Korean Air Baggage Fees & Tips To Cover the Expenses (2024)

Korean Air has a pretty standard baggage policy when it comes to allowances. The number of complimentary checked bags and pricing for additional bags will vary by destination and a number of other factors.

Korean Air Carry-on Allowance

1 personal item: FREE
Standard carry-on bags:

  • Economy: 1 FREE
  • First/Prestige: 2 FREE

Size Restrictions

  • Personal: undisclosed
  • Standard: 15.7 x 7.9 x 21.6 inches (40 x 20 x 55 cm)
  • Total weight of personal + standard bags should not exceed 22 pounds (10 kg) for economy, 40 pounds (18 kg) for first/Prestige

Lap Infant Carry-on Policy

  • International: A infant can bring 1 piece up to 22 pounds (10 kg) and 45 inches (115 cm), 1 stroller, and1 car seat (or bassinet)
  • Domestic: An infant can bring 1 stroller and 1 car seat (or bassinet)

Stroller Check Policy:

  • “Large” strollers will not be permitted on the aircraft and will be checked at the gate free of charge

Korean Air Checked Baggage Allowance

All checked bags must adhere to a max weight of 50 pounds (23 kg) for economy (except Korea Domestic and to/from Brazil) and 70 pounds (32 kg) for first/Prestige fares; must adhere to max linear dimensions of 62 inches (158 cm).

Free baggage allowances regarding size, weight, and quantity of baggage vary with passenger itineraries, seating classes, and SKYPASS membership grades.

Korean Air advises passengers to use its baggage calculator for information on fees. We ran a few searches and found the following fees, but do check the calculator for your specific flight.

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RouteEconomy (23 kg)Prestige (32 kg)First (32 kg)
To/From America (U.S. and Canada)First Bag: FREE
Second Bag: FREE
3+ Bags: $200 each
First Bag: FREE
Second Bag: FREE
3+ Bags: $200 each
First Bag: FREE
Second Bag: FREE
Third Bag: FREE
4+ Bags: $200 each
Asia – Europe, Middle East, Africa, OceaniaFirst Bag: FREE
Second Bag: $130
3+ Bags: $200 each
First Bag: FREE
Second Bag: FREE
3+ Bags: $200 each
First Bag: FREE
Second Bag: FREE
Third Bag: FREE
4+ Bags: $200 each
Asia – GuamFirst Bag: FREE
Second Bag: $100
3+ Bags: $150 each
First Bag: FREE
Second Bag: FREE
3+ Bags: $150 each
First Bag: FREE
Second Bag: FREE
Third Bag: FREE
4+ Bags: $150 each
Korea – Northeast Asia/MongoliaFirst Bag: FREE
Second Bag: ₩70,000/$70
3+ Bags: ₩100,000/$100 each
First Bag: FREE
Second Bag: FREE
3+ Bags: ₩100,000/$100 each
First Bag: FREE
Second Bag: FREE
Third Bag: FREE
4+ Bags: ₩100,000/$100 each
Korea – Central/Southeast/Southwest Asia & Russia (Asian part)First Bag: FREE
Second Bag: ₩100,000/$100
3+ Bags: ₩150,000/$150 each
First Bag: FREE
Second Bag: FREE
3+ Bags: ₩150,000/$150 each
First Bag: FREE
Second Bag: FREE
Third Bag: FREE
4+ Bags: ₩150,000/$150 each
Within AsiaFirst Bag: FREE
Second Bag: $100
3+ Bags: $150 each
First Bag: FREE
Second Bag: FREE
3+ Bags: $150 each
First Bag: FREE
Second Bag: FREE
Third Bag: FREE
4+ Bags: $150 each
To/From Europe,
Middle East,
Africa, Oceania
First Bag: FREE
Second Bag: $130
3+ Bags: $200 each
First Bag: FREE
Second Bag: FREE
3+ Bags: $200 each
First Bag: FREE
Second Bag: FREE
Third Bag: FREE
4+ Bags: $200 each
Domestic KoreaFree Baggage
Allowance for Economy: 44 pounds (20 kg)
Free Baggage Allowance for Prestige: 66 pounds (30 kg)undisclosed

Additional/Excess Baggage Fees

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RouteOverweight
(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$200$200$400
Asia – Europe, Middle East, Africa, Oceania$100$200$200$400
Korea – Asia (Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macao, Mongolia)$50$100$100$200
Within Asia (excluding Korea ↔ Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macao, Mongolia/ including Guam, Palau)$75$150$150$300
To/From Europe, Middle East, Africa, Oceania$100$200$200$400
Domestic Korea₩2,000/$2 per kgN/Aundisclosedundisclosed

For baggage fees related to special luggage (sporting equipment, musical instruments, etc.) please refer to Korean Air’s policy.

