Korean Air Baggage Policy: Checked Bags, Fees, Restrictions & Tips

Korean Air Baggage Policy offers a generous baggage allowance to every passenger flying through this airline, irrespective of their traveling class and fare type. Travelers are allowed to take two types of bags: checked baggage and carry-on baggage. The carry-on bag is generally referred to as cabin baggage, as it can be kept in the overhead space of the seat. 

There is a set limit for all baggage, while any extra or overweight baggage will be charged an additional fee. However, fliers traveling in the business class or higher-tier have a slightly larger allowance than economy passengers. However, they should be aware of the restrictions applied to baggage. 

Korean Air Baggage Policy Overview

The Baggage policy of Korean Air mentions all rules and regulations related to baggage carried on the plane. The policy varies for different types of tickets, whether it’s economy, prestige, or first class. But the cabin baggage limit is the same for every passenger, irrespective of their traveling class.

• Economy passengers are allowed to carry one piece of checked baggage, while Prestige and First Class members can take two to three pieces of luggage as checked.
• The weight range is between 23 kg to 32 kg per bag for Korean Air checked baggage, while cabin baggage is restricted to 7 kg for every cabin.
• One Personal item can be carried along with the cabin baggage, but it must fit under the seat as per the Korean Air baggage allowance policy.
• The specific baggage allowance typically depends on the traveler’s destination, fare, which is also mentioned on their ticket.
• Travelers can purchase an extra baggage allowance if they want to carry more than the set limit.
• They can also be charged an additional fee if they didn’t buy an extra baggage allowance and their luggage is overweight.
• There is also a free baggage allowance for infants and children. Additionally, a car seat and a foldable stroller can be taken as carry-on baggage on the Korean Air plane.

Korean Air Checked Baggage Policy

As per Korean Air baggage policy, the free baggage allowance depends on your travel itinerary. The weight varies with the class of service. The Korean Air checked baggage size remains the same for all classes of service. 

Checked baggage allowance 

• Free baggage allowance for infants and children – For the Korean air baggage allowance is the same as adults. For infants, 1 bag under 10 kg + 1 foldable stroller + 1 car seat is allowed for free. 
• Checked baggage size – Length + Width + Height – 158 cm/62 inches 
• Domestic Travel – 1 bag within 30 kg for Prestige Class. 1 bag within 20 kg for Economy Class.
• International Travel – Below is the overview

Class	Number of Bags Allowed	Maximum Weight per Bag
Economy Class	1	23 kg
Prestige Class	2	32 kg
First Class	3	32 kg

Travel to/from the United States – Below is the overview of the free baggage allowance for travel to/from the United States.

Class	Number of Bags Allowed	Maximum Weight per Bag
Economy Class	2	23 kg each
Prestige Class	2	32 kg each
First Class	3	32 kg each

Travel to/from Brazil – Below is the table for Korean Air baggage weight allowance for travel to/from Brazil

Class	Number of Bags Allowed	Maximum Weight per Bag
Economy Class	2	32 kg
Prestige Class	2	32 kg
First Class	3	32 kg

Korean Air Carry On Baggage Policy

As per Korean Air baggage policy, the airline has 1 personal item for free and free carry-on bag depending on the class of service. 

• Personal Item size restriction – Information nor disclosed on the airline’s website.
• Personal Item weight restriction – Information nor disclosed on the airline’s website.
• Baggage limit for Economy Class – 1 Free
• Baggage limit for First/Prestige Class – 2 Free
• Baggage weight for Economy Class – 22 pounds (10 kg) 
• Baggage weight for First/ Prestige Class – 40 pounds (18 kg)
• Baggage size restriction – 15.7 x 7.9 x 21.6 inches (40 x 20 x 55 cm). This is applicable for all classes of service. 
• Lap infant carry-on policy – An infant traveling on lap can bring 1 piece up to 22 pounds (10 kg). The size of the baggage must not exceed 45 inches. ! car seats are allowed as carry-on allowance. 
• Stroller Check Policy – Large strollers are not permitted as carry on baggage. 

Know About Korean Air Baggage Fees

Korean air baggage fees are chargeable if the size or weight of the checked baggage beyond the permitted baggage allowance exceeds. For instance – 

Extra baggage fee for piece concept 

Additional baggage fee is applied for 3rd or more bags. Below is the fee overview for all travel route alongside the class of service 

Route	Economy (23 kg)	Prestige (32 kg)	First (32 kg)
To/From America (U.S. and Canada)	200 USD each	200 USD each	200 USD each
Asia – Guam	150 USD each	150 USD each	150 USD each
Korea – Northeast Asia/Mongolia	100 each	100 each	100 each
Korea – Central/Southeast/Southwest Asia & Russia (Asian part)	150 each	150 each	150 each
Within Asia	150 each	150 each	150 each
To/From Europe,Middle East, Africa, Oceania	200 each	200 each	200 each
Domestic Korea	NA	NA	NA

Extra baggage for overweight and oversized baggage 

Additional baggage fee is applied for oversized bags up to 292 cm. Any bag beyond that size is not permitted. 

