1. Is a Korean visa required for transfer?
A: No, a Korean visa is not required. Incheon Airport allows visa-free transit for up to 24 hours without entering Korea.
2. Do I need to collect and re-check my checked baggage during transfer, or can it be checked through to my final destination?
A: If you are not entering Korea during transfer, you cannot collect your checked baggage. However, you can check it through to your final destination at the domestic departure airport.
3. Can I check in my baggage for the onward flight on all airlines?
A: With a few exceptions for certain low-cost airline flights, most major airlines can automatically transfer checked baggage to the destination. Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, and major European, U.S., and Middle Eastern airlines, among others, typically have no issues with baggage transfer.
4. Can I check my baggage directly to my destination for both combined and separate tickets?
A: Yes, as long as the later section of the journey is operated by a major airline defined above, you can request direct baggage transfer when checking in at the departure airport. This applies to both combined tickets and tickets purchased separately for two sections. It is recommended to show your baggage tag at the transfer counter to indicate the number of pieces of baggage you have and ensure a smooth transfer.
5. What should I do if the free baggage allowance differs between the tickets?
A: If the free baggage allowance of the two airlines is not the same, you can handle your baggage as usual, checking it through to the final destination. However, when confirming the checked baggage at the transfer counter, if the free baggage allowance of the later airline is less than that of the former airline, you will be charged for excess checked baggage on the spot.
6. How long does a transfer take?
A: Considering the size of Incheon Airport and the possibility of connecting flights being in different terminals, it is recommended to allow at least 2 hours for a transfer.
The Minimum Connecting Time (MCT) for International to International Transit at Incheon Airport is as follows (for reference):
T1 → T1: 70 minutes
T1 → T2: 90 minutes
7. Can I stay overnight during the transfer? Is it possible to check baggage through to the final destination?
A: Yes, if the arrival and departure times in Korea are within 24 hours of each other, you can transfer your baggage to the final destination even for an overnight stay.
8. How many terminals are there at Incheon Airport? Which terminals are used by China Southern Airlines and other carriers?
A: Incheon Airport has two terminals, T1 and T2. China Southern Airlines operates at the boarding building attached to T1. Major connecting carriers such as Asiana Airlines, United Airlines, and Emirates also operate in Terminal 1. Korean Air, Delta Air Lines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and Aeroflot operate in Terminal 2. For more information about the airlines, please check the official website of Incheon Airport.
9. How can I transfer between airlines located in different terminals?
A: Transferring between arriving and departing flights at Incheon Airport, even if they are in different terminals, can be done without any issues. Baggage can be directly transferred to the destination. The two terminals are connected by an underground railroad, and the transfer can be completed within a few minutes.
Tips 1: T1 and T2 Transfer Guide
Currently, China Southern Airlines operates flights from Shenyang and Guangzhou to Seoul, with both arrivals and departures taking place at the boarding building in T1. The T1 waiting area and boarding building waiting area are connected by an underground railroad, dividing the boarding area into three sections: T1 Terminal, T1 Boarding Building, and T2 Terminal.
Transfer Route 1｜T1 Boarding Building → T1 Boarding Building
1) The arrival area of China Southern Airlines is on the 2nd floor of the T1 boarding building.
2) Proceed through the security check before transferring.
3) Transit passengers without a combined boarding pass must go to the transfer counter on the 3rd floor of the boarding building.
4) Proceed to the boarding gate on the 3rd floor of the boarding building to board your flight.
*Transfer Route 2｜T1 Boarding Building→ T1 Terminal
1) The arrival area of China Southern Airlines is on the 2nd floor of the T1 boarding building.
2) Go to the 1st floor of the basement of the boarding building and take the express railroad (mini-train) to the T1 Terminal.
3) Proceed through the security check before transferring.
4) Transfer passengers without a combined boarding pass need to go to the transfer counter on the 4th floor of the T1 Terminal.
5) Proceed to the boarding gate on the 3rd floor of T1 Terminal to board your flight.
*Transfer route 3 | T1 Boarding Building→ T2 Terminal
1) The arrival area of China Southern Airlines is on the 2nd floor of the T1 boarding building.
2) Proceed through the security check before transferring.
3) Go to the 1st floor of the basement of the boarding building and take the express railroad (mini-train) to the T2 Terminal.
4) Transfer passengers without the boarding pass for the onward flight need to go to the transfer counter on the 4th floor of the T2 Terminal.
5) Go to the boarding gate on the 3rd floor with your boarding pass to board your flight.
*Note on security check for transfer: Liquid items allowed in carry-on baggage should be in containers of no more than 100 ml and placed in transparent plastic bags of less than 1 L. Duty-free goods should be put into a 'Duty-Free Liquid Bag' and carried on the airplane.
10. Is there a rest area or room in the transfer area if the transit time is several hours?
A: Yes, there are free transit lounges located on the east and west sides of T1 and T2. Additionally, you can find free internet access and rest areas in the transit area, equipped with recliners where you can recharge and rest. The locations are as follows:
T1 East side: 4th floor near Gate 25
T1 West side: 4th floor near Gate 29
T2 East side: 4th floor near Gate 268
T2 West side: 4th floor near Gate 231
11. Is there a hotel available for overnight transfers?
A: Yes, there are hotels within the T1 and T2 transfer areas, specifically 40 rooms at T1 and 50 rooms at T2, and these rooms are provided with shower rooms, business centers, and other facilities. However, due to the current pandemic situation, it is recommended to make early reservations on the official website. The locations are as follows:
T1: 4th floor near Gate 11
T2: 4th floor, opposite Gate 252
Tip 1: T1 Transfer Hotel Information
Location: 4th Floor, near Gate 11 in T1
Operating hours: 24 hours
Tel.: +82-32-743-3000
Email: airhotel@sk.com
(Note: Reservations can be made through email and phone)
Tip 2: T2 Transfer Hotel Information
Location: Opposite Gate 252 in the Duty-Free Zone on the 4th floor of T2
Operating hours: 24 hours
Tel.: +82-32-743-3040
Email: airhotel@sk.com
(Note: Reservations can be made through email and phone)