Tedious transfers and boring layovers are two of the worst enemies of weary travelers flying across the globe. But while some look at these as a waste of time, many are now realizing the potential of stopovers as a way to explore a country in an abbreviated version.
Asiana Airlines offers passengers flying from the Philippines to the US an opportunity to explore Korea’s Incheon International Airport (ICN) and the rest of South Korea through its special transit tour packages.
Incheon Airport and Korea’s national carrier Asiana Airlines have partnered to unveil the “Stop & Joy in Seoul” premium transit tour that includes roundtrip airport limousine bus service, overnight stay at Tmark Hotel and a free pass to the airport’s Matina Lounge, all for $50 per person.
Travelers availing of the package also get a KRW10,000 gift card for SM airport duty free shopping, 10 percent off coupon meals at CJ Foodville at ICN and an additional 1,000 mileage bonus for Asiana Club members.
South Korea’s major gateway has been rated among the world’s best airports for 11 consecutive years by Airports Council International. It is renowned for its transfer services and amenities, and opportunities to learn more about Korea are offered within the airport as well.
Passengers who have short layover can experience Korean culture and watch various traditional performances via free ICN transit tour options scheduled for one hour, two hours, three hours, all the way to five hours. ICN hosts 7,400 cultural events annually across the terminal building, including classical concerts, K-Pop music events and historical performances like the Walk of the Korean Royal Family.
Those who have longer layover can pick from the eight different tour options included in the transit package, for a minimal additional cost.
The Gyeongbokgung Palace morning tour offers a peek at Korean history while the Namsan Tower afternoon tour brings an amazing view of Seoul from the famous tower. A one-day pass on the double-decker bus that goes around the traditional markets of Seoul, with designated pick up and drop off points every 30 minutes to one hour, is also available. Travelers can choose to watch the world-famous Nanta show, a non-verbal performance of drumming beats and rhythms with pots, pans and plates.
They may also opt for a tour to COEX Aquarium, a mega ocean theme park; the Trick Eye Museum, where pictures for 3D optical illusions can be taken; Dragon Hill Spa, for rest and relaxation; or Lotte World, a huge indoor adventure and theme park.
“From Manila, Clark and Cebu, Asiana Airlines flies to cities in 24 countries. We offer flights to six cities in the US and five cities in Europe. This makes Asiana one of the most competitive providers of convenient routing services for travelers in the Philippines to the US,” said Asiana Airlines regional manager Yong Han Cho.
In addition, through the check-in service for Asiana passengers, flyers are ensured that their baggage is checked in to reach their final destination if the connecting flight is within 24 hours. There is no need to change terminals or re-check bags.
Asiana Airlines, consistently rated five-stars by Skytrax, operates daily from Incheon International Airport. US destinations include Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, New York, Chicago and Honolulu. In Europe, the airline flies to Rome, Paris, Istanbul, Frankfurt and London. -Charmaine Loveria