Incheon Airport: Claiming Baggage Made Easy

If you're arriving at Incheon International Airport, you'll need to head to the correct passenger terminal. Passengers using Gates 1-50 or 101-132 should enter through Passenger Terminal 1, while those using Gates 230-270 should go to Passenger Terminal 2. After completing the Arrival Immigration process, check the baggage carousel number, then take the escalators to Floor 1 to pick up your baggage. If your baggage is lost or damaged, report it immediately to the lost baggage information desk behind the baggage claim area. The airline staff will then report and process the issue.

Baggage carousel number and location

After completing the Arrival Immigration process, check the baggage carousel number. Take the escalators to Floor 1, where you can pick up your baggage.

If you are arriving via Gates 1-50, you will enter through Passenger Terminal 1. If you are arriving via Gates 101-132, you will need to use the shuttle from the Concourse to get to Passenger Terminal 1. If you are arriving via Gates 230-270, you will enter through Passenger Terminal 2.

Lost or damaged baggage

If your baggage is lost or damaged, you should report it immediately to the lost baggage information desk, which is located behind the baggage claim area. After the damage has been confirmed by airline staff, they will process your claim according to their refund policy. Please note that claiming compensation might be difficult depending on the case.

If you have already left Incheon Airport and cannot file a claim in person, you should call the airline directly to address the issue. You can find the contact information for your airline on the Incheon Airport website.

Each airline manages all baggage and the compensation policies vary between airlines. Therefore, it is important to contact your airline directly to understand their specific policies and procedures regarding lost or damaged baggage.

If you are departing from Incheon Airport and arriving at another airport, you should contact the destination airport regarding any lost items. Additionally, you can enter your flight number on the Incheon Airport website to find out your terminal and relevant contact information.

Baggage handling system

Incheon International Airport boasts the world's best baggage handling system, which is faster, more accurate, and safer. The system automatically transports and sorts bags dropped off by passengers according to their flights, using barcode information on the tags attached to the bags. The system also inspects bags for harmful goods using X-ray machines on conveyor lines, ensuring safe aviation.

Baggage Handling Procedure for Departing Passengers

• Passengers place their bags on the conveyor belt using a check-in counter or smart check-in machine.
• Inspection devices search for harmful goods.
• If no harmful goods are detected, the bags are transported to the departing baggage claim area, with the final destination set as that of the flight.
• Bags are transported via the optimal route and arrive at the predefined departing baggage claim area.
• A ground operations company moves the bags onto a ULD (container for loading onto aircraft) before loading them onto the plane.

Baggage Handling Procedure for Arriving Passengers

• The ground operations company unloads the ULD and inserts the bags into the arrival baggage insertion station.
• An X-ray machine and detection dog perform a customs inspection and search for illegal items.
• After the search is complete, the bags arrive at the arrival baggage claim area via the conveyor line.

Precautions for Baggage Drop-Off

• Ensure that old barcodes are removed from baggage tags, as the system sorts bags automatically by reading the barcode information. Bags may be sent to the wrong destination if old barcodes are present.
• Only drop off bags that adhere to the Checked Baggage Size Table for International Flights.

Customs inspection

When arriving at Incheon International Airport, passengers must complete a customs declaration form. This can be done in advance on the plane or in the arrival hall. If you are travelling with your family, only one form per family is required. The form can be filled out digitally via the "Traveler Customs Declaration" app or website.

If you have items to declare, use the "Goods to Declare" lane for customs inspection. If you have sent items separately or have unchecked baggage, you must note them on the declaration form and submit the form to the customs officer at the arrival location for verification. If you wish to pay taxes at a later date, you can request this from the customs officer.

Prohibited items include:

• Books, photos, video tapes, films, LDs, CDs, CD-ROMs, and other items that harm national security, public safety, or public morals
• Counterfeit, altered, or forged currency, banknotes, bonds, and other securities
• Items that leak government secrets or are used for espionage
• Narcotics, psychotropic drugs, and related products
• Endangered wild animals and plants protected by international treaties, and related products

If you bring in prohibited items, they will be confiscated, and you may be subject to customs inspection and investigation. If found guilty, you could face penalties under the Customs Act.

Baggage drop-off precautions

When dropping off your baggage at Incheon International Airport, there are several precautions to keep in mind to ensure a smooth process. Here are some detailed instructions and precautions for baggage drop-off:

• Timing: It is important to arrive at the airport with ample time before your flight. For intercontinental flights, it is recommended to arrive at least 3 hours before departure, and for European flights, arriving at least 2 hours in advance is advised. Check the specific recommendations for your departure airport and plan your arrival accordingly.
• Check-in Options: You can drop off your checked baggage at either the self-service drop-off points or the check-in desks. Self-service drop-off points are usually located near the check-in desks. However, it is worth noting that there might be queues at both options, so arriving on time is crucial.
• Opening Hours: Different airports may have varying opening hours for their self-service drop-off points and check-in desks. For instance, at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, baggage drop-off is available the day before departure for certain destinations, while for flights to the United States, this service is only accessible 24 hours before departure. Always check the specific opening hours for your departure airport and plan your drop-off accordingly.
• Baggage Allowance: Familiarize yourself with the checked baggage allowance, including the number of bags, weight, and size restrictions. Each airline may have different allowances, so refer to the guidelines provided by your chosen airline.
• Baggage Wrapping: If you wish to wrap your baggage, use official baggage wrapping services that employ film wrapping. Do not use household plastic wrap, as it can damage airport equipment and delay baggage delivery.
• Reporting Damage: In the unfortunate event that your baggage is damaged during your travel, report it immediately to the lost baggage information desk behind the baggage claim area. The airline staff will then process the report and handle the issue according to their policies.
• Lost and Found Offices: If you encounter a situation where you have lost or found an item at Incheon International Airport, you can contact the respective Lost and Found Offices. Terminal 1 Lost and Found Office can be reached at 032-741-3110, 3114, 8991, or 8992, while Terminal 2 Lost and Found Office contact details are also available.

By following these precautions and staying informed about the specific procedures at your departure airport, you can ensure a more seamless baggage drop-off experience.

Frequently asked questions