Korean Air Baggage Policy and Baggage Fees

• Korean Air offers a generous free baggage allowance to all passengers traveling in economy class. The exact allowance depends on your destination and cabin class. In addition to checked bags, Korean Air allows 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item for free.
• However, exceeding the free baggage limits or traveling with special items like sports equipment will incur extra fees. It's important to understand Korean Air's baggage policies to avoid surprise charges at check-in.
• This comprehensive guide will explain Korean Air's carry-on and checked baggage allowances, including size and weight restrictions. You'll also learn about fees for extra or oversized luggage, how to save on bags, and policies for sports equipment, musical instruments, and more.

Korean Air Baggage Allowance Policy

• Korean Air's baggage allowance policy provides passengers with a free checked baggage allowance that varies based on the cabin class and destination.

• In economy class, passengers get:

• Flights within Asia: 1 bag up to 35 lbs (15 kg)

• Flights to Americas/Oceania: 2 bags up to 50 lbs (23 kg) each

• Flights to Europe/Africa: 2 bags up to 50 lbs (23 kg) each

• Flights to the Middle East: 1 bag up to 30 lbs (13 kg)

• Business class passengers receive 3 bags up to 70 lbs (32 kg) each for all destinations. Premium economy gets 2 checked bags up to 70 lbs each.

Korean Air Carry-on Baggage Allowance

• Korean Air does allow passengers 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item free of charge.

• Carry-on luggage

• Maximum dimensions are 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm)

• Maximum weight is 15 lbs (7 kg)

• Personal item

• Purse, laptop bag, small backpack

• Must fit under seat in front of you

Korean Air Checked Baggage Allowance

• Checked luggage

• The free checked baggage allowance for economy class passengers is:

• Flights within Asia: 1 bag up to 35 lbs (15 kg)

• Flights to the Americas/Oceania: 2 bags up to 50 lbs (23 kg) each

• Flights to Europe/Africa: 2 bags up to 50 lbs (23 kg) each

• Flights to Middle East: 30 lbs (13 kg)

• Korean Air Infant Baggage Allowance

• Infants not occupying a seat have a separate allowance of 1 checked bag up to 22 lbs (10 kg)

• This is in addition to accompanying adult's free baggage allowance

Korean Air Cabin Baggage Allowance

• All passengers on Korean Air are permitted 1 piece of carry-on baggage and one personal item free of charge.

• Carry-on bags must adhere to a size limit of 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm) and a weight limit of 15 lbs (7 kg). Personal items must fit completely under the seat.

• Exceeding the carry-on allowance will incur gate check fees at the boarding gate.

Korean Air Baggage Fees

• Fees apply when exceeding the free checked baggage allowance based on number of extra bags, overweight bags, and oversized bags.

• The fees are:

• Extra bags: $200 for 3rd bag, $400 for 4th+

• Overweight bags: $100 for 51-70 lbs, $200 for 71-100 lbs

• Oversized bags: $100

• Excess weight fees: $1.60/lb over free allowance

Additional and Excess Baggage Fees

• Charges apply if you exceed the free checked or carry-on baggage limits:

• Checked Bags

• $200 for 3rd checked bag

• $400 for 4th+ checked bag

• $100 for bags 51-70 lbs (23-32 kg)

• $200 for bags 71-100 lbs (33-45 kg)

• Carry-On Bags

• $100 for 2nd carry-on bag

• $100 for overweight carry-on over 15 lbs (7 kg)

• Excess Weight Fees

• $1.60 per pound ($3.52 per kg) for bags over the free weight limits

• Special Baggage

• Korean Air also allows passengers can applies to some special baggage:

• Sports equipment like golf clubs, skis, snowboards: $100

• Surfboards and windsurfing boards: $150

• Bicycles: $100

• Pet in cabin: $125

• Pets in cargo: $200

Korean Air Sports Baggage Policy

• Korean Air allows sports equipment like golf clubs, skis, snowboards, and more as checked baggage within the free allowance. Special equipment counts as one checked bag. If exceeding the allowance, a $100 fee applies.

• Golf Clubs

• Count as 1 checked bag

• Up to 2 bags of 15 clubs allowed free

• $100 for 3rd+ bag of clubs

• Skis or Snowboards

• Count as 1 checked bag

• Boots and poles can come as standard checked baggage

• Bicycles

• Count as 1 checked bag

• $100 for bike over free allowance

• Surfboards/Paddleboards

• Count as 1 checked bag up to $150

• Fishing Equipment

• Counts as regular checked baggage

• Make sure equipment is properly packed and brought to oversized luggage counter. Boxes/covers might be required for free transport.

