Luggage-free transfers now available at LA and Seattle airports, cutting transit time

Travelers transiting through Los Angeles and Seattle airports can now experience the convenience of "luggage-free transfers," a service that significantly streamlines connections. Starting March 23, passengers flying from Incheon International Airport and connecting through these U.S. hubs will no longer need to retrieve their checked baggage. This initiative aims to cut down transfer times, which previously involved collecting luggage, clearing customs, and re-checking bags.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced that the remote baggage screening, already in place at Atlanta, Detroit, and Minneapolis airports, has been extended to LA and Seattle. This means passengers can proceed directly to their connecting flights, shaving off a minimum of 20 minutes from the typical 90-minute transfer process. This enhancement is expected to boost the global competitiveness of Incheon Airport.

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This remote baggage screening expansion will contribute to enhancing security through advanced technology, improving passenger convenience, and boosting Incheon Airport's global competitiveness.

This improvement stems from a collaborative effort between South Korea's ministry and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In 2023, approximately 127,000 passengers, or 30% of travelers on the Incheon-LA and Incheon-Seattle routes, used these connecting airports. Lee Sang-heon, director of airport policy at the ministry, stated that the expansion, utilizing advanced technology, will enhance security, passenger convenience, and Incheon Airport's standing. The ministry plans to further expand the service to more U.S. airports and increase participating airlines.

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We will expand this service to major U.S. airports and gradually increase participating airlines so that more passengers can benefit.