Route	Overweight(23 to 32 kg)	Overweight(33 to 45 kg)	Oversized(158 to 203 cm)	Oversized(204 to 292 cm)
To/From America (U.S. and Canada)	100 USD	200 USD	200 USD	$400
Asia – Europe, Middle East, Africa, Oceania	100 USD	200 USD	200 USD	$400
Korea – Asia (Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macao, Mongolia)	50 USD	100 USD	100 USD	200 USD
Within Asia (excluding Korea ↔ Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macao, Mongolia/ including Guam, Palau)	75 USD	150 USD	$150	300 USD
To/From Europe, Middle East, Africa, Oceania	100 USD	200 USD	200 USD	400 USD
Domestic Korea	2 USD per kg	N/A	undisclosed	undisclosed

Baggage fee for Sports Item 

• Domestic – KRW 2,000 per 1kg if exceeds free baggage allowance.
• International – Equipment can be checked for free within the free Korean Air baggage allowance. 

Can you pay for Korean Air Excess Baggage with miles?

Excess baggage in terms of overweight or overpriced can be redeemed using frequent flyer miles.

Additional baggage fee

•  Domestic travel – If the weight exceeds the free Korean Air baggage allowance, 200 miles will be deducted per kg.
• International travel – Below is the overview of the miles required for international travel based on the travel route, weight and the size of the checked luggage.

Region	Extra Baggage(Per Piece)	Weight (24kg – 32kg)	Overweight ( 32kg – 45kg)	Size (159cm – 203cm)	Oversie ( 203cm – 292cm)
Japan/China/Northeast Asia	10,000	5,000	10,000	10,000	20,000
Southeast Asia/Southwest Asia/Tashkent/Guam	15,000	7,500	15,000	15,000	30,000
North America/Europe/Middle East/Oceania	20,000	10,000	20,000	20,000	40,000

How to Avoid Korean Air Baggage Fees?

Korean Air offers free baggage allowance with all classes of service. Baggage fee may apply if passengers purchase an extra piece or pay for the overweight/oversized bag. You can register for the SKYPASS membership that offers

• Applicable to Morning Calm Club – 1 extra bag (70 pounds/32 kg) for first and Prestige classes. For Economy class, 1 extra bag up to 50 pounds/ 23 kg. For Economy Class, 1 extra baggage is not applied for travel to/from the US.
• Applicable to Mornin
• g Calm Premium Club – 1 extra bag (70 pounds/32 kg) for first and Prestige classes. For Economy class, 1 extra bag up to 50 pounds/ 23 kg. 
• Applicable to Million Miler Club – 1 additional piece for 70 pounds/32 kg. 

The aforementioned details about the Korean Air baggage allowance sums all of the concerns when traveling with Korean Air. This will avoid the last minute confiscations at the airport and saves you from the unexpected fees. 

Korean Air Military Baggage Policy

No information is available on the airline’s website regarding military baggage allowance offered by Korean Air. 

Korean Air Baggage Restrictions

Below is the list of items that are prohibited, partly restricted as carry-on bag and restricted checked items.

Restricted Items – Following is the list of items that are not allowed as checked as well as carry-on baggage.

• Gasoline, paint, lighter fluid and other combustible/flammable materials.
• Firearms and firecrackers.
• Electronic devices with lithium batteries that have capacity more than 160Wh.
• Electronic devices with non-detachable lithium batteries such as smart bag
• Hair straighteners with non-removable batteries 

Partly restricted carry-on item – The following items are permitted but in small quantity – 

• Liquids and gels carried in a container less than 100 ml.
• MacBook Pro provided it has not been recalled
• Medicine provided a doctor’s prescription is required.
• One lighter or safety match box per passenger.
• Dry ice less than 205 kg per passenger

Restricted checked baggage items – The following items are not allowed as Korean Air checked baggage but as carry-on bag – 

• Fragile or perishable items – Ceramics, glassware, and frames 
• Valuables – This include currency, jewelry, cash, securities, samples, documents and electronic devices.
• Extra batteries for portable electronic gadgets can be transported in the carry-on baggage only.
• Spare batteries within 160Wh
• E-cigarettes that contain batteries within 100Wh

Korean Air Musical Instrument Restriction

As per Korean air baggage policy, passengers are allowed to carry small musical items on board such as violin. You must take a note of the following domestication

• Size for carry-on – Must not exceed 115cm(45in) including  (width + length + height).
• Weight for carry-on – Not disclosed on the Korean Air’s website.

*Note – Items like cello, double bass, Geomungo or any other similar items that exceed 115 cm are not permitted on board.

• Size for checked baggage – Must be within 203 cm/ 80 inches. 
• Weight for checked baggage – Must be under 32 kg or 70 pounds. 

