Layover time in Seoul ICN

[descriptive_disaster]

Hi all! I want to ask the hive mind for advice.

For an upcoming trip I've got two rewards tickets, but they're separately booked, so I am looking for a sense check that I'll have enough time to make my connection.

• Flight 1: HKG to ICN, CX418 scheduled to arrive 19:15 (T1 as far as I can tell)
• Flight 2: ICN to HEL, AY42 scheduled to depart 21:40 from T1

To me that looks like I should have ±2h barring major delays, and I should not need to go via immigration or anything (international transfer) but I've never been to ICN and so I'm a bit nervous about missing my flight onward to HEL.

Do folks think I'd be insane to risk it, or are things generally smooth between HKG and ICN and stopping over in ICN?

My alternative is to cancel my J rewards HKG to ICN and spend about the same money on a revenue Y but at an earlier time in the day, I just like the idea of a bit more luxury, haha.

Thanks!

 

[docjames]

CX418 appears to have very good OTP.

There must be a schedule change upcoming as it appears to currently arrive and hour earlier.

AY42 (due AY41) appears less reliable but that’s ok (potentially helpful!) - and also appears to be scheduled later than you are indicating (again maybe there is a schedule shift upcoming).

Ironically if you search this combo today they arrive and depart from the same gate!


Similar to most airports you need a security check as part of the transit but no immigration. They arrive/depart same terminal.

I’d probably risk it. Only caveat is you haven’t mentioned time of year but if storm season then inbound delays could be significant and it could turn to custard. As always, consider a backup plan (hotel, cost of alternative flights, implications of a 24-48-72hr delay (pending cost/difficulty of new onward flight(s) if original is missed).

You’ll have to report back how you go.

 

[JohnK]

I think you should be OK.

I once had a 1 hour transit in ICN and inbound from SYD was late and someone was waiting for me when I disembarked and I was last to board as they were waiting for me. I was in business class.