or knowledge on this matter. Thanks!!

ICN airport does keep bags during overnight connections at least they did in the past. So you could check the bags through if you wanted to.

For paid Y pax, does the flight have to be booked directly with OZ to get the free hotel or will 3rd party bookings (i.e. Orbitz) still qualify? Does Oz provide the hotel voucher at check in or do I request it on arrival?

For paid Y pax, does the flight have to be booked directly with OZ to get the free hotel or will 3rd party bookings (i.e. Orbitz) still qualify? Does Oz provide the hotel voucher at check in or do I request it on arrival?

It doesn't matter whether it is booked with OZ or a TA. Once you have ticketed, call OZ asap to request a hotel room.

Does this complimentary offer apply to one way flights? I'm flying JFK-ICN-SIN and will have a 4 am to 4 pm layover (ek). How could I request for a day room in downtown seoul? is that possible