*Note – Since musical instruments are very fragile and can be at risk while transporting in the baggage hold. It is always recommended to carry musical instruments on board. If the size exceeds 115 cm, you must purchase an additional seat. 

Korean Air Sports Item Restriction

As per Korean Air baggage policy, the allowance as well as the travel restrictions for the sports item varies with the travel route, such as

Sports Items Restriction For Domestic Travel

• Item allowed – Fishing equipment, Ski/Snowboard, Bicycle, Scuba diving equipment, Surfboard, and Hockey/Lacrosse.
• Baggage size– 292cm(115in) or less
• Baggage weight – Must not exceed 23 kg

Sports Item Restriction For International Travel

• Items allowed – Fishing equipment, Ski/Snowboard, Bicycle, Scuba diving equipment, Surfboard, and Hockey/Lacrosse. Check Korean Air website for all restrictions. 
• Baggage size – 292cm(115in) or less
• Baggage weight – Must not exceed 32 kg

Korean Air Baggage Issues and Claim

Travelers can face potential issues of lost, delayed, or damaged baggage while traveling with Korean Air. These issues must be reported to the nearest airline office or lost and found office at the airport as soon as possible to get an immediate solution, along with retrieving the bag. Passengers are required to fill out the Property Irregularity report to track the bag.

Korean Air Delayed or Lost Baggage

There are some cases or circumstances when the baggage is either delayed or lost, and the solution to this problem is filing a report for misplaced bags.

• According to the Korean Air baggage policy, the airline is liable to provide travelers with their luggage as soon as they land, and if they can’t find it an immediate contact with the lost and found office is required.
• The agent at the office will help them file a PIR, which will register their complaint in the airline’s records.
• The agent will provide them with a 13-digit reference number that can be used to track the status of the complaint.
• If Korean Air finds their bag, they will contact the passenger at the number or email they mentioned on the form for follow-up.
• Found baggages are kept in the office for 30 days, after which they are discarded.
• Additionally, if the airline fails to find the bag within 21 days, travelers can claim compensation for the with the list of items they lost and proof of registering a complaint.
• Korean Air’s official website can be used to track the complaint status, or they can directly contact the lost and found department.

Korean Air Damaged Baggage

According to Korean Air officials, baggage can be a little damaged, meaning normal wear and tear. Although they are cautious, small harm can happen during conveyor belts, cargo holds, and sometimes rough handling.

If there is any major damage to the baggage, travelers are required to report it within 7 days of receiving it. Additionally, if something is broken, they can also ask for compensation, depending on the extent of damage, by filing a compensation form through the website of the airline. The refunds and remuneration are generally initiated within 7 to 14 business days. 

Can I Prepay for Korean Air Baggage?

Korean Air allows travelers to pay in advance for their luggage online through their official site at the time when web-check-in opens before departure, depending on the number of bags and their weight allowed on their ticket fare. 

For flights to and from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Paris, travelers can use the Korean Air check-in online facility and make an advance payment for checked luggage 24 hours before the scheduled departure of the flight.

Purchase Extra Baggage Allowance with Korean Air

Travelers are even allowed to purchase extra baggage allowance from Korean Air at a nominal price if they are willing to carry additional bags apart from their set limit. It can be purchased:

• Through the official website at the time of booking the flight ticket.
• At the time of online check-in.
• At the airport counter during check-in.
• By contacting the Korean Air customer support department at 1800 438 5000.

Passengers must purchase an online allowance at least 3 hours before the scheduled takeoff of the flight, and at the airport, it must be added at least 2 hours prior to departure.

Essential Korean Air Baggage Tips 

There are some baggage tips and suggestions that every passenger must know to have an effortless and chaos-free travel while traveling with Korean Air.

• Baggage Calculator: Travelers must use the baggage calculator available on Korean Air’s official website for accuracy and route-specific allowances.
• Verify the details: People must verify the class and route baggage allowances, especially for economy fares.
• Valuable Items in Carry-on: There can be some restrictions on valuable items like jewelry, medicines, and gadgets in the checked baggage. So, it’s advised to keep them in the carry-on.
• Prepay for baggage: Making an advance payment can save travelers’ Korean Air baggage fees up to 15%.
• Review the Policy: Before making any shift, they must review the Korean Air Baggage Policy for better access and knowledge.

Conclusion

Flyers traveling with Korean Air must read their Baggage policy carefully to understand the dynamics and limitations for carrying bags. They must carry it within the set limit; otherwise, they will have to pay an extra amount per bag. Another option is available to deal with the problem of the additional fee, which is buying extra baggage allowance from the airline. Travelers can use the baggage calculator to know the exact fee and allowance for the route they are traveling on. Moreover, they can utilize the SKYPASS membership to avoid the fee as per the Korean Air Baggage Policy.

Frequently Asked Questions – (FAQs)

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