Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kangnamdragon]

Has anyone used the airport check in terminal at COEX? I heard I can check in my bags there, then take a bus to Incheon. I also heard I get a discount on the airport tax. Has anyone done this at either COEX or the express bus terminal? How many hours before my flight should I go? 4?

Here is a website: www.kcat.co.kr (It has English), but I would like to hear info from those who know, especially about how long it takes.

[mo]

I too would be very interested to know about this one as I'm leaving next month.

[Mr. Pink]

I did it about 5 years ago.

Yup you check your luggage. You pay a set fee for airport tax/bus...works out almost the same as the airport tax fee at Inchon. (Could have changed...back then there was no Incheon, it was to Kimpo)

It is pretty convienent IMO. You still have to get your carry on luggage and yourself checked through security at the airport, but at least you should have your ticket/boarding pass already done.

[Swiss James]

Foreigners don't pay the airport tax any more. Never used the city terminal before though

[Bulsajo]

Done it many times.
It was fantastic to beat the crowds at Kimpo.
These days I guess the major benefit is not having to haul your bags as far to the check-in, but I suppose that's only an advantage if the KCAT is easier to get to than Incheon Airport from where you're at.
Cheaper bus service than the limo buses and yes you get a discount on airport tax, but if Swiss James is correct that's no longer a factor.

[schwa]

They hid the airport tax in the ticket price -- you still pay it.

[jaebea]

Wow, this service is at COEX? It'd save me a bundle of hassles that's for sure.

Thanks for the heads up.

jae.

[dogbert]

[Bulsajo]

Yes it is limited to certain carriers at COEX too but I'm pretty sure it's more than just KAL and Asiana, but if anyone really wants to know they can check here:
http://www.kcat.co.kr/English/index.htm

[kangnamdragon]

OH $^@%@&%&! I am flying United and they don't have check-in there. Can I still use the bus to go to the airport and check in after I get to the airport? What a hassle!!!

[Bulsajo]

Yes, anyone can buy a bus ticket to the airport and they have plenty of room for luggage. However to get the tax discount and to clear immigration at Coex I believe you need to show a boarding pass which you can only get from check-in. At least I think that's how it works- it's been a while. Check the website- they've got nifty flow-charts showing the process.

[panthermodern]

[dogbert]

[peppergirl]

If you want to check in your luggage, you have to do it min 3 hours before your flight, otherwise they won't do it. If you get your passport stamped there at immigration, you get a reduction when you buy the bus ticket. It's a reduction off the airport tax, but you only get it when you buy the bus ticket. In Incheon you don't have to wait in the normal line for immigration, you just go to the line for airline personnel.
Done it many times, very convenient, except that you have to be really early. But you don't have to worry about your luggage anymore, which is nice.

[Sarah-in-Korea]

Hi,
I've been trying to find some particular info about KCAT but their website is pretty minimal and doesn't tell me much.

Does anyone know if it's possible to check in SOME luggage the day before your flight? I am gunning for a luggage allowance extension to 30kg when I go back home to live and doubt that I'll be able to actually carry it all to the required bus stop. I was hoping I could check in one big bag the day before.

Any ideas on if this is possible?

Thanks y'all