First Oneworld Alliance-branded lounge opens in Seoul
Travelers headed to South Korea can now make use of a lounge that’s not only new but a first-of-its-kind option.
Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul just cut the ribbon on the first-ever Oneworld Alliance branded lounge.
Now open to first, business and high-level elite status members of the global alliance, the Oneworld Lounge is in Incheon’s Terminal 1 and just had its grand opening over the weekend.
The lounge spans nearly 6,000 square feet. It's within short walking distance of all gates used by the seven Oneworld airlines that fly in and out of Incheon, including American Airlines.
It’s a major step forward for Oneworld, which, unlike its global alliance competitors, did not previously operate its own branded lounge; the Star Alliance, for one, recently opened a new, 14,000 square-foot lounge inside Terminal 1 at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) last fall.
“We are incredibly proud to be opening the very first Oneworld branded lounge experience for our member airlines’ customers,” the alliance’s vice president for customer experience, delivery and membership Gerhard Girkinger said in a statement announcing the news.
Where is the new Oneworld lounge in Seoul?
You’ll find the Oneworld Lounge in Terminal 1 at Incheon, near Gate 28 on the fourth floor of the terminal.
The lounge is situated 10 minutes or less from all Oneworld gates, according to the alliance.
Who can use the Oneworld lounge in Seoul?
The Oneworld Lounge is open to business class and first class flyers traveling aboard Oneworld carriers at Incheon.
Seven Oneworld airlines currently serve the airport: American, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Malaysian Airlines, Qantas, Qatar and Sri Lankan Airlines.
Even if you’re not flying in one of the premium cabins, you can still use the lounge if you’re a Oneworld Emerald or Sapphire elite status member.
For members of American’s AAdvantage loyalty program, that translates to Platinum status and above.
However, note that an Admirals Club membership (paid or earned via credit card) will not guarantee you access to this lounge — unless you have the requisite Oneworld status or a first or business-class ticket.
The lounge is open from 7:30 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. each day, except for Mondays and Saturdays, when it opens earlier, at 4:30 a.m.
Design features
The Oneworld Lounge has seating for up to 148 customers, featuring a combination of high-top tables and chairs for relaxing.
Described by the alliance as a “vibrant and calming space,” design features offer a “subtle nod” to South Korean culture.
Photos show how the lounge lets in a lot of natural light (ideal for planespotting), complementing the navy and bright red furniture, glass art and orange lanterns.
The alliance touts distinct “zones” in the lounge. Each features a different aesthetic, allowing customers to sit in an area that best fits their mood and needs.
You’ll find a full bar, dining options and private shower facilities.
Bottom line
The opening of the Oneworld Lounge in Seoul is significant for a couple of reasons. First, it's the global alliance's first branded lounge. Plus, it's a major step forward for Oneworld flyers at Incheon hoping for lounge access. Only travelers on a small handful of Oneworld carriers at Incheon previously had access (via some non-alliance partnerships).
It remains to be seen if and where future Oneworld Lounges might pop up in the future.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.