If you’ve been paying attention to the comings and goings of the A380, you’d know that Korean Air recently got their very first big birds. The carrier is already shuttling happy passengers back and forth between New York-JFK and Seoul-Incheon International Airport, and there are plans to send similar planes further and farther.

We’ve been lucky enough to experience some A380 fun before—thanks Lufthansa—but unfortunately the in-flight duty free shop and the three onboard bars of Korean Air's A380 elude us. ]]> kjb 2011-09-21T08:42:42-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2011/8/8/235222/6762

Right now there is a giant Airbus A380 parked at New York-JFK Airport. So what, right? There are A380s at JFK all the time now...but this one is special. This A380 is big and blue and taking off for a direct flight to Seoul-Incheon International Airport at 5:20pm today. It's flight KE 82 (if you want to track it) and it's Korean Air's first Airbus A380 as well as the first A380 to make scheduled flights from the US to Asia.

It's a big deal for sure, not only for the airline and the airports, but also—hugely—for the passengers hopping onboard today and on future flights. Korean Air's first A380 is ridiculously spacious, with unique features we've been drooling over for some time. Onboard are 12 Kosmo First Class suites and 301 Economy Class seats on the first level, with 94 lie-flat sleepers spaced six feet apart on the upper level. Oh—and there's three bars on board: a hosted Celestial Bar, there are self-serve bars located in First Class and at the front of Prestige Class. Plus plus a duty-free shop. ]]> JetSetCD 2011-08-09T11:38:20-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2011/2/18/0839/38897
A shot inside Seoul's Incheon Airport

It feels as though there is always a new list of airport rankings that comes out, giving top marks to the spick-and-span airports of Asia while America's don't even merit Top 20. Well, there is another ranking list out, and it does stick to this, except that US airports do get recognized in categories like "Best Airport 15-25 million passengers," where BWI takes first place. The rankings have been released by the Airports Council International, which compiles their data on airport service annually thanks to a passenger survey of 300,000 customers from 153 airports, with criteria including "cleanliness, check-in efficiency, comfortable waiting areas and clear signage."

Here are the other big winners this year: ]]> JetSetCD 2011-02-18T09:22:03-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2010/12/7/02147/8262

There is no airport we've been to thus far that has more focus on duty-free shopping than Seoul, South Korea's Incheon International. Not only is there what seems like mile after mile of top luxury brands offering their products in mini version of their regular store, but there's even malls in the center of Seoul where you can go to purchase duty-free items and later (even weeks later) pick them up at the airport. We have a friend in Seoul whose family will even take short international flights just for the purpose of getting duty-free deals. That's dedication.

Incheon Airport has proved itself to be such a moneymakers for big brands that Louis Vuitton who just do not do airport stores, has given in and will open their first airport location here. LVMH prez Bernard Arnault personally swing through the airport earlier this year to check out the prospects, and apparently all met with his approval. Although there's no opening date set, the airport is already taking about increasing flights to China just because of the demand the LV duty-free shop will create. ]]> JetSetCD 2010-12-07T08:33:48-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2007/6/26/12730/1644

Looks like Korea is the new hot spot for airport photo shoots. First Cameron Diaz and now Christina Aguilera, sporting some sort of "airport comfortable" look.

We told you before about the ICN shopping and yes, even dental options. Though we aren't sure rumored to be pregnant pop temptresses can partake in the teeth whitening options. Oh well, there plenty of Kimchi to be had at Incheon, that has to be a healthy option--pregnant or not, right?

After Korea it is off to Shanghai, Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong for Aguilera and her "Back To Basics" tour. Wonder if we can get her to become a Jaunted embedded guide for Asian destinations--probably not, right?

AIRPORT PHOTO SHOOT PIC
]]> markj 2007-06-26T12:09:58-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2007/5/30/102554/504

Cameron Diaz just landed at the award winning Incheon International Airport to promote Shrek the Third.

This fairly new airport is situated on Yeongjong Island, 40 kilometers to the west of Seoul, and is, like most airports constantly expanding. If you land or have a layover at ICN you can look forward to shopping at the Shinsegae Department store, which avails lazy travelers the opportunity to procure last Kimchi gifts for those back home. Furthermore, the airport even sports a dental clinic, just in case you need a teeth whitening, or a root canal.

By 2010 there should be a reasonable public transport link from the Airport to Seoul, in the form of The Incheon International Airport Railroad. Unfortunately today, you will have to use the subway at Incheon station, public buses, or a taxi to get yourself to Seoul from the airport.

[Photo: GossipRocks]

Related Stories:
· Airport Photo Shoots [Jaunted]
· Korean Travel [Jaunted]]]> markj 2007-05-30T10:27:57-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/