Korean Air Baggage Allowance 2025: Complete Size & Weight Guide

Check your luggage against Korean Air's baggage requirements instantly. Our free tool helps you avoid excess baggage fees and ensure smooth travel on Korean Air flights across their global network.

✈️ Updated for 2025 baggage policies

📏 Instant size and weight verification

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Carry On Size Checker

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Carry-On Baggage

Economy: 1×10kg

Prestige/First: 2×18kg total

Max size: 55×33×20 cm

Checked Baggage

Economy: 23kg

Prestige: 32kg

First: 50kg

Personal Item

1 item allowed

Max: 40×30×10 cm

Counts toward weight limit

Korean Air Baggage Allowance Policy Guide

Korean Air, South Korea's flag carrier and largest airline, maintains comprehensive baggage allowance policies that reflect its position as a leading global carrier. As a founding member of SkyTeam alliance, Korean Air serves an extensive network spanning six continents with a fleet of modern aircraft. Their baggage policies are designed to accommodate diverse travel needs while maintaining operational excellence. This complete guide covers everything you need to know about Korean Air's baggage policies for 2025.

Korean Air Carry-On Baggage Rules

Korean Air's carry-on baggage policy offers generous weight allowances across all cabin classes. The airline allows 10kg for Economy passengers and up to 18kg for premium cabin passengers, exceeding many competitors' offerings. Korean Air strictly enforces size limits to ensure overhead bin space for all passengers on their modern fleet.

Carry-On Specifications:

  • Maximum dimensions: 55×33×20 cm (21×13×9 inches)
  • Total linear dimensions: Not exceeding 115 cm
  • Economy Class: 1 piece up to 10kg
  • Prestige Class: 2 pieces up to 18kg total
  • First Class: 2 pieces up to 18kg total

Korean Air Checked Baggage Allowance

Korean Air operates on both weight and piece concepts depending on your destination. Routes to the Americas follow the piece concept, while routes to Asia, Europe, Middle East, and Africa use the weight concept. Your Korean Air baggage allowance varies based on your destination, fare type, and cabin class, with premium cabins enjoying substantially enhanced limits.

Weight Concept (Asia/Europe/Middle East/Africa):

  • Economy Class: 23kg total weight
  • Prestige Class: 32kg total weight
  • First Class: 50kg total weight
  • Maximum 32kg per individual piece
  • Multiple pieces allowed within weight limit

Korean Air Excess Baggage Fees 2025

Understanding Korean Air's excess baggage fees helps you avoid unexpected costs at the airport. The airline charges for both additional pieces and overweight baggage, with fees varying significantly by route. Pre-purchasing additional baggage online provides substantial savings compared to airport rates.

💡 Pro Tip: Purchase extra baggage online at least 24 hours before departure to save up to 30% on excess baggage fees. Korean Air's website and mobile app offer convenient advance purchase options with special discounted rates.

SKYPASS Elite Baggage Benefits

Morning Calm Members

  • Morning Calm: Extra 10kg or 1 piece
  • Morning Calm Premium: Extra 20kg or 1 piece
  • Priority baggage handling
  • SkyPriority check-in

Million Miler Members

  • Extra 30kg or 2 pieces
  • First priority baggage delivery
  • Exclusive check-in counters
  • Prestige Lounge access

Korean Air Fare Types & Baggage

Fare Type Carry-On Checked Baggage Changes/Refunds
Economy Saver 1×10kg No checked baggage Non-refundable, high change fees
Economy Standard 1×10kg 23kg (weight concept)
1×23kg (Americas)
Change fee applies
Economy Flex 1×10kg 23kg (weight concept)
1×23kg (Americas)
Flexible changes
Prestige Class 2 pieces, 18kg total 32kg (weight concept)
2×32kg (Americas)
Free changes
First Class 2 pieces, 18kg total 50kg (weight concept)
3×32kg (Americas)
Free changes and refunds

* Baggage allowances may vary for specific routes. Always verify your specific allowance on your booking confirmation.

