Nov 16, 12, 11:10 am
Last edit by: Stez
i Preface
This wikipost (and thread) exist because BA introduced a new route in Dec. 2012 from London Heathrow (LHR) Terminal 5 (T5) to Incheon International Airport (ICN), Seoul, Korea. This wikipost links to the latest, most relevant information we have collected for FTers flying or considering this route. The extensive nature of the thread is due to 80 FTers having taken up the special fare conditions during the first month.
Currently there is a glitch and the wikipost can only be edited by a moderator or ambassador - to update this thread, please send a PM to a moderator or ambassador. This wikipost can be edited by anyone, and therefore is superior to a traditional 'first post' as anyone can post new, corrected or updated information and link to that post in this wikipost thereby ensuring no single person has to maintain the first post and that information is always up to date. The suggested procedure is to go to the existing linked post and quote that post (if correcting or updating information) and then make the corrections / updates and remove the [QUOTE] tags. Then come back to this wikipost and link to the post you have just made. For new information, simply post the new information and link to it here. Please check that the information you post is indeed new or correct before posting. Thanks, we hope you find this thread of use and interest.
How to Edit this Wikipost Guide
If you have any issues please contact a moderator for assistance.
Currently there is a glitch and the wikipost can only be edited by a moderator or ambassador - to update this thread, please send a PM to a moderator or ambassador. This wikipost can be edited by anyone, and therefore is superior to a traditional 'first post' as anyone can post new, corrected or updated information and link to that post in this wikipost thereby ensuring no single person has to maintain the first post and that information is always up to date. The suggested procedure is to go to the existing linked post and quote that post (if correcting or updating information) and then make the corrections / updates and remove the [QUOTE] tags. Then come back to this wikipost and link to the post you have just made. For new information, simply post the new information and link to it here. Please check that the information you post is indeed new or correct before posting. Thanks, we hope you find this thread of use and interest.
How to Edit this Wikipost Guide
If you have any issues please contact a moderator for assistance.
Date our next group is underway:
Our first few groups have now made their way across to Seoul, hopefully after enjoying some of this on the flight:
(admittedly not Dom but you get the idea)
ii Contents
01 The original post along with the fare conditions during the sale
02 The 80 FTers that are "launching this route"
03 The lounge and Enroute DO's in Dec 2012
04 The Dates People are Meeting in Seoul
05 The Route Details (aircraft type, cabins fitted, timings)
06 Information for those not familiar with BA or Heathrow
07 Making of an FT legend 80 fliers little bit of crazy whole lot of Seoul Trip Report
08 Publicity of this event
09 Returning to the UK (ICN airport info)
10 Hotels FTers have chosen and recommendations
11Things to do in Seoul
12 An Example itinerary for the overnighters
13 Food / Drink in Seoul
14 Transport while in Seoul
15 Weather
16 Links to FT Trip Reports and other sources of info
17 Language
18 Cultural Points
19 Money Matters (VAT, TIps, Cash or Card, ATMs)
20 Shopping
21 Health / Insurance
22 Electricity / Time
23 Legal Points to consider
24 Disabled/Gay/Smokers/Women travellers/Safety and Security
25 Internet / (mobile) Phones / Apps
26 Hazards (we may not be aware of)
27 The city never sleeps (opening times, holidays)
28 Police / Fighting / Taekwando
29 Public Toilets
30 Current offers (any sales we know of)
31 Following the launch antics via twitter
32 Archived Info (to keep the first post relevant)
iii Acknowledgments02 The 80 FTers that are "launching this route"
03 The lounge and Enroute DO's in Dec 2012
04 The Dates People are Meeting in Seoul
05 The Route Details (aircraft type, cabins fitted, timings)
06 Information for those not familiar with BA or Heathrow
07 Making of an FT legend 80 fliers little bit of crazy whole lot of Seoul Trip Report
08 Publicity of this event
09 Returning to the UK (ICN airport info)
10 Hotels FTers have chosen and recommendations
11Things to do in Seoul
12 An Example itinerary for the overnighters
13 Food / Drink in Seoul
14 Transport while in Seoul
15 Weather
16 Links to FT Trip Reports and other sources of info
17 Language
18 Cultural Points
19 Money Matters (VAT, TIps, Cash or Card, ATMs)
20 Shopping
21 Health / Insurance
22 Electricity / Time
23 Legal Points to consider
24 Disabled/Gay/Smokers/Women travellers/Safety and Security
25 Internet / (mobile) Phones / Apps
26 Hazards (we may not be aware of)
27 The city never sleeps (opening times, holidays)
28 Police / Fighting / Taekwando
29 Public Toilets
30 Current offers (any sales we know of)
31 Following the launch antics via twitter
32 Archived Info (to keep the first post relevant)
This thread (guide) is an ongoing collaborative effort and could not have been produced without everyone here first being informed about the new route and incredible sale conditions by BApilotinsider, who started this thread originally, the resultant large interest from the FT community, and finally the kind contributions of many throughout this thread, with a special nod to itsmeitisss and UTA_flyinghigh. We hope it is of use not only to those going during the introductory month but also evolves later on when the route is mature.
