tentseller

On the day I need to get back TPAC there is no HKG SEA.

I have been booked KE(DL coded) HKG ICN then DL158 ICN DTW on one PNR.

Will I need to change terminals? Is the main terminal KE lounge available to DL DMs? are there places to get some sleep as the HKG ICN flight is a redeye. The layover is 6 hours. I am out of GUC and in C+ to DTW.

SDF_Traveler

KE uses the main terminal while Delta uses the Satellite terminal at ICN.

It's an extremely easy transfer, but once you take the underground train to the satellite concourse, there is no way back (aside from being escorted ).

Upon arrival follow the signs to transit. Clear transit security. You'll be on the departures floor in the main terminal. KE lounge is here, don't know about the access policy.

There are free guided tours into the surrounding area if you'd like to get out of the airport. Shortest trip takes one hour, and I've done this on longer layovers.

Anyways - from the departure level in the main terminal where KE is, just follow the signs to reach the satellite concourse.

Connection is easy peasy and it's a great airport.

SDF

tentseller

Thanks

jrkmsp

As SkyTeam Elite+, you have access to any SkyTeam lounge when on an international itinerary in any class. So you'll have access to the KE lounge at ICN. Doesn't look like there are any other SkyTeam lounges there.

MSPeconomist

There are two KE lounges at ICN, in the main terminal and in the satellite. The satellite location IMO is much less desirable: turquoise and white plastic extremely uncomfortable furniture, harsh lighting, and fewer F&B choices. My advice would be to stay in the main terminal until close to flight time. The main terminal also has more shops and is generally a more interesting place to spend time. As someone has mentioned upthread, once you take the little train to the satellite, you cannot return.

Another possibility might be to spend time at the health club and indoor pools at the ICN Grand Hyatt. KE uses this as an arrivals lounge, so you might have the option to go
through immigration and take their shuttle, IIRC every 15-20 minutes plus there are frequent free public buses and the new monorail or you can even walk, to use their facilities. Check the KE access rules for details.

The new monorail system makes exploration of the area around the airport a lot easier. In addition to the official transit tours, if you can enter without a visa, six hours is enough time, barely, to go to either Incheon village or to take the train to the university area or downtown Seoul.

mikesaidyes

Even though you have lounge access, you can also look at the Rest & Relax area on the 4th floor (it's right next to the lounge entrance). They have free showers and a quiet area with lounge chairs for napping/resting. The showers are just as nice as the lounge, honestly. Sometimes the lounge can be full as there's a large number of redeyes from SE Asia with connections to the US departing in the morning hours.

And MSP is correct. Don't worry about going to your gate/taking the train until just before boarding. There's not much in the satellite terminal except gates and the same Duty Free. At least in the main terminal, you can even do "Cultural Experience activities" like wear Korean traditional dress and take some pictures....and get your name on a scroll.

If you really want to take the time, even look into the Korean sauna in the basement landside. You can certainly shower and nap there. That's what they're made for!

CJKatl

Was on this flight in April. STE+ gets KE lounge access.

tentseller

Thanks for all the pointers.

The only PITA is HKG ICN is KE operated, no C+ and 10/row in Y if you are out of GUC or it didn't clear.

flyerCO

GUC don't work on KE flights.

tentseller

Thanks for the data point.

First time I am flying paid KE TPAC. Flown many TPAC J SM redemption at low level with them.

Maybe should look at positioning to TPE to catch DL operated flights

CJKatl

My personal preference: Business - KE A380 when possible. I know others don't like the almost-lay-flat seats, but the spaciousness, lounge/bar areas, large bathrooms and great service/meals make up for the steam room temperatures. Coach - DL C+ is the better option - Quieter cabin, more recline on the seat, less crowded.

tentseller

DL no longer do daily flight out of HKG. The other days they seem to be redeyeing HKG to ICN on KE arriving 5:40am connection to DL158 departing 1145am.

I am just caught in a situation of not being able to leave HKG the day before or after. I will just try my luck at getting a lay flat seats in the back of Y.

Let's hope soju will help!