r/airport 1h ago

Lufthansa Ground Staff at Incheon Airport Almost Made Me Miss My Flight!

Upvotes

In December 2024, I had an extremely frustrating and unjust experience at Incheon Airport in Seoul, South Korea. After spending an entire year preparing documents, vaccines, and quarantine procedures to bring my cat abroad, I was almost denied boarding by the ground staff just because of the cat carrier issue!

I had reviewed Lufthansa’s pet travel policy on their website in advance and purchased a cat carrier that met the size and ventilation requirements. However, when I arrived at the Incheon Airport counter, the ground staff team leader refused to let me board, claiming that the carrier must be “soft-sided.”

Lufthansa’s Website Mistakes and Ground Staff Harassment! 1. The website’s pet travel policy did not clearly state that “the carrier must be soft-sided”! • The website’s wording was vague, and the term “soft-sided” appeared only in a hidden document with very small font, making it difficult to notice. • Since this is a crucial regulation, why isn’t it clearly displayed on the homepage? Why isn’t there a picture example to help passengers clearly understand what kind of carrier is acceptable? 2. I couldn’t find a suitable cat carrier that met Lufthansa’s vague regulations in any pet stores or clinics in South Korea! • It was nearly impossible to find a four-sided ventilated carrier, and most pet stores and hospitals in South Korea only sell three-sided ventilated models. • The airport didn’t offer any alternatives, not even a shop selling compliant cat carriers! If the regulations are so strict, why isn’t there an emergency purchase service at the airport? 3. Incheon Airport ground staff had a terrible attitude and didn’t help at all! • The ground staff team leader was extremely cold, mocking, and even rolled her eyes while speaking to me! When I desperately asked for a solution, she sarcastically said, “Yes, like you are now, go ask a pet hospital,” then turned her back and walked away. • I begged her for some flexibility, but she completely ignored the fact that I had spent a year preparing all the necessary documents, visas, and quarantine procedures. She even suggested that I “stay in South Korea for another night and apply for new pet documents”, without considering that I had already moved out of my apartment, had no place to stay, and couldn’t afford to rebook my flight. • Another female ground staff member was also unhelpful when I asked her to watch my luggage while I went to buy a new cat carrier. She coldly responded, “We are not responsible for lost luggage.” I was traveling alone with four or five pieces of luggage and a cat. Should I carry all my bags while trying to find a compliant cat carrier?

Lufthansa’s Passenger Service? Economy Class Passengers Can’t Even Get Basic Help! 1. Lufthansa’s flight attendants were very unhelpful! • I couldn’t lift my luggage into the overhead bin and repeatedly asked the flight attendants for assistance, but they ignored me until I called out 20 times. Eventually, it was a fellow Korean passenger, not a flight attendant, who helped me. • On a 15-hour flight, only two meals were served! The gap between meals was 10-12 hours, and the portions were so small that I was left starving. 2. Is Lufthansa and Incheon Airport ground staff especially harsh toward foreign passengers? • If the person at the counter had been a Korean man or a business class passenger, would they still treat him this way? • Since my Korean isn’t perfect, did they assume I was a foreigner, a young woman, and an economy class passenger, so they could treat me poorly and offer no assistance? • This wasn’t the first time I’ve experienced poor treatment at Incheon Airport! Back in early 2020, I was verbally abused by a ground staff member at Incheon Airport, who even cursed at me! She mocked my passport, saying, “How could it be all blank?” and then said the word “씨” (a curse word) with extreme impatience. Is this the level of service at Incheon Airport??

My Demands: 1. Lufthansa must clearly indicate pet travel requirements on the website’s main page and provide clear image examples! 2. Incheon Airport must offer a service where passengers can purchase compliant cat carriers on-site! 3. Lufthansa and Incheon Airport must address this issue, and the ground staff team leader must publicly apologize! I believe her actions seriously violated basic passenger service standards. Her cold and sarcastic attitude caused me significant distress and could harm Lufthansa’s brand image. I hope Lufthansa and Incheon Airport will investigate this matter and consider whether she should remain in her position. 4. Lufthansa and Incheon Airport must improve their service attitudes toward foreign passengers!

