Flying with Korean Air soon? You’re in for a great trip. The airline is well-known for its modern planes and extensive network, making it a popular choice for travellers to South Korea and around the world. Before you finish packing, though, take a moment to check the Korean Air baggage allowance, as it could save you some stress and extra fees at the airport.

In this quick and easy guide, we’ll go over the 2025 baggage rules, from carry-on sizes and checked luggage to sports equipment. You’ll also find some friendly tips on choosing a cabin bag or underseat bag that fits Korean Air’s size limits. With the right bag and a little planning, you can travel light and move smoothly through the airport.

Overview of Korean Air and Its Baggage Policy

Korean Air is the national carrier of South Korea, founded in 1969 and headquartered in Seoul. The airline now operates more than 160 planes from Airbus and Boeing. It connects Seoul with about 125 cities in 43 countries, including Tokyo, London, New York, and Paris.

Korean Air offers several travel classes to suit different needs, including Economy, Premium, Prestige, and First Class. Alongside its passenger and cargo services, the airline also takes part in aerospace projects.

Now, about the Korean Air baggage allowance. What you can take really depends on your ticket type and where you’re flying to. For carry-on baggage, most passengers can bring one bag weighing up to 10 kilograms, with the total size not exceeding 115 centimetres, plus one small personal item. In Economy Class, checked baggage is usually up to 23 kilograms. Prestige Class passengers, on the other hand, get up to 64 kilograms. If you’re travelling First Class, you may check in as much as 96 kilograms in total.

Korean Air Cabin Luggage Rules

Korean Air hand luggage explained.

If you are flying in Economy or Premium Class with Korean Air, one cabin bag is allowed, weighing up to 10 kilograms (around 22 pounds). Those travelling in Prestige or First Class are permitted two cabin bags, with a combined weight of up to 18 kilograms (around 40 pounds).

Korean Air baggage policy also says that each bag shouldn’t be bigger than 115 centimetres in total when you add up the length, width and height.

Along with your cabin bag, one personal item is also allowed on board at no extra cost. This could be a laptop bag, a briefcase or a small handbag, as long as it fits comfortably under the seat in front of you.

It’s also worth remembering that if you are flying on a codeshare flight, the baggage rules might not be the same as the Korean Air baggage allowance. It depends on which airline is operating the flight. Some countries and airports may also have their own rules about what you can bring into the cabin.

Here’s a little tip if you like to travel light and skip the stress of different cabin baggage rules, even with the pickiest airlines. The CabinZero 28L backpack is made to slide easily under the seat on most major airlines. It is super light, weighing only about 600 grams, and it has a separate laptop pocket plus a water-resistant coating. You will have more room for your things and won’t have to worry about a sudden bit of rain.

Each CabinZero backpack also comes with a lifetime warranty and an Okoban tracking tag, which can help you find your bag if it ever goes missing. Millions of travellers around the world already use it to avoid extra baggage fees. Get one for yourself and enjoy your next trip with Korean Air, completely carefree.

Korean Air Check-in Baggage Allowance

Korean Air’s free baggage allowance can vary depending on whether you are flying within South Korea or on an international route operated by the airline.

• For domestic flights, if you are travelling in Economy Class, you can check in up to 20 kilograms, which is about 44 pounds. If you are flying in Prestige Class, your allowance goes up to 30 kilograms, or around 66 pounds.

• For international flights, the allowance depends on where you are flying to and the type of ticket you hold. Here is a quick overview:

Korean Air Baggage Allowance For Children and Babies

If you are travelling with a baby or a young child, there’s some good news: the Korean Air baggage allowance gives you a little extra room.

• For those flying with an infant: One foldable stroller and either a car seat or a bassinet are permitted on domestic flights. For international flights, passengers are allowed to bring one foldable stroller, one car seat or bassinet, and one checked bag weighing up to 10 kilograms, with total dimensions not exceeding 115 centimetres.

• If you are travelling with a child: The allowance is the same as for an adult passenger, plus one foldable stroller and one car seat or bassinet. This applies to both domestic and international flights.

Korean Air offers extra baggage space for its youngest travellers. Photo by Angelov on Adobe Stock

Korean Air Baggage Policy on Excess Fees

If your bags are a bit over the free allowance, whether in number, weight or size, you may need to pay an extra fee. You can get an idea of how much this might be by checking your route and ticket type on Korean Air’s calculator before you travel.

In some countries, a single bag cannot exceed 32 kilograms or 158 centimetres in total size. This rule applies even if you have paid for excess baggage.  If your journey includes a codeshare flight with one of Korean Air’s partner airlines, their baggage rules might apply instead, so it is always best to check the details in advance.

Korean Air Sports Equipment and CPAP Policy

If you are planning to travel with sports gear or a CPAP machine, it is good to know how these items fit within Korean Air baggage allowance.

1. Travelling With Sports Equipment

Korean Air is happy to carry most types of sports equipment, including skis, golf clubs, diving gear and bicycles, as part of your checked baggage. To be accepted, your equipment should not be larger than 292 centimetres (115 inches) in total size or heavier than 32 kilograms (70 pounds).

In most cases, you will not need to pay an excess baggage fee if your sports equipment measures up to 158 centimetres, or 62 inches, in total size. This can be extended to 292 centimetres, or 115 inches, for certain items like golf bags, skis and snowboards, diving gear, bicycles, surfboards and fishing rods.