Special Baggage on Korean Air

Sports Equipment

Korean Air accepts various sports equipment as part of your regular baggage allowance or as excess baggage. Special handling ensures your equipment arrives safely at your destination.

  • Golf bags: Count as 1 piece within allowance
  • Ski/snowboard: Within allowance if under limits
  • Surfboards: Up to 277cm, additional fees may apply
  • Bicycles: Must be properly packed, standard fees

Musical Instruments

Korean Air provides special consideration for musical instruments, understanding their value and fragility. Options include carry-on, checked baggage, or purchasing an extra seat for valuable instruments.

  • Small instruments: Carry-on if within 10kg
  • Guitars: May require seat purchase
  • Cellos: Extra seat recommended
  • Large instruments: Cargo handling available

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Korean Air's carry-on baggage size limit?

Korean Air allows carry-on luggage with maximum dimensions of 21 x 13 x 9 inches (55 x 33 x 20 cm). The total linear dimensions must not exceed 115 cm. Economy Class passengers can bring 1 piece up to 10kg, while Prestige (Business) and First Class passengers can bring 2 pieces up to 18kg total (or 1 piece up to 18kg).

How much does Korean Air charge for excess baggage?

Korean Air's excess baggage fees vary by route. For domestic Korea flights, fees range from KRW 2,000-3,000 per kg. For international flights, fees typically range from USD 20-200 for an additional piece or USD 10-60 per kg depending on the destination. Pre-purchasing extra baggage online offers savings of up to 30%.

Can I bring a personal item on Korean Air?

Yes, Korean Air allows one personal item in addition to your carry-on baggage. This can be a small handbag, laptop bag, or briefcase that must fit under the seat in front of you. The personal item should not exceed 40 x 30 x 10 cm and is included in your total carry-on weight allowance.

What is Korean Air's checked baggage weight limit?

Korean Air's checked baggage allowance varies by route and class. For most international routes, Economy allows 23kg (1 piece to Americas, 23kg weight concept to other regions), Prestige Class allows 32kg (2 pieces to Americas, 32kg weight concept elsewhere), and First Class allows 32kg (3 pieces to Americas, 50kg weight concept elsewhere).

Does Korean Air have special baggage rules for SKYPASS members?

Yes, SKYPASS elite members receive additional baggage benefits. Morning Calm members get an extra 10kg or one additional piece, Morning Calm Premium members receive 20kg extra or one additional piece, and Million Miler members enjoy 30kg extra or two additional pieces, plus priority baggage handling.

What items are prohibited in Korean Air baggage?

Korean Air prohibits dangerous goods including explosives, flammable liquids, compressed gases, and toxic substances. Lithium batteries over 160Wh are banned. Power banks and e-cigarettes must be in carry-on only with a maximum of 100Wh (up to two spare batteries of 100-160Wh allowed with approval).

Can I pool baggage allowance with family members on Korean Air?

Yes, Korean Air allows baggage pooling for passengers traveling together on the same reservation. The total weight can be distributed among bags, but each individual bag must not exceed 32kg (70 lbs) for safety regulations. This is particularly helpful for families traveling with children.

How early should I arrive for Korean Air baggage check-in?

Korean Air recommends arriving at least 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic flights. Check-in counters typically close 60 minutes before international departure and 40 minutes before domestic flights. Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure and closes 1 hour before.

Korean Air Baggage Tips

Packing Smart

  • • Use Korean Air mobile app for check-in
  • • Pre-purchase extra baggage online for savings
  • • Take advantage of 10kg carry-on allowance
  • • Consider SKYPASS membership benefits
  • • Use luggage scales before departure

At the Airport

  • • Check in online 24 hours before
  • • Arrive 3 hours early for international
  • • Use self-service kiosks where available
  • • Keep valuables in carry-on
  • • Ensure proper bag tagging

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