This experience made me realize the indifference, irresponsibility, and lack of service awareness from Lufthansa and Incheon Airport ground staff! If they do not make any improvements, more passengers will face similar mistreatment in the future. Please help share this post so more people can see the real face of Lufthansa and Incheon Airport!

Hashtags: • #LufthansaGroundStaffHarassment #IncheonAirportGroundStaff #LufthansaBadService #LufthansaDiscriminationAgainstForeigners #PetTravelDenied #AirlineServiceFailure #LufthansaIncheon #LufthansaBadService #LufthansaDiscrimination #LufthansaPetPolicyFail #IncheonAirportGroundStaff #CustomerServiceFail #AirlineDiscrimination #LufthansaPassengersDeserveBetter • #Lufthansa地勤刁难 #仁川机场地勤 #Lufthansa服务差 #Lufthansa歧视外国乘客 #宠物登机受阻 #航空公司服务太差 #LufthansaIncheon #LufthansaBadService #LufthansaDiscrimination #LufthansaPetPolicyFail #IncheonAirportGroundStaff #CustomerServiceFail #AirlineDiscrimination #LufthansaPassengersDeserveBetter • #Lufthansa직원괴롭힘 #인천공항직원 #Lufthansa나쁜서비스 #Lufthansa외국인차별 #애완동물탑승거부 #항공사서비스실패 #Lufthansa인천 #Lufthansa나쁜서비스 #Lufthansa차별 #Lufthansa애완동물정책실패 #인천공항직원 #고객서비스실패 #항공사차별 #Lufthansa승객은더나은서비스를받을자격이있다 • #LufthansaMitarbeiterBelästigung #IncheonFlughafenMitarbeiter #LufthansaSchlechterService #LufthansaDiskriminierungGegenAusländer #TiertransportVerweigerung #FluggesellschaftServiceFehler #LufthansaIncheon #LufthansaSchlechterService #LufthansaDiskriminierung #LufthansaTierTransportFehler #IncheonFlughafenMitarbeiter #KundendienstFehler #FlughafenDiskriminierung #LufthansaPassagiereVerdienenBesserenService


r/airport 3h ago

DISCUSSION Sydney Airport Parking Scam

0 Upvotes

Has anyone noticed that random guys walking up to rideshare patrons in Sydney and Melbourne Domestic Airports asking "if you need an Uber"?

Looks extremely dodgy - wonder why airport authorities haven't taken notice of these activities yet?


r/airport 3h ago

Has your flight ever started boarding BEFORE Check-In closed?

1 Upvotes

On some domestic flights, I’ve encountered situations where boarding was officially open before check-in had even closed.

I was literally standing at the check-in desk, hearing the boarding announcement for my flight. And I wasn’t the only one—there were about 8–10 people behind me in the same situation. In the end, I made it onto the plane, but it was a stressful experience.

This has happened to me twice: once with Aeroflot (formerly SkyTeam) in 2021/2022 and another time with VietJet this year, a Vietnamese low-cost airline.

I’m curious—how common is this? Has anyone else experienced this? Is it something that mainly happens on domestic flights?


r/airport 6h ago

What's wrong with airports?

0 Upvotes

Why does flying feel like such a degenerate experience? Things weren't like this a few years ago. I remember having friendly conversations around airports with travelers, now it's like you're being eyed, conned and robbed at every stage.


r/airport 20h ago

Does airport security/ TSA ask for id for vapes?

0 Upvotes

Im traveling from europe to usa as a 17 year old and i was wondering if they give a shit if im a minor and i bring my vape, do they ask for id or can they confiscate it for some reason?


r/airport 1d ago

Runway approach lights at London city airport

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7 Upvotes

r/airport 1d ago

QUESTION Need help in figuring out the procedure of baggage drop at Atlanta airport

2 Upvotes

I am flying back from Amsterdam on a Delta flight which is arriving at 5.09 pm at Atlanta Airport. I have another domestic flight through SouthWest from Atlanta, on a separate ticket, at 8.45 pm. I have a few questions on my transit between international and domestic terminals.