Korean Air Musical Instruments Policy

• Small musical instruments like violins or guitars can be carried on board if they fit in overhead bins or under seats. Larger instruments must be checked but count as regular baggage allowance.

• If exceeding the free checked allowance, instruments incur a $100 fee. Cases and stands count as additional checked baggage.

• Notify Korean Air in advance when traveling with valuable instruments. Passengers are recommended to purchase insurance.

Electric Wheelchair

• Foldable/collapsible electric wheelchairs can be checked for free as mobility assistance. Battery must be disconnected and terminals protected from damage. Non-foldable electric chairs may not fit on certain aircraft types.

Baggage For Transfers

• On Korean Air, baggage allowance is based on your entire journey when transferring flights on a single ticket. You can check bags through to your final destination on inbound and outbound flights.

Baggage Service

• Korean Air offers baggage services such as:

• Priority boarding of passengers with carry-on bags only

• Advance seat selection for passengers with extra bags

• Delivery of baggage from aircraft to connecting flight

• Expedited baggage claim service

• These services can be requested at check-in or booking. Fees may apply.

Korean Air Baggage Size Limit

• Checked bags on Korean Air cannot exceed a total of 107 inches (273 cm) calculated by length + width + height.

• Carry-on bags cannot exceed 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm).

• Oversize bags may be refused transport

Korean Air Baggage Weight Limit

• The maximum weight per checked bag on Korean Air is 100 lbs (45 kg). The free weight allowance is lower, at 50 lbs for economy and 70 lbs for business/premium economy.

• For carry-ons, the weight limit is 15 lbs (7 kg). Overweight bags incur fees.

Korean Air Overweight Baggage

• Bags exceeding the free weight allowance are considered overweight. The fees for overweight bags on Korean Air are:

• $100 for bags 51-70 lbs (23-32 kg)

• $200 for bags 71-100 lbs (33-45 kg)

• Oversize charges may also apply if applicable. There is a $1.60/lb fee for excess weight.

Korean Air Oversized Baggage

• Any checked bag exceeding Korean Air's total dimension limit of 107 inches (273 cm) is considered oversized. The oversize fee is $100.

• Oversized bags may be refused transport on certain aircraft even with fees due to capacity constraints.

Exclusions and Waivers

• The following items cannot be checked as baggage on Korean Air:

• Live animals (except approved pets)

• Human remains

• Explosives, weapons, flammables

• Illegal drugs

• Perishable goods

• Excess baggage fees may be waived in certain circumstances, such as:

• Active military personnel

• Passengers with disabilities

• Medical necessities

• Contact Korean Air for more details on exclusions and waivers. Proper documentation may be required.

Morning Calm Club

• Morning Calm Club is Korean Air's premium economy product on long-haul international routes. Baggage allowance for Morning Calm Club is:

• 2 checked bags up to 70 lbs (32 kg) each

• Same carry-on allowance as economy

• No fee for up to 2 extra bags up to 70 lbs (32 kg) each

• So Morning Calm Club members can check up to 4 bags for free.

Morning Calm Premium Club

• Morning Calm Premium Club is Korean Air's international business class product. Baggage allowance is:

• 3 checked bags up to 70 lbs (32 kg) each

• Same carry-on as economy

• No fee for up to 3 extra bags up to 70 lbs (32 kg) each

• So Premium Club passengers get up to 6 checked bags for free.

SkyTeam Member

• As a member of the SkyTeam airline alliance, Korean Air offers additional free checked bags when traveling on SkyTeam marketed flights. Benefits for SkyTeam members are:

• One extra bag within free weight limits

• Priority baggage delivery and handling

• Present your SkyTeam membership card to take advantage of these benefits.

Additional Baggage Allowance for SkyPass Members

• Joining Korean Air's free frequent flyer program SkyPass provides extra baggage benefits based on your status:

• SkyPass Elite & Elite Plus Members

• 1 extra bag up to 70 lbs (32 kg)

• 5 extra lbs (2 kg) over standard weight limits

• SkyPass Platinum & Platinum Plus Members

• 2 extra bags up to 70 lbs (32 kg) each

• 10 extra lbs (4 kg) over standard weight limits

• Present your SkyPass membership card when checking bags to benefit from these expanded allowances.