wikipost updated to post 849
Special Seoul launch offer | BA Board excursion
Dec 2, 12, 8:20 am
#826
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: London
Programs: BAEC GGL, BA Amex PP
Posts: 1,049
Without the benefit of some pre-trip choreography lessons, here is a guide I found to recreating That Song. I think I could just about manage the Slow Mo if it was slowed down a little more....
http://trendy-dancing.wonderhowto.co...ation-0138593/
http://trendy-dancing.wonderhowto.co...ation-0138593/
Dec 2, 12, 8:43 am
#827
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: JER
Programs: BA Gold/OWE, several MUCCI, and assorted Pensions!
Posts: 31,595
Originally Posted by CreativeBill
My OH has just trapped a nerve in his neck... if he can't fly (or if I can't bear the endless man-moaning) you'll just have to come as my chaperone. 
I'm severely skills-limited in the chaperone department after a few glasses
Dec 2, 12, 8:49 am
#828
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: JER
Programs: BA Gold/OWE, several MUCCI, and assorted Pensions!
Posts: 31,595
Originally Posted by neildibiase
Hey all,
Scheduled to fly out on 12/22 and really looking forward to the trip! One question...
Currently booked in F out (LHR-ICN) and CW on the return. Logic was that it made sense to pay for the F "experience" at LHR - did it earlier this year and loved it.
Now I'm wondering about using 30k Avios to upgrade on the return. I've flown BA F but never CW, so was interested in trying it out, but I'm thinking it's a small price to pay for the upgrade...
So, your thoughts? Upgrade on the return or leave it in CW?
Scheduled to fly out on 12/22 and really looking forward to the trip! One question...
Currently booked in F out (LHR-ICN) and CW on the return. Logic was that it made sense to pay for the F "experience" at LHR - did it earlier this year and loved it.
Now I'm wondering about using 30k Avios to upgrade on the return. I've flown BA F but never CW, so was interested in trying it out, but I'm thinking it's a small price to pay for the upgrade...
So, your thoughts? Upgrade on the return or leave it in CW?
Lots of people complain about F, so I would save the money/drink the equivalent instead
But, seriously, as you can't drink Avios I would probably say "Stuff CW, I'm going F". There will be another opportunity to travel with cheapskate old folks on upgrades
Dec 2, 12, 9:22 am
#829
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: BRU / SCQ / LUX
Programs: Iberia, BAEC GOLD/ Priority Club : ROYAL Amb / Miles and More: SEN
Posts: 895
Originally Posted by BotB
I've heard back from flyme2theriver via PM now...unfortunately they are not being flown to the river via BA...however, they are up for meeting other FTers during the time they are there...(14th to 19th) so over to mgo72 and the second weekend crew to please contact flyme2theriver and arrange something if you are interested?
Thanks, so still [email protected]:-)
BTW, if anyone is losing the plot as to who is coming and when...the wikipost does link to a list of all those going (and some honourable mentions) and the lounge DO post shows the dates of those going...(not directed at you CB...just sayin'...)
Thanks, so still [email protected]:-)
BTW, if anyone is losing the plot as to who is coming and when...the wikipost does link to a list of all those going (and some honourable mentions) and the lounge DO post shows the dates of those going...(not directed at you CB...just sayin'...)
