Korean Air Baggage Allowance: Carry-On Policy International, Fees

When packing for a vacation, people often try to bring everything they want and forget that airlines impose weight restrictions. Therefore, it’s essential to read the airline’s baggage policy beforehand, as there are limitations. Korean Air has a detailed baggage policy that varies based on the class of service. Additionally, the airline imposes significant fees for overweight and oversized baggage. So, before flying with Korean Air, it’s crucial to understand their baggage policies. Let’s dive in.

Korean Air Baggage Allowance for In-Cabin Items

According to Korean Air’s baggage policy, passengers are allowed to carry personal items in addition to their carry-on baggage in the cabin. The allowances differ depending on the class of service:

Economy Class Baggage Rules

Passengers in economy class can bring one personal item, such as a laptop bag, tote, or briefcase, along with one carry-on bag. The combined weight of these items must not exceed 10 kg.

First/Prestige Class Baggage Rules

For First and Prestige Class passengers, the total weight of carry-on items must not exceed 18 kg. The airline allows two carry-on bags in these classes.

Maximum Dimensions for Carry-On Baggage

Carry-on baggage must not exceed 45 inches in total dimensions or 20x55x40 cm.
It is advisable to carry bags that fit under the seat or in the overhead bin.
Note that carry-on baggage allowances may vary for codeshare flights.
If your carry-on exceeds the weight limit, it will be counted as checked baggage.

Korean Air Checked Baggage Allowance

Checked baggage allowances vary depending on the route and class of service. Korean Air applies different rules for domestic and international flights:

Domestic Flights

• Economy Class: 20 kg
• Prestige/First Class: 30 kg

Flights to/from Brazil

• First Class: 3 bags, up to 32 kg each
• Prestige Class: 2 bags, up to 32 kg each
• Economy Class: 2 bags, up to 32 kg each

Flights to/from America

• First Class: 3 bags, up to 32 kg each
• Prestige Class: 2 bags, up to 32 kg each
• Economy Class: 2 bags, up to 23 kg each

Other International Flights

• First Class: 3 bags, up to 32 kg each
• Prestige Class: 2 bags, up to 32 kg each
• Economy Class: 1 bag, up to 32 kg

Maximum Dimensions for Checked Baggage
Checked baggage should not exceed 62 inches (158 cm) in total dimensions. Keep these points in mind:

• Use flexible and durable fabric baggage.
• Attach a tag with your name, phone number, and address to your baggage.
• Korean Air charges additional fees for extra baggage.

Baggage Policy for Infants and Unaccompanied Minors

Infants
Adults traveling with an infant can carry a foldable stroller and car seat at no extra charge. Infants also have a free baggage allowance of one bag weighing less than 10 kg.

Unaccompanied Minors
Children are allowed the same baggage allowance as adults, including a foldable stroller and car seat.

Baggage Allowance for Korean Air SkyPass Members

SkyPass members receive additional baggage allowances based on their membership status:

Morning Calm Club

• Prestige/First Class: 1 extra bag (32 kg)
• Economy: 1 extra bag (23 kg)
• Weight concept: 10 kg extra

Morning Calm Premium Club

• Prestige/First Class: 1 extra bag (32 kg)
• Economy: 1 extra bag (23 kg)
• Weight concept: 20 kg extra

Million Miler Club

• 1 extra bag (32 kg) regardless of fare class
• Weight concept: 30 kg extra

How to Purchase Extra Baggage on Korean Air

Passengers can add extra baggage via the Korean Air website, by calling customer service, or at the airport. Purchasing baggage online is generally more affordable.

Online

1. Visit the Korean Air website and select “Manage Booking.”
2. Log in and choose “Add Baggage.”
3. Select the number of bags, input weight and size, and pay the fee.
4. Check your email for the updated itinerary.

Customer Service

1. Call Korean Air and request to add baggage.
2. Provide booking details and the number of bags.
3. Pay the excess baggage fee.

At the Airport
You can also add baggage at the airport counter, but this is generally more expensive than online.

Extra Baggage Fees

The fee for additional baggage varies based on the route and class of service:

Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees

If your baggage exceeds the weight or size limits, you will be charged additional fees based on your route and class:

Traveling with Special Baggage on Korean Air

Passengers can bring special items such as sports equipment and musical instruments as either carry-on or checked baggage, provided they meet size and weight restrictions.