Exclusions and Waivers

Depending on your SKYPASS membership grade, you are allowed to check extra baggage. Restrictions may apply if you’re flying with a SkyTeam partner or codeshare partners.

  • Morning Calm Club: 1 additional piece (70 pounds/32 kg) for first and Prestige classes, 50 pounds (23 kg) for economy class (when flying economy on itineraries to or from the Americas, additional 1 free baggage cannot be applied)
  • Morning Calm Premium Club: 1 additional piece (70 pounds/32 kg) for first and Prestige classes, 50 pounds (23 kg) for economy class
  • Million Miler Club in Economy, Prestige, and First Class: 1 additional piece (70 pounds/32 kg)

* In case of weight system, additional 22 pounds (10 kg) of baggage allowance for Morning Calm Club, additional 44 pounds (20 kg) for Morning Calm Premium Club, and 66 pounds (30 kg) for Million Miler Club.

SkyTeam Member

  • If you are an Elite or Elite Plus member of SkyTeam, you receive an extra allowance (22 pounds/10 kg for Elite, 44 pounds/20 kg for Elite Plus) or 1 additional bag where the piece concept applies. This depends on routing.

Can I Prepay for Baggage?

Korean Air does allow passengers the ability to prepay for luggage online from 48 hours before departure.*

Passengers need to log in to their booking from the Check-inarea of the Korean Air website to do this.

* Flights to/from the U.S., Canada, U.K., or Paris can check-in and prepay baggage from 24 hours prior to departure.

Credit Cards That Reimburse You for Checked Bag Fees

When flying Korean Air to/from the U.S. you receive 2 free checked bags, but if you need a third checked bag the price jumps to $200. Use one of the cards below to get reimbursed for some or all of your checked bag fees when flying Korean Air. Each card allows you to redeem Capital One miles for 1 cent each as a statement credit for previous travel purchases (within 90 days).

TOP PICK

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Learn More

(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

$1,350

$395

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent (740-840)

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

Pros

  • 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 5x miles per $1 on flights purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit on bookings made through Capital One Travel
  • Unlimited complimentary access for cardholder and 2 guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
  • 10,000 bonus miles awarded on your account anniversary each year
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
  • Add authorized users for no additional annual fee ()
  • No foreign transaction fees ()

Cons

  • $395 annual fee ()
  • Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status
  • Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
  • Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
  • Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
  • Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

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Rewards Center

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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Learn More

(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

$1,350

$95

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent Credit (670-850)

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Cardis one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

Pros

  • 5x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
  • No foreign transaction fees ()
  • Access to Capital One transfer partners

Cons

  • $95 annual fee ()
  • Limited elite benefits
  • Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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  • Travel Rewards Credit Cards
  • Best Sign Up Bonuses

Rewards Center

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Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Learn More

(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel.

20,000 miles

$360

$0

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

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In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

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  • No foreign transaction fees ()
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  • Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
  • No luxury travel or elite benefits
  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

  • Credit Card Reviews
  • Travel Rewards Credit Cards
  • No Annual Fee Cards

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

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To see more airline baggage fees and policies, click here.

Korean Air Baggage Fees & Tips To Cover the Expenses (2024)

FAQs

How to get discount on baggage fees? ›

How to Avoid Checked Baggage Fees
  1. Fly with certain airlines. ...
  2. Join a frequent flier program and choose the right credit card. ...
  3. Consider a fare upgrade. ...
  4. Pay for baggage ahead of time. ...
  5. Check baggage at the gate. ...
  6. Consider shipping your luggage. ...
  7. Pack light.
Feb 28, 2024

Does Korean Air give free checked bags? ›

Free Baggage Allowance

Korean Air provides one free baggage (23 kg) per Economy Class passenger.