2. Bringing CPAP Machines

The Korean Air baggage policy allows passengers to use a CPAP machine on their flight, but they need to inform the airline at least 48 hours before departure. The device must be approved by the FAA and have enough battery power to last at least 150 per cent of your total flight time, as power outlets are not always available on board.

It is advisable to carry a doctor’s certificate and make sure your batteries meet airline safety rules. If your CPAP or portable oxygen concentrator uses lithium metal or lithium alloy batteries, they should have a lithium content of between 2 and 8 grams.

How to Get Your Korean Air Ticket

There are two simple ways to book your Korean Air flight: through the website or the mobile app.

1. Booking on the Korean Air Website

Photo captured on Korean Air’s website

Step 1: Find your flight

Head to koreanair.com and use the booking box on the homepage. Choose whether you want a one-way, return or multi-city trip. Then enter where you are flying from, your destination, travel dates, number of passengers and your preferred class. Once everything looks good, click “Search”.

Step 2: Choose your flight

You’ll see a list of ticket options. Take a moment to look through them and choose the one that best fits your travel plans. It’s valuable to check details such as the Korean Air check in baggage limit, change fees, and refund rules. When you’re ready, click “Book as guest” or “Book as member”.

Step 3: Add your details and pay

Next, fill in your personal details such as name, gender and date of birth. Click “Confirm”, then add your phone number and email so Korean Air can send your e-ticket and any flight updates. Press “Confirm” again to continue.

You can also choose your seat or pay for extra baggage on top of your standard Korean Air baggage allowance, if your ticket allows it. Finally, enter your credit or debit card details to complete the payment. Once that’s done, your booking is all set.

Photo captured on Korean Air’s website

2. Purchasing Through the Korean Air App

The Korean Air app makes booking a flight really simple. Buying your ticket, checking out special deals, and getting useful updates about your journey are all in one place.

Just download the app on your phone, whether you are using iOS or Android. Open it, create an account, and look for your flight. The steps are almost the same as booking through the website.

How to Check In With Korean Air

Once you are clear about Korean Air baggage restrictions, checking in is the next step to get ready for your flight.

1. Automated Check-in

It’s possible to register for automated check-in up to 48 hours before your flight. Just enter your booking reference or ticket number, your full name and the date of departure. If everything goes through successfully, your boarding pass will be sent automatically 24 hours before your flight. A few things to note:

• Automated check-in is not available if you are flying with another airline, need a visa for your destination, require airport staff assistance, such as travelling with a pet, or if you are under 19 and flying alone on a domestic route.

• Some airports do not offer automated check-in, so it is necessary to check in advance. This service is available at all airports in South Korea, Europe and the Americas.

• For domestic flights, plan to arrive at the departure area at least 30 minutes before take off, and around 60 minutes in advance for international flights.

Photo captured on Korean Air’s website

2. Online Check-in

Online check-in is available at koreanair.com/check-in or through the Korean Air app on your phone. Before getting started, double-check your Korean Air baggage allowance so you know exactly what you can bring on board.

• If you are flying within South Korea, online check-in is available from 48 hours up to 30 minutes before your flight.

• For most international routes, it is recommended to check in between 48 hours and 1 hour before departure.

• If you are flying to or from the US or Canada, the window is slightly shorter, from 24 hours to 1 hour before takeoff.

Some passengers may not be eligible for online check-in, just like with automated check-in. It is also helpful to check whether your departure airport offers this service before you travel.

3. Self-Check-in Kiosks

Kiosks are touch-screen machines that let you check in using your passport, booking reference, QR code, or e-ticket number. Seats can be selected, and boarding passes printed, all by yourself in just a few minutes, anytime from 18 hours before your flight.

• For domestic flights in South Korea, the kiosks close 30 minutes before departure.

• For international flights, they close 60 minutes before takeoff.

After collecting your boarding pass, any checked baggage can be dropped off at the automated baggage machine. If travelling with hand luggage only, head straight to the departure area.

Do note that some passengers may not be able to use the kiosks, such as those travelling with another airline, heading to a country that requires a visa, or needing staff assistance.

FAQs

1. How Much Luggage Is Allowed on Korean Air?

It depends on your ticket type and destination. Most passengers can bring one carry-on bag up to 10 kilograms, plus checked baggage. On international flights, Economy Class allows one 23-kilogram bag, Prestige or Business Class allows two 32-kilogram bags, and First Class allows three 32-kilogram bags. For domestic flights within South Korea, the limit is usually 20 kilograms.

2. Is Korean Air Strict With Carry-on Baggage?

Yes, Korean Air is quite careful about size and weight limits. Economy and Premium passengers can take one bag up to 10 kilograms and no more than 115 centimetres in total size. First and Prestige Class passengers are allowed to bring two bags with a combined weight of up to 18 kilograms. If your bag is only slightly over the limit, you might be asked you to check it in. So for safe measures, you should stick to 

3. How Much Does Korean Air Charge for Extra Baggage?

The fee for extra baggage depends on your route and whether your bag is overweight or an additional piece. For most international flights, a second checked bag usually costs around 100 to 130 US dollars, while any extra bags may cost between 150 and 200 US dollars each. If your bag weighs more than 23 kilograms but less than 32 kilograms, you’ll likely pay about 100,000 won (around 69 US dollars). Bags between 32 and 45 kilograms are charged about 200,000 won (around 139 US dollars).

Quyen Pham