Musical Instruments

• Carry-On: Instruments like violins can be carried on if they meet the size restrictions (45 inches).
• Checked Baggage: Larger instruments can be checked in, but must be properly packed to avoid damage. A liability form may be required.

Sports Equipment

• Golf Bags/Snowboards: Must not exceed 23 kg in economy class, 32 kg in first/prestige class.
• Scuba Diving Gear: No extra charge if within 115 inches.
• Bicycles: Must be packed in a hard case with pedals removed.
• Surfboards: Remove fins and pack in a shipping bag.
• Fishing Gear: Considered as one item of checked baggage, max 23 kg.
• Hockey Equipment: Stick and other items count as one checked baggage item.

Domestic Routes: Equipment like golf bags, snowboards, and bicycles must not exceed 292 cm.
International Routes: Max weight of 32 kg, and dimensions should not exceed 115 inches.

Rules for Electric Wheelchairs

Lithium-ion battery-operated wheelchairs are allowed, with non-detachable batteries checked in, and detachable ones permitted in the cabin.

Restricted Items on Korean Air

Certain items are restricted or prohibited on flights, including flammable materials, pressurized gas containers, and electronic devices with lithium batteries.

What to Do if Korean Air Delays, Damages, or Loses Your Baggage

In case of delayed, damaged, or lost baggage, passengers should contact Korean Air immediately:

• Delayed or Lost Bags: Report within 21 days, and fill out a Property Irregularity Report (PID).
• Damaged Baggage: Report within 7 days. Korean Air is not responsible for minor damages like scratches. If TSA has inspected your baggage, contact them directly for damage claims.

Tips for Traveling with Baggage on Korean Air

• Attach a tag with your contact details to all checked baggage.
• Inform Korean Air in advance about any special baggage like sports equipment.
• Ensure the baggage allowance matches the one indicated on your ticket.
• Check the baggage policy if you change flights.

Tips for Traveling with Baggage on Korean Air Flights

• Label Your Baggage: Ensure that your checked baggage has a tag with your name, contact number, and address clearly marked.
• Notify the Airline About Special Baggage: If you plan to travel with special items like sports equipment, inform Korean Air in advance.
• Check Baggage Allowance: Korean Air specifies the maximum baggage allowance for each class on your ticket. Be sure to review this information while packing.
• Unnamed Baggage: Any checked baggage without a name tag will be sent to the lost and found counter, where you can retrieve it.
• Baggage Weight on Connecting Flights: If you change flights on Korean Air, the baggage weight allowance will be based on the new flight’s policy.
• Applicable Baggage Policy: Korean Air’s baggage policy only applies to flights operated by Korean Air. For codeshare or interline flights, check the specific policy of the operating airline.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I add baggage on Korean Air?
You can purchase additional baggage through the Korean Air website by logging into the “Manage My Booking” section. Alternatively, you can call the airline or add baggage at the airport.

What is the checked baggage allowance on Korean Air domestic flights?
For domestic flights, Korean Air allows a maximum weight of 20 kg in Economy Class and 30 kg in Prestige and First Class.

What is the fee for overweight baggage on Korean Air flights to/from America?
The following charges apply for overweight baggage on flights to/from America:

• 24 to 32 kg: USD 100
• 32 to 45 kg: USD 200 per passenger

Can I bring two bags in Prestige Class on Korean Air for flights to/from America?
Yes, passengers in Prestige Class are allowed to bring up to two pieces of baggage for free. Additional pieces will incur a charge of USD 200 per bag.

Can I carry a baby stroller on Korean Air?
Yes, under Korean Air’s baggage policy for children and infants, you can bring a foldable stroller or a car seat at no extra charge. However, it will count toward your standard carry-on allowance.

What items are considered special baggage by Korean Air?
Korean Air considers sports equipment, musical instruments, and electric wheelchairs as special baggage.

What is the contact number for lost and found on Korean Air?
Korean Air has different contact numbers for each country. For the USA, the lost and found department can be reached at +1 866-289-9673.

What are the maximum dimensions for carry-on and checked bags on Korean Air?
The maximum size for carry-on bags is 45 inches (length + breadth + height), while checked bags can be up to 115 inches (length + breadth + height).