Korean Air Baggage Restrictions

• Korean Air does impose some restrictions on size and weight of checked baggage:

• Maximum dimensions per bag are 107 inches (273 cm) calculated by length + width + height

• Max weight per bag is 100 lbs (45 kg)

• Any oversized or overweight bags may be refused for transport

• Certain flights have more restrictive limits, so always check for your route. Customers should not assume oversized bags will be accepted, even for a fee in some cases.

Delayed, Damaged or Lost Baggage

• In case of delayed, damaged, pilfered, or lost baggage on Korean Air, passengers should:

• File a report at baggage claim before leaving the airport

• Keep claim tickets and baggage tags

• Submit a property irregularity form online or in person

• Contact the Airline

• Korean Air is liable for loss or damage of checked baggage. Claim amounts are limited by international conventions and adjusted for depreciation. For damaged bags, actual repair cost is reimbursed.

• Lost luggage is searched for up to 5 days. If not located, compensation will be provided based on weight of contents. Proof of value may be required.

• Korean Air Damaged Baggage

• If your checked baggage is damaged on a Korean Air flight, notify the airline immediately at baggage claim before leaving the airport. Submit a property irregularity report.

• The airline is liable for damage under international agreements. Compensation is provided based on repair costs up to depreciated value, pending investigation of the claim.

• Korean Air Delayed Baggage

• If your checked bag does not arrive at your destination on the same Korean Air flight, it is considered delayed. File a report with the airline before leaving the airport.

Korean Air will deliver delayed bags to you once received. Necessary items can be reimbursed if delay exceeds 48 hours. Submit receipts and proof of delay

How to Claim Your Baggage Compensation

• To claim compensation for delayed, damaged, or lost baggage:

• Report problem at airport baggage claim desk before leaving terminal

• Submit property irregularity report with Korean Air

• Provide copy of claim tag, ticket, passport, and purchase receipts

• Wait minimum 21 days after submitting report

• Claim can be submitted online, email, phone, or in person

• Korean Air will verify and process claim based on criteria

• Compensation will be provided according approved amount

• Allow 30 days for claim processing after all documents submitted

Korean Air Check-In Baggage Policy

• To check bags with Korean Air:

• Arrive at airport minimum 90 minutes before departure

• Have boarding pass and passport ready

• Take bags to Korean Air check-in counter or self-service kiosk

• Attach baggage tags provided securely to each checked bag

• Only passengers with valid tickets can check baggage

• Keep claim checks for each bag to track and identify

• Bags will be screened before loading on aircraft

• Check in your baggage must be in before baggage cut-off times or they may not make the flight. Cut-off is usually 45-60 minutes before scheduled departure.

Korean Air Check-In Baggage Allowance

• To check bags on Korean Air:

• Have boarding pass and passport ready

• Take bags to check-in counter minimum 90 minutes before flight

• Only ticketed passengers can check baggage

• Checked bags will undergo security screening

• Arrive before baggage cut-off 45-60 min before departure to avoid denied boarding of bags.

Baggage Calculator for International Flights

• Korean Air provides an online baggage calculator to estimate checked fees for international itineraries. To estimate fees:

• Visit Korean Air home page and navigate to "Baggage Allowance" under Travel Info

• Click "Check Baggage Calculator"

• Enter flight details - route, dates, cabin class

• Add number of bags and weights

• Select any extras like sports equipment

• Click "Calculate Baggage Fees"

• Estimated charges will be displayed

• This calculator accounts for free allowances, overweight/oversized charges, and route-specific variances. It's a useful tool for budgeting extra baggage expenses.

Korean Air Baggage Guide

• To summarize key points of Korean Air's baggage policy:

• Economy gets 1-2 free 50 lb checked bags

• Business gets 3 free 70 lb checked bags

• Carry-on limit is 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches & 15 lbs

• Personal items must fit under seat

• Fees for extra, overweight, oversized bags

• Max dimensions 107 inches (checked)

• Max weight 100 lbs checked, 15 lbs carry-on

• Read all baggage rules carefully and use the airline's baggage fee calculator to avoid surprises. Pack carefully within limits to avoid fees.

Korean Air Baggage Handling

• To ensure proper handling:

• Attach baggage tag securely to each checked bag

• Keep your baggage claim checks for tracking

• Carry valuables and fragile items in carry-ons

• Pack appropriately for checked luggage weight/size limits

• Report any mishandling or damage immediately.

