Seamless Travel: Checking In at Seoul Station City Airport Terminal for Stress-Free Incheon Airport Transfers
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Seoul Station City Airport Terminal
Check-In and Travel to Incheon Airport with Ease
Instead of the usual airport limousine bus, I decided to try the Seoul Station City Airport Terminal this time because the bus schedule wasn't ideal for my trip. Since it was my first time, I researched the process thoroughly.
I learned that you need an Airport Railroad Express (AREX) ticket and must complete check-in at least 3 hours and 20 minutes before your flight's departure. There were a few things to keep in mind.
Table of Contents
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1. Participating Airlines at the City Airport Terminal
2. Seoul Station City Airport Check-In Hours and Baggage
3. Incheon Airport Dedicated Departure Lane
Seoul Station City Airport Terminal Which Airlines Participate?
The City Airport Terminal provides services that allow you to complete boarding procedures and departure screenings, enabling a quick journey to Incheon Airport.
It's a great option when you anticipate congestion at Incheon Airport or want to use the dedicated departure lane for faster access to the departure area.
So, which airlines offer boarding procedures at the terminal?
For international flights departing from Incheon Airport on the same day, Terminal 1 includes Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air, T'way Air, and Eastar Jet. Terminal 2 includes Korean Air, Jin Air, Air Busan and Air Seoul. However, some routes may be excluded, so please verify with your airline.
✈ Terminal 1
Asiana Airlines
· Check-in available for codeshare flights operated by Asiana Airlines (operated by OZ)
Jeju Air
· Check-in available for all routes except those to the Americas (Guam, Saipan, etc.)
T'way Air
· Check-in available for all routes except those to the Americas (Guam, Saipan, etc.) and Canada.
· Check-in available for codeshare flights operated by T'way Air (operated by TW)
Eastar Jet
· Check-in available for all routes operated by Eastar Jet
✈ Terminal 2
Korean Air
· Check-in available for codeshare flights operated by Korean Air (operated by KE)
Jin Air
· Check-in available for all routes except those to the Americas (Guam, Saipan, etc.)
· Check-in available for codeshare flights operated by Jin Air (operated by LJ)
Air Busan
· Check-in available for codeshare flights operated by Air Busan (operated by BX)
Air Seoul
· Check-in available for codeshare flights operated by Air Seoul (operated by RS)
*Please check with your airline in advance to confirm check-in availability.
To use the City Airport Terminal, you'll need a ticket for the Airport Railroad Express (AREX) train. The AREX ticket will be checked during check-in.
While you can purchase tickets on-site, I recommend booking in advance. It's often the case that the desired time slot is sold out, and booking online offers a discount (KRW 11,500) compared to purchasing at the location (KRW 13,000).
✈ Seoul Airport Railroad Booking
Seoul Station City Airport Check-In Hours and Baggage
Let's look at the check-in times. Check-in is available from 05:20 to 19:00, with a cut-off time of 18:50. For Terminal 1, you must complete check-in at least 3 hours before your flight's departure, and for Terminal 2, 3 hours and 20 minutes prior.
✈ Service Information
Location
B2 Floor, Airport Railroad Seoul Station
Eligibility
Customers who have purchased an AREX Express Train Ticket
How to Use
Scan the QR code on your AREX Express Train Ticket to enter.
Operating Hours
- Check-in: 05:20 - 19:00 (Cut-off: 18:50)
Terminal 1: Complete check-in 3 hours before flight departure
Terminal 2: Complete check-in 3 hours and 20 minutes before flight departure
- Departure Screening: 05:30 - 19:00
Example
For a flight departing from Incheon Airport at 17:00, check-in is possible until 14:00 for Terminal 1 and 13:40 for Terminal 2.
Exclusions
Sports equipment, musical instruments, or oversized baggage exceeding 150cm in length that require special handling
I booked Jin Air and flew from Terminal 2, so I completed the process 3 hours and 20 minutes beforehand. I was also able to use the Jin Air priority service.
From Seoul Station City Airport Terminal to Incheon Airport
Now that I've covered the essentials, let's explore how to use the Seoul Station City Airport Terminal step-by-step after purchasing your ticket.
Follow the signs for the Airport Railroad. When I arrived at Seoul Station via subway, I had to tap my transportation card at the transfer gate and walk through a long underground passage. Then, I checked in at the B2 floor City Airport Terminal, where they verified my passport, flight ticket, and AREX ticket.
After checking my luggage, I waited for a while. Next, I went to the departure screening area next door, showed my passport, and got a stamp on my flight ticket. This stamp is required to use the dedicated airport exit.
After waiting on the B2 floor, I scanned the QR code at the gate and entered. The platform is on the B7 floor, accessible by elevator or escalator. Eating or drinking is prohibited.
Because I booked on the morning of my trip, there weren't many seats left. Make sure to book in advance and reserve your seat to travel comfortably at your desired time. Since I booked last minute, only a backwards-facing seat on the train after my ideal time was available.
The journey takes 43 minutes to Terminal 1 and 51 minutes to Terminal 2. Without luggage, it was a comfortable ride, and I could quickly pass through security and complete departure screenings using the dedicated City Airport Terminal lane.
The dedicated lane is located on either side of the regular departure areas and is easy to find.
After using it once, I realized how quickly you can depart and plan to use it often when the airport is busy. I hope this helps you! You can find more detailed hotel reviews and travel information from the homebody by following @Bomsabi.
✈ Airport Express Train Reservation
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