Korean Air has begun operating separate counters at Incheon Airport exclusively for travellers bound for the US and Guam, in response to heightened security measures implemented by the US government.
The counters are located at the Korean Air check-in Area C in Incheon Airport’s Terminal 2 building. Incheon Airport opened the new Terminal last month (January 18) and Korean Air was among the first carriers to relocate to the building.
Terminal 2 now functions as the main terminal for Skyteam member carriers Korean Air, Delta Air Lines, Air France and KLM.
While the new counters will hopefully smooth out the check-in process for US-bound travellers departing Incheon Airport, the downside is that in-town check-in at Seoul Station and KTX Gwangmyeong Station will no longer be open to travellers on flights to the US.
This move mirrors Cathay Pacific, which in October last year stopped offering in-town check-in at its Airport Express stations to US-bound travellers, similarly due to the increased security measures.
But it’s not all bad news for premium travellers. Passengers in first and Prestige Class, as well as Million Miler and Morning Calm Premium Club passengers and Skyteam Elite Plus members can continue to use the Korean Air Premium Check-In Zone in Area A of Terminal 2.
Korean Air also recommends arriving 30 minutes earlier than usual to allow for the additional procedures, which include security interviews.