By now, most of us have had our fair share of flights on budget airlines. These no-frills, low-cost carriers get us from Singapore to many other parts of the world at a fraction of what full-fledged airlines would usually charge.
Here’s 1 more you might have heard of from friends but haven’t tried out yet: T’Way Air. This budget airline from Korea flies directly to Seoul from Singapore daily. We’ve got the scoop on whether this airline is worth booking:
Unlike Singapore, South Korea experiences all 4 seasons. Spring happens from April to June, summer from July to August, autumn from September to November, and winter from December to March. Peak travel months fall during the spring and autumn months, when you can view cherry blossoms in Korea, so take note if you’d like to avoid the tourist crowd.
South Korea uses the South Korean Won. Currently, S$1 roughly equals KRW$1,022 but the exact rate will depend on individual money changer’s rates. Most vendors in Seoul, especially touristy areas such as Myeongdong and Gangnam, accept card payment methods. However, local wet markets stalls might only accept cash so bring some spare change just in case.
Singaporeans do not need a visa to travel to South Korea, and can stay for up to 90 days visa-free. However, this is set to change in 2025, as South Korea will be introducing the Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA) to travellers. More details can be found in our guide to countries that Singaporeans need a visa to travel to.
T’Way Air mostly serves as a domestic airline within South Korea, providing multiple flights daily between Seoul and major cities like Busan, Jeju, Daegu, Cheongju, and Gwangju.
On the international front, T’Way Air connects Seoul with most of Asia, such as Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, and, of course, Singapore. Right now, the Singapore-Seoul route happens daily, so booking a last-minute getaway can still be done in a 24-hour window.
Image credit: @daegu_spotter_pilot via Instagram
Travellers should take note, however, that the airline only has 1 flight per day that departs from Singapore at 1.55am and arrives in Incheon, South Korea at 9.35am. This is great news for those who don’t mind red-eye flights. At the very least, by the time you land, there’s still a full day ahead to check off your list of new things to do in Seoul.
The flight back may be less favourable. Similarly, there’s only 1 flight per day that departs from Incheon to Singapore, and it leaves Korea at 7pm. The plane then lands in Changi Airport at 12.25am the following morning.
Since there’s no public transport at this time, travellers will need to book a taxi or private hire car to get home or to their hotel. And at this time, high surcharges and booking fees are expected.
Image credit: @tway_singapore via Instagram
While there’s less flexibility in picking out flight times, each economy ticket does have a number of benefits not often seen on other budget airlines. Prices start at S$50/pax for a single trip and S$100/pax for a round–trip ticket, excluding fuel surcharge and airport tax.
The airline also regularly holds promotions which can be found on their website. From now till 30th June 2024, they are running their Summer Special 15% Discount. There’ll be up to 15% off for trips happening before 26th October 2024. Simply use the code <SINICN> when searching for flights.
You can also claim discount coupons before 30th June 2024. There’s a $15 coupon for trips happening from now till 15th July 2024, and a $30 coupon for trips between 18th August – 26th October 2024.
T’Way Air includes free checked baggage of at least 30kg for all passengers. So yes, that means you can stock up on all the liquid K-beauty skincare and makeup products you want, without worrying about bringing them onboard with you. If that isn’t enough, you’ll even get up to 10kg allowance for carry-on baggage – good enough for last-minute souvenir shopping at the airport.
Image credit: T’Way Air
As with most other low-cost carriers, meals aren’t provided in the cost of the ticket. But there is an onboard cafeteria, where you can order snacks and drinks from KRW5,000 (~S$4.89). If you skipped dinner and want something more filling, there are warm meals available, such as bibimbap and beef bulgogi with rice from S$12 each.
Just note that it’s recommended that you pay for your food and beverages with cash – either in Korean Won, US Dollar, Japanese Yen, or Chinese Yuan. Credit cards aren’t accepted, except for those linked to banks in Korea.
Image credit: Flight Report
There’s no entertainment onboard, save for the in-flight magazine and duty-free catalogue, but these are both mostly written in Korean. To make up for it, T’Way Air does have USB charging ports at each seat, so you can at least keep your devices charged while you watch your downloaded shows and movies.
And if you’re lucky, T’Way Air does hold special entertainment events hosted by their cabin crew on certain flights. There are performances where the cabin crew sing and play musical instruments. There’s even an introduction to Korean culture with calligraphy demonstrations for passengers.
At S$100/pax for a Singapore-Seoul round-trip flight, T’Way Air’s economy class is already quite a steal for budget-conscious travellers.
But for those who want even more comfort, the airline’s business class might be worth the splurge for its lie-flat beds. You’ll be forking out from S$755/pax for a round-trip ticket, which is about the equivalent of a premium economy class ticket on a full-fledged airline.
The steeper price does mean more benefits though. For baggage, business class passengers get to check in up to 32kg and 2 carry on luggage weighing up to 10kg each. There’s also 1 free meal per flight.
Image credit: @twayair via Instagram
These perks aside, what really sets business class apart from economy is its lie-flat seats. Those blessed with tall genes will know how cramped and uncomfortable airplane seats can get. And forget sleeping – you’ll be battling pins and needles just trying to stretch your legs out on a 6-hour flight.
Here’s the beauty of lie-flat seats: they can be adjusted into a fully flat surface where you can stretch out your legs or even sleep.
We can show you all the pictures you’d like, but nothing beats hearing it straight from actual customers on their experience.
“The pillow on the seat was quite hard to sleep on but I still managed to fall asleep on my flight. I’d fly T’Way Air again to Korea just for the price of the ticket alone.” – Pearly
Phone stand for all seats.
Image credit: @twayair via Instagram
“The T’Way Air planes are clean and comfortable, and I like that they provide USB charging ports and even a phone stand so you can watch your shows. No cons for me; I would fly T’Way Air over other budget airlines to Korea.” – Estee
“I feel like T’Way Air is about the same as most other budget airlines available. An upside is that I’ve never experienced delays with them, as compared to other ones. I also like that they provide free check-in luggage – practically unheard of for other budget airlines.” – Doreen
There you have it. The next time you’re planning a trip to Seoul, Korea, T’Way Air is a viable option to consider if you’re working with a smaller budget. And if you’re looking to save even more money, check out these cheap hotels and free things to do in Seoul while you’re at it.
Cover image adapted from: @daegu_spotter_pilot, @tway_singapore & @twayair via Instagram
Originally published on 27th June 2023 by Raewyn Koh. Last updated by Joycelyn Yeow on 28th June 2024.
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