Korean Air Baggage Fees (2026)
Quick summary
Korean Air is South Korea's flagship full-service carrier and runs two distinct free-baggage systems. On international routes to/from/via the US and Brazil it uses the piece concept (Economy 2 x 23 kg). On all other international routes it also applies the piece concept but Economy is typically 1 x 23 kg. Domestic Korean flights use a weight concept (20 kg total, unlimited pieces). Carry-on is 1 bag up to 10 kg plus a personal item. SkyTeam elite status and higher cabins increase the allowance.
At a glance
🎒 Personal item
1 personal item allowed in addition to the carry-on bag — a laptop bag, handbag, or small item that fits under the seat in front of you. Its weight counts toward the combined cabin baggage limit.
🧳 Carry-on
Economy: 1 carry-on bag up to 10 kg (22 lb) plus 1 personal item; the carry-on must not exceed 115 cm total dimensions (about 55 x 40 x 20 cm). Business/First passengers may bring 2 carry-on bags up to a combined 18 kg.
Korean Air checked bag fees
| Economy included (US / Brazil routes — piece concept) | 2 x 23 kg |
| Economy included (other international routes — piece concept) | 1 x 23 kg |
| Prestige (Business) included (US / Brazil) | 2 x 32 kg |
| First included (US / Brazil) | 3 x 32 kg |
| Economy included (domestic Korea — weight concept) | 20 kg total |
| Max size per checked bag | 158 cm (total L+W+H) |
🔁 Change & cancellation
Change and refund rules vary by fare family. Flexible economy and Prestige/First fares allow changes with low or no fees, while Economy Saver and promotional fares carry penalties and may be partly non-refundable. For tickets issued after 30 June 2025, certain Economy Saver fares on some routes are limited to 1 checked bag. SKYPASS award tickets follow separate redeposit rules.
Other common fees
| Excess / additional bag (US routes) | Approx. USD 200 per extra bag |
| Excess / additional bag (other international) | Varies by region — approx. USD 60–140 per bag |
| Overweight bag (23–32 kg) | Additional fee per bag, varies by route |
How to avoid extra fees
- Watch the route: US/Brazil flights give Economy 2 free bags, but most other international routes give only 1 — check before you pack a second suitcase.
- Domestic Korean flights use a weight concept (20 kg total across any number of bags), unlike the piece system used internationally.
- SkyTeam Elite Plus members receive an extra free checked bag on most routes.
- Korean Air staff frequently weigh cabin bags at check-in — keep your carry-on at or under 10 kg in Economy.
Korean Air baggage — FAQ
How many free checked bags does Korean Air Economy include?
On US and Brazil routes Economy includes 2 free bags up to 23 kg each (piece concept). On most other international routes Economy includes 1 free bag up to 23 kg. Domestic Korean flights allow 20 kg total by weight.
Why is my Korean Air baggage allowance different than a friend's?
Korean Air sets allowance by route region and fare. US/Brazil itineraries get more pieces, and some Economy Saver fares issued after 30 June 2025 are capped at 1 bag, so two passengers on different routes or fares can differ.
What is Korean Air's carry-on limit in Economy?
1 carry-on bag up to 10 kg and no more than 115 cm total dimensions, plus 1 personal item.
Sources
This guide is independent and not affiliated with Korean Air. Baggage fees and policies change often and vary by route, fare type, and date — always confirm on the airline's official website before booking or flying.