I recently flew Asiana F from LAX-ICN-MNL. In F I was given the Bulgari amenity kit and had it in my carryon. As I was waiting at security for the transfer, I saw all of the signs regarding no lotions, liquids, etc. and figured I was going to lose it before I even used it.

However, all of those bottles made it through security without a question. Good system...


I do have an unrelated question. I will arrive at 4:50am or something like that and my next flight isn't until 10:00am. Is there anything to do right around the airport? I was thinking of just clearing immigration to get a stamp in my passport but I heard that it is more hassle than it is worth. Any insight on this?

Incheon International Airport sits on a massive piece of landfill across a bay from the city of Incheon itself, about 75 km from central Seoul. The city of Incheon is not too far away from the airport and home to several seafood restaurants of good repute and a large statue of US Gen. Douglas MacArthur, who, not long after a humiliating evacuation of Busan, orchestrated the massive "landing at Incheon" sneak attack on communist forces that led to the liberation of Seoul. At the time you'll be there, I doubt much in the way of restaurants will be open.

The real hassle you'll face in terms of getting your passport stamped is getting back airside before 6:30 am. I came in from Hong Kong on a painfully short "redeye" flight that arrived around 4:30 am and was departing on the 10:30 flight to Dulles. So, I figured, plenty of time for a passport stamp and some down time in the beautiful Prestige Class lounge. Worked famously getting the admission stamp; the lines, though crowded, moved relatively swiftly. Through the gleaming baggage-claim area and upstairs to find the departures level TOTALLY DESERTED. Not a single desk for any airline was open. None of the four checkpoints leading to passport control and the bustling departure concourses were open. There was nothing to do but sit and watch the clock. The first KE desks opened at 6:00 am. The first passport checkpoint finally opened shortly after 6:30 am. So much for a 24-hour operation at the "Hub of Asia."

Thanks for the detailed response.

So, you are saying if I go, don't go until after 6:30am?

Are there any lounges open at 5am?

There are a number of airport hotels, the more prestigious ones in the immediate vicinity and budget type at the New Airport Town some 5-10 minutes by cab.

The Hyatt Regency Incheon, almost walking distance from the main terminal has a recommendable spa although I'm not sure if it's 24h. If it's open that early you could linger there and then head for breakfast to one of the airline lounges or the very nice hotel restaurant.

I've enjoyed a 3am al fresco BBQed chicken dinner and a few cold ones at one of the 24h restaurants in New Airport Town. That was after a 2:30 am arrival from Doha and meeting up with colleagues. There are also 24h grocery stores over there to stock up on necessities.

That's what I'm saying. I don't know if the lounges are open at 5am, because I was stuck landside, but I believe at least one KE lounge is open 24 hours. I believe there is also a transit hotel inside the secure area, which should be open 24 hours.

The airline agent did tell me the transit hotel is 24hr. Also, if you really have nothing to do, you can always goto the underground floor for a sauna and shower.I have used it once when I have arrived in seoul at 4am. I found it by accident and I end up just taking a nap for a few hours but its quiet and comfy. Its about 10bucks and *really* nothing fancy but a good and cheap place to rest mostly utilized by the agents and few locals who know it exists.

You mean the place where they converted the entrance hall into a billiard saloon?