Korean Air: Korean Air was established in 1969 as the national airline of South Korea and is headquartered in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. The airline's main hubs are Seoul Incheon (ICN) and Seoul Gimpo (GMP) airports. With an IATA code of KE and an ICAO code of KAL, Korean Air has a vast global network as a member of the SkyTeam alliance. As of 2024, it has a fleet of 162 aircraft, consisting of 139 passenger planes and 23 cargo planes.
Korean Air: The airline operates flights to a total of 116 cities in 40 countries and is known as a full-service airline. The total number of passengers it carries annually reaches approximately 23.54 million. The airline is recognized for its high-quality service and holds a prestigious position internationally.
Korean Air: The passenger cabins and fare structures of Korean Air vary according to flexibility and service level. The "Flex" package offers the highest level of flexibility and service, while the "Standard" and "Saver" packages provide more economical options. Flex generally provides a wider baggage allowance, free seat selection, and flexibility for flight changes. With these flexibilities, Korean Air aims to provide its passengers with comfort and options during their travels, creating a unique experience. While the airline stands out with its extensive fleet and global destination network, it is committed to offering its passengers a comfortable and safe flying experience as a full-service carrier.
Korean Air: Korean Air has a wide destination network worldwide, serving a total of 116 cities in 40 countries. The airline's main hubs are Seoul Incheon (ICN) and Seoul Gimpo (GMP) airports, from which both domestic and international flights are operated. Korean Air has a broad geographical coverage from Asia to Europe, and from the Americas to the Middle East. Among its most popular routes are flights from Seoul to major metropolises such as Tokyo, Beijing, Los Angeles, and New York.Korean Air: As a member of the SkyTeam alliance, Korean Air has codeshare agreements with many international airlines through this network. These agreements provide passengers with the opportunity to reach more destinations and create more flexible travel plans. Korean Air also offers seasonal routes, particularly operating additional flights to holiday destinations during the summer months. Korean Air's extensive destination network and collaborations enable passengers to easily reach many points around the world.
Korean Air - Baggage Policy
Carry-On Baggage: Korean Air passengers have different carry-on baggage allowances depending on their cabin class. Economy and Premium Class passengers may carry 1 piece of cabin baggage and 1 personal item, not exceeding a total of 10 kg. Personal items must fit under the seat and should be approximately 40 x 30 x 15 cm in size. First and Prestige Class passengers are allowed 2 pieces of cabin baggage with a total weight of up to 18 kg. Each piece must have dimensions not exceeding a total of 115 cm or approximately 55 x 40 x 20 cm.Checked Baggage: On international flights, Economy (Saver) class passengers are entitled to 1 piece of checked baggage weighing 23 kg, while Economy (excluding Saver) and Premium class passengers also have 1 piece weighing 23 kg. Prestige Class passengers can check in 2 pieces weighing 32 kg each, and First Class passengers can check in 3 pieces weighing 32 kg each for free. The total dimensions of each piece must not exceed 158 cm. Additional baggage can be purchased at the airport or online for an extra fee. There are also allowances for collapsible strollers and car seats/bassinets for child and infant passengers.Special Baggage: Special items include sports equipment, musical instruments, and strollers. If the stroller size exceeds 115 cm, it can be used up to the airport gate but must be handed over at the gate. Sports equipment and musical instruments may generally be included in standard free allowances or may require excess fees. For pets, cabin transport is possible for certain small cats and dogs, provided the total weight including the carrier does not exceed 7 kg. Larger animals are transported via cargo or baggage section.
Korean Air - Check-in & Seat Selection
Check-in Options: Korean Air passengers can start online check-in approximately 24 hours before the flight and it ends 1 to 1.5 hours prior to departure. Mobile check-in can be done through the Korean Air mobile app and is active during similar time frames. Self-service kiosks and counters at the airport can also be used for check-in. For international flights, counters usually close 40-60 minutes before departure. You can obtain your boarding pass in digital or printed format via the app, website, kiosk, or counter. An automatic check-in feature may also be available, allowing your boarding pass to be sent directly via email or the mobile app.Seat Selection: Seat selection on Korean Air is offered for free or at a low fee for most standard economy tickets. However, for cheaper fares and premium seat options like "Preferred/Extra legroom," a fixed fee may apply depending on distance, route, and fare class. It is generally possible to make free seat selections during online check-in. For Business Class passengers, seat selection is typically free at the time of booking, and advantageous seats such as those with more legroom or in the emergency exit row can be chosen.
