What Is Korean Air's Baggage Policy? Allowance, Weight & Fees

If you are planning to explore Seoul's historical villages, places, temples, and street markets, you might consider taking a flight on Korean Air, as it flies from several European cities to Asian parts. When you have already confirmed the booking on Korean Air and want to make the complete trip hassle-free, get yourself the basic generous baggage policy of Korean Air before starting packing to understand the adequate baggage allowance per fare type. However, navigating to the Korean Air official website is not always an effortless task to know the rules; consequently, to make this task easier for you, we have enlisted the critical points of the Standard Baggage policy on Korean Air as well as the charges to check extra bags on Korean Air.

Korean Air Baggage Policy:

Korean Air Baggage Policy for carry-on and checked luggage may differ based on class type. In the following information, we have discussed both standard carry-on bags and checked bag limits, subject to the fare types.

Carry-on Baggage Allowance:

• Economy Class travelers are allowed to bring one personal item and an additional carry-on bag in the main cabin, but the weight of both bags should not exceed 22 lbs.
• Korean Air Premium class passengers can bring two carry-on bags and one personal item, although the total weight limit of both bags should not exceed 44 lbs. Along with the weight of the luggage, the size should not exceed 15.7*7.9*21.6 inches (40*20*55cm)
• Passengers flying with infants on Korean Air must remember that infants have the same baggage allowance; however, you can also bring one stroller and a car seat or bassinet. However, if you are flying on a domestic flight, as per the policy, travelers can take one stroller and one bassinet with no baggage allowance; otherwise, on international flights, customers can bring one additional piece of luggage up to 22 lbs along with a stroller or bassinet.
• Travelers can also take their musical instruments as carry-ons on Korean Air unless the total dimension of the instrument is not more than 45 inches. The instrument should fit in the overhead bin, although large instruments are not allowed in the main cabin.

Checked baggage allowance:

• The checked baggage allowance on Korean Air usually varies according to fare class, although the first checked luggage is accessible on every fare; therefore, the first checked luggage should not exceed 62 inches in total dimension and 50 lbs in total weight. 
• Korean Air Premium class travelers can bring one free checked luggage, and each checked bag must not maximize the weight limit of 70 lbs.
• Travelers who wish to bring more checked bags must pay additional charges based on the itinerary.
• If you have booked flights from/ to the U.S., you can take up to two checked bags in Economy and Prestige class, although first-class travelers can take three checked bags for free.
• Passengers flying on the route to/ from Brazil can take two checked bags for free in Economy and Prestige class; however, first-class passengers can bring three checked bags for free.

How much does it cost to check a bag on Korean Air?

According to the Korean Air Standard Checked bag policy, travelers can bring two checked bags for free in Economy and Prestige class, whether the first class passengers are eligible to check up to three bags for free. Still, each bag's weight limit should exceed the standard weight limit of 70 lbs. Otherwise, those passengers who are required to take additional luggage may need to pay the extra bag charges; therefore, the cost to check a bag on Korean Air may based on the travel route; here, we have listed the price of a bag on a few routes.

• Travelers flying on Korean Air from/to the U.S. must pay the third luggage charge of $200 each in all fare classes. If the bag is overweight, you should pay an extra $100 - $200 as overweight charges.
• Flying to/ from Brazil route, as per the Airline baggage policy, passengers should be required to pay $175 each for extra luggage and $175 to $350 as oversized bag charges on all Economy, Prestige, and First Class.
• If you are traveling to/from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, or Oceania, you can carry one check bag for free in Economy class. Otherwise, for other checked bags, you pay a second luggage fee of $130 and a third luggage fee of $200 on Prestige and first class.
• For passengers flying on the route to/ from Korea and Asia, the Airline is entitled to charge an extra luggage fee, which ranges between $70 and $100 and $100 to $200, as overweight and oversized bag charges.

How can you avoid extra luggage charges on Korean Air?

To prevent extra luggage charges on Korean Air, passengers should pack essentials in carry-on bags and other stuff in the checked bag before boarding the flight. You should also check that the bag does not exceed the standard size and weight limit issued by the Airline, or else you might need to pay.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much luggage is allowed on Korean Air?

You are allowed to carry up to 18 kg of cabin luggage and up to 32 kg of checked luggage, depending on your fare class and route.

Does Korean Airlines weigh a personal item?

Yes, Korean Airlines does weigh a personal item, and it is combined in the carry-on weight limit of up to 18 kg.

How strict is Korean Air with luggage?

Korean Air is quite strict with its luggage, especially with the weight of your carry-on, and may not allow you to exceed your limit.

Can I pay for extra baggage on Korean Air?

Yes, you can pay for extra baggage on Korean Air, either online in advance or at the airport.