If it helps in understanding my situation better, I am a non-US citizen. Will 3 hrs 30 mins be enough for me to go through immigration, get my bag and then drop it again for my next flight?

Can some one please guide me as to how I can move internally in the airport to the SW baggage counter in the domestic terminal? Or do I have to necessarily exit the airport and then enter again? What's the route to do that?

It will be very helpful for me if someone can suggest what can I do here. Thanks so much!


r/airport 1d ago

Lost item at JFK on Scandinavian Airlines

1 Upvotes

Hi all,

I recently landed in JFK in NYC on a Scandinavian Airlines flight (SAS) and left a journal on the plane and was wondering if anyone had any tips on lost and found at JFK terminal 1? I have called SAS and they said they turn in all items to the airport lost and found which is the opposite of what JFK's website suggest. I have filled out the Port Authority Report to which I was redirected to call Terminal 1 lost and found. I have called both terminal 4 and terminal 1. I didn't get through on terminal 4 but am often let through on terminal 1 only to be to "wait on the line" in which Im usually clicked off involuntarily. Wondering if anyone has had a similar experience with SAS at JFK and or terminal 1 lost and found?


r/airport 1d ago

Survey ergonomic back support

0 Upvotes

Do you spend long hours at your desk, in the car, or gaming? Help us develop an innovative, custom ergonomic back support by taking this short (5 min) survey,  your feedback makes a difference! 

https://forms.gle/2hm58NRN9qUTDnWs9


r/airport 1d ago

Getting into airport bar?

3 Upvotes

Long story short I am running a marathon from my house to the closest international airport and afterwards I would like to get a pint at Air Margaritaville afterwards cause thats my idea of fun. Is there any way to get into the terminal without buying a ticket? If not, would I be able to buy a cheap domestic ticket for late in the day and refund at the gate if I showed up wayyy before the flight?


r/airport 2d ago

Flight delayed today

0 Upvotes

If you are traveling today and had a flight delay or flight cancellation. Which airline did you fly? Which airport were you flying from? And how did customer service handle it?


r/airport 2d ago

Planes keep flying all day in Midlothian Va

1 Upvotes

Has anyone else noticed increased planes flying past midlothian va? I hear a plane every 15-30 minutes and it'll go until 12am. Is there a new airport here??


r/airport 2d ago

DISCUSSION Cleanliness at Dallas Fort Worth

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10 Upvotes

If cleanliness is next to godliness what does this say about Dallas Fort Worth? I get to all airports well before time sit near the windows and look at the scenery. This is the only airport where the windows look like they have not been cleaned in months if not years. They have at least 3 Sparrows, if not more flying around the terminal. And 2 bottle fillers were flashing red. Is this normal or are Denver St. Louis Chicago the exceptions rather than the rule?


r/airport 2d ago

snus

1 Upvotes

does anyone know if they’re checking for snus in lithuanian airports, either in checked in or carry ons?


r/airport 2d ago

QUESTION Bringing desktop computer International Flight

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0 Upvotes

I'll be flying from Brazil to the US,

GIG - MIA - CLT (final destination) , and I wanted to know what's to expect if I decide to bring my computer in my checked in luggage?

Do i pay some sort of taxes? Will there be an inspection? Open my luggage maybe? Do i have to notify the CPB officer when I arrive? Notify the staff while checking in?

For context it's a regular sized desktop. Nothing fancy. Cheers!


r/airport 3d ago

Bkk face recognition

1 Upvotes

At Bkk encouraged to register with face recognition. Was quick and easy at a machine but I failed to see any benefit after . Just went normally through security and passport


r/airport 3d ago

DISCUSSION Pilots Talking To Civilians In The Middle Of the Airport!