Korean Air - Meal Service
Korean Air offers its passengers a variety of meal options based on flight duration and class. Economy Class passengers enjoy complimentary hot meals featuring the flavors of Korean cuisine; traditional dishes such as bibimbap and ssambap, as well as seafood rice, stand out. Non-alcoholic beverages are also included in this class. On long-haul flights, snacks are limited and provided in a standard serving.
Business Class (Prestige) passengers experience a richer dining experience; gourmet Korean menus, snacks like ramen, cookies, pizza, and beef jerky, along with premium wine options are available. For passengers with special dietary requirements, vegetarian, vegan, halal, and kosher menu options are available, and special meals can also be provided for children and infants. These special meals can be requested through pre-order on the website or mobile app up to 21 days to 24 hours before the flight date. On short-haul flights, the service may be simpler and more limited.
Korean Air - Loyalty Program
Korean Air's loyalty program is called SKYPASS. With SKYPASS, the earning of miles varies according to the ticket class on Korean Air flights and is also possible through flights with SkyTeam member airlines and other partner airlines. You can redeem the miles you earn for award tickets, upgrades, and various additional services on Korean Air and partner airlines. The program generally includes levels such as Member, Morning Calm, Morning Calm Premium, and Milia Club. Higher levels offer benefits such as lounge access, extra baggage allowance, priority check-in, and boarding. Additionally, with SKYPASS credit cards offered in partnership with banks in Korea and certain countries, you can earn extra miles through card spending and use these miles for your travels.
Korean Air - Travel Classes
Flex: Korean Air's Flex package offers passengers the maximum flexibility and comfort. Passengers traveling with this package typically have a higher baggage allowance and can choose their seats for free before the flight. The meals served on board are generally of high quality, and various options are available for those with special dietary needs. The Flex package also provides the greatest flexibility regarding ticket changes and cancellations, making it ideal for passengers who need to adjust their travel plans.Standard: The Standard package offers a mid-level experience and can be a balanced option for many passengers. This package typically includes baggage allowance and in-flight meals. Passengers can usually select their seats in advance, but it is somewhat more limited in flexibility compared to the Flex package. The Standard package provides a good option for passengers seeking both comfort and affordability.Saver: Korean Air's lowest fare package, Saver, offers a basic flight experience. This package provides basic seat and meal service, while services such as baggage allowance, free seat selection, and ticket change/cancellation flexibility are more restricted. This package is suitable for budget-conscious travelers with fixed travel plans.
Korean Air - Cancellation & Changes
Cancellation Policy: Korean Air's ticket cancellation policies vary depending on the fare class and route. While fully flexible tickets allow for penalty-free cancellations, promotional economy tickets generally have limited cancellation options or partial refunds. For certain tickets originating from the US and Korea, a penalty-free cancellation and full refund is offered if cancelled within 24 hours of purchase.Change Rules: Date and route changes can be made through the "My Trips / Change Reservation" menu. An international service fee of 30,000 KRW applies for these transactions. Flexible tickets offer more advantages regarding changes. However, changing the passenger's name is generally not permitted.Refund Process: Refund requests must be made within 30 days from the expiration of the ticket validity period. Refunds for tickets purchased by card are completed within 7 business days, while those purchased with cash or check are completed within 20 days. In case of no-show, a penalty ranging from 100,000 to 300,000 KRW may be applied depending on the ticket class.
Korean Air - Seat Comfort & Entertainment
Seat Comfort and Legroom: Korean Air provides passengers with a comfortable travel experience by offering approximately 79–81 cm of legroom in narrow-body aircraft in Economy Class and 84–86 cm in wide-body long-haul aircraft. Seat width varies between 43–46 cm on most aircraft and is typically fabric-covered. Economy Class seats offer a comfortable seating experience with approximately 10–15° recline, while Prestige (business) class features lie-flat seats with a reclining length of 150–190 cm and wider side spaces, making the journey more comfortable. In First Class, closed or semi-closed suite-type seats provide maximum privacy and comfort for passengers.In-Flight Entertainment: Korean Air offers a wide range of entertainment options to passengers by providing personal screens on a large portion of its aircraft. On long-haul flights, the screens are typically 30–33 cm in diameter and are equipped with a comprehensive library containing hundreds of movies, series, music, and games. Additionally, the new wide-body fleet features USB ports and 110V power outlets at every seat. Wi-Fi service is also available on selected aircraft, typically provided for a data package or a fixed fee per flight. On short-haul and some regional flights, screen sizes may be smaller.