Korean Air Baggage Information

• For more information on Korean Air's baggage policies and procedures, contact the Korean Air and check  the Korean Air website.

• Online baggage calculator, restrictions by route, and claim forms are available on their website.

Can I Prepay for Baggage?

• Yes, Korean Air allows passengers to prepay checked baggage fees when booking if exceeding the free allowance.

• Benefits of prepaying bags:

• Lock in fee amounts, protection from price increases

• Avoid lines/delays paying at airport

• Earn frequent flyer miles

• Add bags easily on managing booking

• To prepay baggage:

• Select number of checked bags when booking flight

• Enter weights for each bag

• Estimated charges will display for all bags

• Choose to pay fees upfront with credit card

• Get e-receipt for prepayment

• Bags can still be prepaid anytime up to check-in. Fees apply per flight segment. Add extras like sports gear while prepaying.

How to Avoid Checked Bag Fees on Korean Air

• Checked baggage fees can add substantial cost to air travel. Here are 5 tips to avoid checked bag fees on Korean Air:

• 1. Only Pack a Carry-On and Personal Item : The most guaranteed way to avoid checked bag fees is by only traveling with 1 carry-on bag and a personal item that meets Korean Air's size limits. This allows skipping baggage drop and claim.

• 2. Join the Loyalty Program : Joining Korean Air's SkyPass program provides added baggage allowances based on status. Elite members get 1 extra free checked bag. Qualifying for Elite status requires flying 20,000 miles or 25 segments on Korean Air annually.

• 3. Buy a Premium Ticket : Booking Premium Economy or Business Class tickets includes extra free checked bags. Morning Calm premium tickets get 2-4 free checked bags. Buying a premium cabin ticket avoids fees.

• 4. Get a Co-Branded Credit Card : The Korean Air SKYPASS credit card offers free first checked bag for cardholder and companions. This perk can save up to $100 roundtrip for a family.

• 5. Use a General Travel Card : Some travel credit cards reimburse first checked bag fees when booking with them. The reimbursement helps offset baggage costs.

Bottom Line on Baggage Fees

• Korean Air offers a standard free baggage allowance on international flights plus added benefits for elite/premium passengers. Planning baggage needs in advance and utilizing loyalty perks can help minimize or eliminate extra fees. But expect fees for multiple overweight or oversized checked bags, which can be costly.

• Carefully packing within size and weight limits, avoiding unnecessary items, and using carry-ons when possible remains the best way to avoid baggage fees and reduce travel expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions on Korean Air Baggage

• How many bags can I check for free on Korean Air?

•     In economy class, Korean Air allows 1-2 free checked bags on international routes depending on destination, up to 50 lbs (23 kg) each. Within Asia flights get 1 free bag up to 35 lbs (15 kg).

• What is the maximum weight for checked bags on Korean Air?

•     100 lbs (45 kg) is the maximum weight per checked bag on Korean Air. Over 70 lbs (32 kg) incurs overweight fees even within the free allowance. Some flights have lower maximums.

• What is the extra baggage fee for economy class?

•     $200 is charged for the 3rd checked bag and $400 for the 4th+ bag in economy class. Overweight fees are $100 for bags 51-70 lbs (23-32 kg) and $200 for 71-100 lbs (33-45 kg).

• Can I pool checked baggage allowance on Korean Air?

•     Yes, passengers traveling together on the same itinerary can pool their checked baggage allowance if they are booked under the same record locator. So a family of 4 could check 2 bags per person.

• What happens if my bag exceeds the size or weight limit?

•     Oversized or overweight bags may be refused for transportation on Korean Air, even if you are willing to pay excess fees. Not all aircraft can accommodate oversized luggage.

• Can I bring alcohol in checked bags on Korean Air?

•     No, carrying alcohol in checked baggage is prohibited by Korean Air. Alcohol can only be transported in carry-on bags, limited to 5 liters total per passenger. Exceeding this limit can lead to confiscation or fines.

• What is the baggage allowance on Korean Air for unaccompanied minors?

•     Unaccompanied minors are allowed 1 checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg) free of charge on Korean Air in economy class. This is the standard adult free baggage allowance.

• Is there a limit on the declared value for lost baggage?

•     Yes, Korean Air limits liability for lost checked bags to approximately $1500 per passenger according to international agreements. Higher value items should be carried on.

• How soon can I expect compensation for damaged bags?

•     Korean Air aims to settle baggage claims within 30 days after receiving all required documentation. In some cases, processing damaged claims can take up to 60 days.

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