Dec 2, 12, 9:35 am
#830
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: WAS
Programs: AS MVP
Posts: 200
Originally Posted by T8191
Hey, CW is great - especially at WT+ prices
Lots of people complain about F, so I would save the money/drink the equivalent instead
But, seriously, as you can't drink Avios I would probably say "Stuff CW, I'm going F". There will be another opportunity to travel with cheapskate old folks on upgrades
Lots of people complain about F, so I would save the money/drink the equivalent instead
But, seriously, as you can't drink Avios I would probably say "Stuff CW, I'm going F". There will be another opportunity to travel with cheapskate old folks on upgrades
Dec 2, 12, 9:56 am
#831
Join Date: May 2012
Location: London
Posts: 442
Originally Posted by neildibiase
Thanks for the push in the right direction, though it might be a moot point. Just got of the phone with the EC in the US who said my fare (booked in I) is non-changeable and therefore non-upgradeable. Can someone confirm?
A dummy booking for the 26th shows 2 reward flights available for First ICN-LHR.
Maybe try calling back and asking a different agent?
ETA: Just checked my booking and our selling class was I too. We UuA'd.
Dec 2, 12, 10:07 am
#832
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Bristol, UK
Programs: HH D, Rad Plat, BA Silver
Posts: 5,346
Originally Posted by neildibiase
Thanks for the push in the right direction, though it might be a moot point. Just got of the phone with the EC in the US who said my fare (booked in I) is non-changeable and therefore non-upgradeable. Can someone confirm?
T8191 also has a point...30K Avios is not much and if you are not too hung over it would be a day flight back so the service element should be important and ensure you get value for money in F...also NF...also may be a cracker of a new menu so you could get some fantastic food (compared to Club certainly!)
So, changed my tune...go for it...if you can. ^
Last edited by BotB; Dec 2, 12 at 10:19 am Reason: Incorrect advice
Dec 2, 12, 10:14 am
#833
Join Date: May 2012
Location: London
Posts: 442
Originally Posted by BotB
I think you can only upgrade with Avios if you do so at the time of booking on such fares...afterwards they cannot be upgraded with cash or Avios (unless you they offer the cash POUG offers to help them not have to do Op-Ups...)
Dec 2, 12, 10:15 am
#834
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: JER
Programs: BA Gold/OWE, several MUCCI, and assorted Pensions!
Posts: 31,595
What's 30k Avios? Nothing in the grand order of things. Sheesh, we OAPs have 200k+ in the HHA. Mainly because we earn more Avios than we spend. We jointly earn more than 30k on a TATL, never mind the earning on paying for the cheap seats [and then UuA] and our intense efforts to boost the US economy with our spend "over there".
Dec 2, 12, 10:21 am
#835
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: WAS
Programs: AS MVP
Posts: 200
Unfortunately, looks like I should have been able to answer my own question. Did a little digging in manage my booking and noticed that under the "Change/cancel booking" tab, it says "No changes permitted. No upgrades permitted". Weird, because the outbound allows changes/upgrades.
Oh well. I'll have to settle for CW.
Oh well. I'll have to settle for CW.
Dec 2, 12, 10:25 am
#836
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: JER
Programs: BA Gold/OWE, several MUCCI, and assorted Pensions!
Posts: 31,595
Originally Posted by neildibiase
Oh well. I'll have to settle for CW.
At the risk of being personal, be grateful that you can fly that way. Most people are down the back
And you can now do a real-time comparison between the bullshot of First and the acceptable Club, and do a cost comparison. Your TR is awaited
Dec 2, 12, 1:15 pm
#837
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Isle of Skye and Northumberland, UK and outback Australia.
Programs: BA gold
Posts: 3,899
Originally Posted by neildibiase
Unfortunately, looks like I should have been able to answer my own question. Did a little digging in manage my booking and noticed that under the "Change/cancel booking" tab, it says "No changes permitted. No upgrades permitted". Weird, because the outbound allows changes/upgrades.
Dec 2, 12, 1:19 pm
#838
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: UK - around 3 nights a week!