Are baggage fees reimbursable? ›

If an airline has a mandatory first bag fee for checked baggage, the expense is considered reimbursable as long as the bag meets airline weight requirements.

How do I avoid excess baggage fees? ›

How to avoid paying checked baggage fees
  1. Know the fees. ...
  2. Use the right credit card. ...
  3. Book first or business class. ...
  4. Get elite status or fly with someone who has it. ...
  5. Use a military discount. ...
  6. Check your bag at the gate. ...
  7. Pack light.
Aug 18, 2023

How to buy extra baggage cheap? ›

Bag OPass - Buy multiple extra baggage for a lot less!

The Bag OPass (BP) is the most convenient and cheapest way to pre-purchase extra bags for multiple trips at a very low price (up to 50% less). Its much cheaper than buying extra bags separately for every trip. You can redeem your extra bags later when you fly.

Is it cheaper to add baggage later? ›

Hold luggage explained

Remember, although there is a charge for each hold item, it's always cheaper to book hold luggage online or via our customer service team before you arrive at the airport.

How strict is Korean air baggage? ›

International (excluding to/from America/Brazil)
Cabin ClassFree Baggage Allowance
First Class3 bags, 32kg or less each
Prestige Class2 bags, 32kg or less each
Economy Class1 bag, 23kg or less

How much carry-on luggage is allowed in Korean air? ›

Allowances
Cabin ClassPiecesWeight
First/Prestige Class2 Carry-on bags18kg(40lb)
Economy Class1 Carry-on bag + 1 personal item 110kg(22lb)

Can I purchase extra baggage in Korean air? ›

Additional baggage other than the free baggage allowance will be subject to excess charge per piece, and additional charges may be added depending on the weight and size.

Can baggage fees be refunded? ›

Baggage Fees - A consumer is entitled to a refund if the consumer paid a baggage fee and his or her baggage has been declared lost by the airline. Airlines may have different policies to determine when a bag is officially lost.

What is the maximum luggage reimbursem*nt? ›

Domestically, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires airlines "to compensate passengers for reasonable, verifiable, and actual incidental expenses that they may incur while their bags are delayed — subject to the maximum liability limits," which is $3,800.

Are extra baggage charges refundable? ›

Unused excess baggage weight cannot be refunded or used on subsequent or alternate flights.

How do I get my baggage fee waived? ›

These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
  1. Fly With Airlines That Don't Charge For Checked Baggage. ...
  2. Earn Elite Status With an Airline. ...
  3. Choose the Right Airline Credit Card. ...
  4. Choose a Travel Card With an Airline Fee Credit. ...
  5. Avoid Basic Economy. ...
  6. Pack Light and Don't Check a Bag.
Apr 18, 2024

What if my luggage is 1 kg overweight? ›

It depends on the airline. Some airlines will charge an additional fee for baggage that exceeds their standard allowance, while other airlines may waive the fee if the excess baggage is within a certain weight limit. Be sure to check the specific airline's baggage policies prior to travel.

How to sneak extra luggage? ›

Travel Hacks to Avoid Overweight Baggage Fees: How to 'Sneak a Little Extra Onboard'
  1. The Pillow Trick. ...
  2. Utilise duty-free bags. ...
  3. Travel in the heaviest clothing. ...
  4. Invest in a Travel Vest. ...
  5. Layer up. ...
  6. Invest in the best travel bag. ...
  7. Scrap the toiletries. ...
  8. Save space for souvenirs.
Dec 14, 2023

How can I pay less for extra baggage? ›

1. Pay for additional weight in advance. It's nearly always cheaper to book extra hold luggage in advance rather than paying excess baggage fees at the airport. Airlines know that keeping within weight/size limits is not always possible, so they encourage you to plan ahead by selling extra weight online.

What airlines do not charge baggage fees? ›

It's rare to find U.S. airlines with free checked baggage. Southwest Airlines is the only airline without any bag fees.

Which airline has the cheapest checked bag fee? ›

How much does it cost to check a bag?
CarrierFirst bagSecond bag
Frontier$55 to $99$75 to $89
Hawaiian$15 to $30$20 to $40
JetBlue$35 to $45$50 to $60
Southwest$0$0
5 more rows
Mar 22, 2024

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