ICN lounges
 

I'm arriving to ICN on KLM C class, departing on KE C class. Which lounge can I access while there - NW, KE, both?

Also, does KLM Platinum (SkyTeam Elite Plus) grants me access to the KE first class lounge or just to the C lounge?

I tried both lounges on Nov 30. All I needed was to show my boarding pass (showing my NW PE-ST E+ status) when I walked into NW Lounge. Small but adequate. Not the best in the world. Quite boring in my opinion. I got bored so decided to try a KE Lounge. I went to the one (West) close by NW lounge (KE has two lounges: one in West and the other in East). KE Lounge receptionists requested my name, NW WP number, and flight number. As easy as that, then I was enjoying much bigger space, free internet, and more Espresso in KE BC Lounge.

KE BC lounge is also located on the other end (East) for primarily KE passenges. The West Lounge is primarily served for those BC passengers on other flights serviced by KE ground personnel. The lounge is much roomier. Free local calls, internet, some snack, etc. I didn't explore enough to check a shower facility or sleeping room.

To answer your question, you are not able to access KE FC lounge unless you are flying on KE First Class according to the rule.

Von Boyage.

KE's business class lounge does, in fact, contain both a sleeping room and showers. This is one of the better lounges we have experienced flying abroad.

We, unfortunatley, had such long layovers on an around-the-world trip we were able to see a full rotation of food... from breakfast to light lunch to evening canapes. All in all, though, it was a good experience.

...makes me wonder what the first class lounge is like.

If you are flying KE in Businesss Class and are ST EP, you can in fact use the KE FC lounge which is the best available at ICN. I must have doine it 8 times in the last year.

To my experience the First Class lounge has a somewhat better view than the Biz lounge otherwize I think they are quite similar.

...I guess we didn't miss much, because our view (ad theirs too) was, basically, of a gatehouse.

Thanks.

NW lounge small, but...
 

Although the NW lounge at ICN is indeed small, I prefer it because it is never crowded (only one NW flight daily from ICN-NRT, vice countless KE passengers using the KE lounges) and because it has two laptops available for free internet surfing.

KE Lounges at ICN
 

I am NWA Platinum and had access to the KE Prestige Lounge in ICN in January. I was very impressed. Superb food, drinks, access to a shower, and very accommodating staff. This is one of the very best lounges I have seen. I recommend it highly. Ted

Last time I was flying KE in Y and tried to access the NW lounge with my NW Gold status (Asia-based gives WorldClub access). The lady gave me a hard time since I didn't have the actual card, but eventually relented after talking to someone on the phone about it. Would I have been able to access the KE lounge also? Might fly HND-GMP next time, but no NW lounges there of course.

F Lounge
 

The F lounge was great, wondeful shower rooms, massage chairs, tv lounge, smoking room, great bar and food service, huge amount of seating, nice view, free internet access (Computer provided) tops it off.

I just returned from ICN this morning. Before departing, I checked out the KE lounge (based on this thread). I went to the lounge in the east portion of the terminal and it was great. I have a couple of hours before my flight left so I took my time sampling the food. They had a great food selection (catered by the Hyatt). Lots of drink choices (green tea, coke, coke light, water, oj, etc). As for alcohol, they did have a couple of wines and hard liqour. I did like their view of the ramp area and the main runway though one small complaint is the design of the building. At least from my vantage point, there is a cross beam that is right at eye level is you are sitting down at the tables near the windows. It blocks the best view but obviously all you have to do is stand up to catch a majority of what is happening outside. I did venture out to the west terminal and checked out the NW Worldclub. As a WC member, I had been there before. I agree it is small (only myself and 2 other people inside). I surfed a bit, checked out their snacks (only packaged snacks) and then walked back to the KE lounge. By this time, they had completely changed their food offerings. The added different sandwiches, salads, and these terrefic little meatballs. I even had time to take a shower before my flight. I definitely give it my 2 thumbs up. I doubt that I will make PE this year but going to try my darndest so I can enjoy Sky Team Elite benefits.

Do you, HawaiiTrvlr, or anyone recall whether there is a locker in the ICN FC lounge? I have a 7+ hours to kill in ICN during my transit. I would like to leave my bags in the lounge and go outside to the landside to see my friends. I don't remember seeing a (lockable) locker (rather than a open luggage storage) last time when I walked into the west side BC lounge.

It may be a mundane question. Is it possible for me to leave the airside after I check out the FC, take a shower, etc in the FC lounge? I have done it in KUL several times. But, not sure in INC.