Programs: BA Gold, MilesandSmiles Elite, IHG Spire, Hilton Diamond, SPG Gold
Posts: 136
Originally Posted by CreativeBill
They're off!
Dec 2, 12, 1:46 pm
#839
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 8
Hello everyone!
Hope you are all just as excited as I am about Seoul... ready to live it up - Gangnam-style!
@HB113 - if you want to say hello in the lounge tomorrow I'll PM you my details - feel so bad for your companion in WT - really hope someone last minute can step in so we can all be in the lounge!
We have rented an apartment near Garosugil which is apparently a lively and cool area so if anyone else is staying nearby it would be nice to meet up.
Just wanted to put down a very light itinerary for those who are interested in meeting up whilst there then let me know!
Monday 3/12
• Depart LHR
Tuesday 4/12
• My friend (Ben) departs LHR (we booked late so couldn't get the same outbound flight) Lucky for him Tobias-UK is guesting him into the lounge - I am insanely jealous ;-)
• I plan on just getting my bearings in the area / some general sightseeing or perhaps a walking tour - anyone else around?
Wednesday 5/12
• Ben arrives
• General Sightseeing during the day
• Lotte World (World's Largest Indoor Theme Park) - after 4pm is cheaper and open until 11pm so plenty of time to enjoy the rides.
Thursday 6/12
• DMZ Tour TBC - have emailed the company recommended but still awaiting their response.
Friday 7/12
• Skiing (depending if there is any snow?) Jisan Forest Ski Resort
Saturday 8/12
• PM - FT Korean BBQ and Gangnam-style video
Sunday 9/12
• No plans yet...
Monday 10/12
• Both fly back to LHR (noticed that the original post has us coming back on 11th) also read there was a spare invite to a F lounge... if that is still available I'd love to go (seeing that Ben will get the CCR on the way out)
Tips
If you have an iPad/iPhone I've found the following free apps useful
Korean Phrasebook (iPhone) (pay for extra phrases but you can get the most important for free)
Subway Korea (iPhone)
iTour Seoul (iPad) - has some great PDF travel guides
________
Hope that is all of some use to you all and look forward to meeting you Seoul - will update this post if my itinerary changes.
Thanks,
Jack
Hope you are all just as excited as I am about Seoul... ready to live it up - Gangnam-style!
@HB113 - if you want to say hello in the lounge tomorrow I'll PM you my details - feel so bad for your companion in WT - really hope someone last minute can step in so we can all be in the lounge!
We have rented an apartment near Garosugil which is apparently a lively and cool area so if anyone else is staying nearby it would be nice to meet up.
Just wanted to put down a very light itinerary for those who are interested in meeting up whilst there then let me know!
Monday 3/12
• Depart LHR
Tuesday 4/12
• My friend (Ben) departs LHR (we booked late so couldn't get the same outbound flight) Lucky for him Tobias-UK is guesting him into the lounge - I am insanely jealous ;-)
• I plan on just getting my bearings in the area / some general sightseeing or perhaps a walking tour - anyone else around?
Wednesday 5/12
• Ben arrives
• General Sightseeing during the day
• Lotte World (World's Largest Indoor Theme Park) - after 4pm is cheaper and open until 11pm so plenty of time to enjoy the rides.
Thursday 6/12
• DMZ Tour TBC - have emailed the company recommended but still awaiting their response.
Friday 7/12
• Skiing (depending if there is any snow?) Jisan Forest Ski Resort
Saturday 8/12
• PM - FT Korean BBQ and Gangnam-style video
Sunday 9/12
• No plans yet...
Monday 10/12
• Both fly back to LHR (noticed that the original post has us coming back on 11th) also read there was a spare invite to a F lounge... if that is still available I'd love to go (seeing that Ben will get the CCR on the way out)
Tips
If you have an iPad/iPhone I've found the following free apps useful
Korean Phrasebook (iPhone) (pay for extra phrases but you can get the most important for free)
Subway Korea (iPhone)
iTour Seoul (iPad) - has some great PDF travel guides
________
Hope that is all of some use to you all and look forward to meeting you Seoul - will update this post if my itinerary changes.
Thanks,
Jack
