SOUTH KOREA. Following the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s recent approval to allow so-called ‘Flights to Nowhere’, both Lotte Duty Free and Shinsegae Duty Free have announced new promotions provided by both the retailers and in joint partnership.
The government announced on 19 November that it would temporarily exempt quarantine obligations for passengers taking ‘Flights to Nowhere’ (so named as they do not land at any destination other than the departure airport) and allow the sale of duty free products.
As a result, Lotte Duty Free will partner exclusively with KakaoPay in a promotional campaign from 8 December. Customers who pay via the platform on Lotte Online Duty Free will receive up to US$110 in additional discounts and up to LRW150,000 (US$138) worth of discounts at Lotte Duty Free downtown.
In addition, LDF PAY (the Lotte Duty Free loyalty programme) rebate of up to KRW70,000 (US$65) will be given to all customers who spend over US$300 at Lotte Duty Free’s downtown stores.
Lotte Online Duty Free will offer up to US$170 worth of incentives via LDF PAY for purchases on the online platform.
Customers who purchase using a BC Card (from South Korea’s largest payment processing company) at Lotte Duty Free’s downtown store will receive discounts of up to KRW250,000 (US$231) per purchase. Those who pay with L.pay and Toss (Korean mobile financial service platforms) at Lotte Online duty free will receive additional discounts of up to US$110.
Customers who travel on Flights to Nowhere can also take advantage of Lotte Duty Free’s winter season discount event, which has been underway since last month. Over 110 brands are participating in this winter’s sale, which is being held at all online and offline stores, providing various products such as bags, clothing, sunglasses, and watches at up to -80% discount.
Lotte Duty Free’s Platform Business Division Head Lee Jung-min said, “The non-stop flights have given us some hope for the resumption of overseas travel. As a result, we have prepared various events to help travellers enjoy duty free shopping more.”
Shinsegae Duty Free flies high – but to nowhere – with Jeju Air
In related news, Shinsegae Duty Free has struck a partnership with Jeju Air to provide special offers to Flights to Nowhere passengers.
The promotion will be provided for all customers who board Jeju Air’s Flights to Nowhere from 12 December to 10 January. Customers simply input their booking code into Shinsegae Duty Free’s online sales platform (www.ssgdfm.com).
Passengers onboard will receive discounts of up to -20% (maximum discount limit KRW600,000/US$553) online and offline. These can be applied in duplicate with membership discounts at Shinsegae Duty Free, allowing total discounts to be as high as -40%.
On the first Jeju Air flight scheduled on 12 December, Shinsegae Duty Free will provide all passengers with a travel kit comprising face masks, eco bags and umbrellas. Those lucky enough to win in a SNS lottery draw hosted together with Jeju Air will receive a Chanel caviar card holder and necklace.