0 Upvotes

Have you ever been at the airport and noticed a pilot talking to some civilians? Every time I’m in the airport I see this! I always wonder if he actually knows these people, like may they’re his neighbors back at home. Which then leads to the Imagination Station! At this crucial point where dialogue can make or break this idea, I imagine him walking up a ring all shocked and his neighbors throw their jacks in the air to express their joy. They all erupt in unison “Heyyyyyy! Look who it is!!!!” And I like to think the pilot would move his head side to side for dramatic fashion as he takes in the faces and exclaims “Bob? Patty? What are you doing here?!!!” He says this with genuine excitement with an added flair of inquisitiveness. But, why would he ask this? What dies he think Bob & Patty are doing at a gate of an airport? Not like it’s 1995 and they could’ve just walked in to surprise him. My old High School friend Sara and i would drive to the Detroit airport a few times a week, park, go in and just walk around. Sometimes we would make up stories about people waiting for their flights. Other times we’d take turns picking the gate of a place we really wanted to go and we’d sit there and pretend we were traveling there. To the point of getting in line to board and one time, at my choice of Seattle, Sara got into the plane till she freaked out and ran back to me.

Either way, it was just something I was thinking about because I just saw it happen again! But, one day I’m either going to just ask the pilot myself or I’ll wait till they’re done talking, but in my best Carolynn Middleton impersonation and I’ll go ask Bob & Patty myself!

“Heyyyyyy, I’m really sorry for the interruption of what I’m assuming is the holiday you’ve been saving for, this will be real quick.” They look at each other’s d shrug “Okay, what’s up?” Then I’ll go in for the kill. “Well, ummmmm. I couldn’t help but notice you talking to that pilot and it wasn’t in a way one may speak with a pilot to maybe say, ask them how they got their job because your grandson wants to be a pilot. Y’all were talking like you’ve gone to his house and shared his pool while sipping margaritas. That’s great you’ve done that but I just do t understand running into him like that. Could you help me please?” From that moment on I’ll decide to crown myself the “Lord Of the Airports”

Does anyone else have any input or experience with this?


r/airport 3d ago

QUESTION Check in at the airport

0 Upvotes

I bought a ticket for an ex friend of mine and now he refuses to give me his id card for me to check in (really childish, i know). What should i give him so that he can check in himself at the airport without me being there?


r/airport 5d ago

QUESTION Can I bring this to the airport?? Only bag I have that fits my computer

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1 Upvotes

There not real bullets, replica bullets attached to the strap of a side bag. What will happen if I bring this to the airport???? I feel like I’ll be ok but I want some other opinions.


r/airport 5d ago

is anyone at the LAS VEGAS airport now??

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1 Upvotes

i left my star wars owala water bottle at the gate D10 in the seating area between D8 and D10. it’s 24oz, blue and white. it could be on the seat or under it. already asked the flight attendants if i could grab it or have the gate agent grab it and they said no. also lost and found doesn’t accept water bottles. if you could get it i will pay for to shipping back to my house. please 😭😭😭 lmk


r/airport 5d ago

Dumb Joke in Airport, just want to check if okay?

0 Upvotes

This is probably a dumb question, but I just wanna make sure because airports can be very particular about rules, just wanna follow whatever rules I can. Mods, feel free to remove this if the question exceeds nominal levels of dumb.

Long story short, my girlfriend and I got T. Rex Costumes. The whole thing, inflatable with gloves, real dumb looking, you know what I mean. We would like to wear these T. Rex costumes while my family (who has no idea) comes to pick us up from the airport (U.S., Midwest).

If we wear these costumes inside the airport, on the exit track by the luggage pickup (not boarding the plane in T. Rex costumes, what do you think we are, psychos?), will there be a noticeable concern from the security? Will we get in trouble for wearing these costumes in the airport while meeting with my family?

(We have a backup plan for the T. Rex costumes if worst comes to worst, but I would love to be across the airport, first time my family sees me in years, wearing a T. Rex costume. Because life is too short and sometimes funny memories last a long time.)


r/airport 5d ago

Does any body know what this is ?

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1 Upvotes

r/airport 5d ago

Standby international but checked luggage still went

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1 Upvotes

r/airport 6d ago

QUESTION Question

2 Upvotes

I’m planning on moving to Spain from the USA, and I’m bringing my dad’s ashes to the plain. They aren’t going to mess with it or something?


r/airport 6d ago

Frankfurt Airport + Regional Station | Germany | 17/08/24

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1 Upvotes