Korean Air - Special Services
Unaccompanied Minor Service: Korean Air offers an unaccompanied minor service for children aged 5 to 11, and this service is mandatory for this age group. For those aged 12 to 16, it is available optionally. This service must be requested during the booking process, and there is a fixed service fee that varies according to the flight distance.Pregnant Passenger Policy: For pregnant passengers, a doctor's report and flight permission are required after the 32nd week and in cases of high-risk pregnancies. Flights are mostly restricted after the 36th to 38th week, and these limits may vary depending on the route and type of pregnancy.Assistance for Disabled Passengers: Korean Air provides free special assistance services for passengers with wheelchairs and limited mobility. This service includes escort assistance from check-in to the aircraft.Other Services: On long-haul flights, bassinets are provided for infants with prior reservation. Korean Air Elite/Prestige class passengers can benefit from advantages such as priority boarding. Additionally, paid VIP/CIP lounge and meet-and-greet services are available at selected airports.
Korean Air - Pet Transport Policy
Pet Travel in Cabin: When traveling with Korean Air, pets such as cats and small dogs can be transported in the cabin. The total weight, including the carrier, must not exceed 7 kg. The dimensions of the carrier should be approximately 45 x 32 x 20 cm. Pets must be positioned between the passenger's legs or under the front seat.Transport in Cargo/Baggage Section: Larger pets can be transported in the cargo section. In this case, the weight limit is 32 kg. Certain breeds and species cannot be transported in the cargo section for safety reasons. Special transport boxes must be sturdy and secure against escape.Required Documents and Rules: An up-to-date veterinary health certificate, vaccination records, and microchip information are required for pets. There are special arrangements for service or support animals, which must be notified in advance. It is important for passengers wishing to transport pets to provide this information at the time of booking.
Korean Air - Travel Tips
To catch the best prices on your travels with Korean Air, consider purchasing your tickets as early as possible. Flexible dates, especially opting for mid-week flights, can often offer more economical options. If you are looking for comfort in seat selection, exit row seats provide more legroom. For a comfortable journey, seats at the front of the aircraft may be preferred, as these areas are generally quieter and allow for quicker disembarkation.
You can use Terminal 2 for Korean Air flights at Seoul Incheon Airport. If you have access to the SkyTeam Lounge in this terminal, you can relax before your flight. On connecting flights, you can save time by instantly checking your flight information and gate changes through the mobile app. Korean Air's mobile app offers many practical features such as check-in procedures and flight information tracking.
The information on this page about Korean Air is for general informational purposes only. Airlines may change their baggage rules, travel classes, cancellation/change policies and other services without prior notice. For the most current and accurate information, please visit the official Korean Air website. Tripuck cannot be held responsible for any changes to this information.
Carry-On Baggage: Korean Air passengers have different carry-on baggage allowances depending on their cabin class. Economy and Premium Class passengers may carry 1 piece of cabin baggage and 1 personal item, not exceeding a total of 10 kg.
Check-in Options: Korean Air passengers can start online check-in approximately 24 hours before the flight and it ends 1 to 1.5 hours prior to departure.
Korean Air operates flights to 114 cities in 45 countries. China, Japan, South Korea are among its most popular destinations.
Korean Air ticket prices vary by route and date. The current lowest fare starts from £106. Use the search box above for the latest prices.
Korean Air offers its passengers a variety of meal options based on flight duration and class. Economy Class passengers enjoy complimentary hot meals featuring the flavors of Korean cuisine; traditional dishes such as bibimbap and ssambap, as well as seafood rice, stand out.
Korean Air's loyalty program is called SKYPASS. With SKYPASS, the earning of miles varies according to the ticket class on Korean Air flights and is also possible through flights with SkyTeam member airlines and other partner airlines.
Cancellation Policy: Korean Air's ticket cancellation policies vary depending on the fare class and route. While fully flexible tickets allow for penalty-free cancellations, promotional economy tickets generally have limited cancellation options or partial refunds.
Pet Travel in Cabin: When traveling with Korean Air, pets such as cats and small dogs can be transported in the cabin. The total weight, including the carrier, must not exceed 7 kg.