By Wei Ruwei, MOOK Travel Life Network, for travel feature reporting
Starting today (30), Taipei Songshan Airport has launched new direct flights to Seoul Gimpo Airport in South Korea, operated by Taiwan’s China Airlines and EVA Air, as well as South Korea’s t’way Air (t’way air) and Eastar Jet (Eastar Jet). The first outbound flight is China Airlines CI260, departing at 9:25 AM, while the first inbound flight is t’way Air TW7667, arriving at 12:45 PM. With the addition of these two South Korean low-cost carriers, competition has intensified, and all four airlines are offering special promotional fares.
South Korean low-cost airlines are offering fares under NT$10,000 to strongly attract Taiwanese travelers. (Photo provided by Korea Tourism Organization)
Seoul, South Korea, has always been one of the most popular destinations for independent travel among Taiwanese. The new Songshan–Gimpo route not only shortens travel time from the airport to downtown but also allows for dual-city itineraries with the existing Incheon route. The two South Korean low-cost airlines have drawn significant attention—t’way Air has rapidly risen in the Korean aviation industry for its high-quality service, once breaking the record for reaching 1 million passengers in the shortest time in Korean aviation history. Although classified as a low-cost carrier, the Songshan–Gimpo route still offers free checked baggage of 20 kg per passenger, 7 kg carry-on allowance, and complimentary in-flight snacks. Meanwhile, Eastar Jet, known as South Korea’s “national airline,” has also achieved a safety record of 6 million passengers and 50,000 accident-free flight hours within three years.
To celebrate the launch of the Songshan–Gimpo route, various promotions are available: Passengers departing before May 31 on China Airlines’ round-trip flights between Songshan and Gimpo can enjoy economy class fares starting from NT$12,507 (tax included) and business class fares starting from NT$20,307 (tax included). Additionally, from now until August 31, China Airlines offers a 2-night, 3-day refined tour package from Songshan to Gimpo starting from NT$15,907 (tax included). Before May 31, travelers can also enjoy double benefits: adults receive a NT$2,000 discount per person, children receive NT$1,400 per person (limited to H-class bookings), and each person receives a T-Money prepaid card worth KRW 10,000.
EVA Air offers discounted fares for economy class X and U cabins for passengers departing between May 1, 2012, and May 15, 2012, and ticketing between April 9, 2012, and May 15, 2012.
Taiwan currently ranks fourth in the number of tourists visiting South Korea, following Japan, China, and the United States. (Photo provided by Korea Tourism Organization)
t’way Air (t’way air) is offering promotional round-trip fares as low as NT$8,888 (tax included) for the first three flights after launch and NT$9,888 (tax included) before the end of May (excluding the Korean holiday period from May 25–28).
Eastar Jet (Eastar Jet) has an introductory special fare starting from NT$2,999 (tax excluded) from May 1, 2012, with promotional round-trip fares for the first three flights as low as NT$6,301 (tax included) and NT$9,689 (tax included) for departures before the end of May. Complimentary water and juice are provided on board.
For more details, please contact major travel agencies or visit China Airlines at www.china-airlines.com, EVA Air at www.evaair.com, or Eastar Jet’s official Taiwan agent at www.eastarjet.com.tw. t’way Air’s Taiwan service hotline is 02-2509-8822.
Flight Schedule for Taipei Songshan–South Korea Gimpo
|
|
Songshan → Gimpo (Departure/Arrival) |
Gimpo → Songshan (Departure/Arrival) |
Operating Days per Week |
|
China Airlines |
09:25 / 12:45 |
13:45 / 15:25 |
Mondays, Thursdays, Sundays |
|
EVA Air |
09:25 / 12:50 15:45 / 19:15 (Wednesdays only) |
13:50 / 15:20 20:30 / 22:00 (Wednesdays only) |
Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays |
|
t’way Air |
14:00 / 17:25 |
11:00 / 12:45 |
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays |
|
Eastar Jet |
14:00/17:30 |
11:10/13:00 |
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday |
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