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Korean Air Baggage Fees and Tips To Cover the Expenses

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Erin Miller
Updated: 
Edited by: Keri Stooksbury
& Jestan Mendame
Korean Air Baggage Fees and Tips To Cover the Expenses
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Key Takeaways

  • Korean Air’s baggage policy allows for generous allowances on international flights, typically including 2 free checked bags in economy class for flights to and from the U.S. and Canada.
  • SKYPASS members are permitted extra checked allowance that varies by tier.
  • Excess baggage fees apply for overweight, oversized, or additional bags beyond the free allowance, with specific fees varying by route and fare class.

Korean Air has pretty standard baggage policy allowances. The number of complimentary checked bags and pricing for additional bags will vary by destination and 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: 11.8 x 5.9 x 15.7 inches (30 x 15 x 40 centimeters)
  • Standard: 15.7 x 7.9 x 21.6 inches (40 x 20 x 55 centimeters)
  • Total weight of personal plus standard bags should not exceed 22 pounds (10 kilograms) for economy, 40 pounds (18 kilograms) for first/Prestige

Lap Infant Carry-on Policy

  • International: An infant can bring 1 piece up to 22 pounds (10 kilograms) and 45 inches (115 centimeters), 1 foldable stroller, and 1 car seat (or bassinet)
  • Domestic: An infant can bring 1 foldable stroller and 1 car seat (or bassinet)

Stroller Check Policy:

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

Korean Air Checked Baggage Allowance

All checked bags must be a maximum weight of 50 pounds (23 kilograms) for economy (except Korea Domestic and to or from Brazil) and 70 pounds (32 kilograms) for first/Prestige fares; they must also be a maximum linear dimension of 62 inches (158 centimeters).

Hot Tip:

When talking about baggage allowances, many airlines refer to “maximum linear dimensions” or something similar. This is merely the number you get when you add the length, width, and depth of a piece of luggage. For example, if you have a suitcase that’s 26 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 16 inches deep, then its linear dimensions are 62 inches, or right at the maximum for many airlines.

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

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

SCROLL FOR MORE

Route

Economy (23 kg)

Prestige (32 kg)

First (32 kg)

To or from America (U.S. and Canada)

First bag: Free

Second bag: Free (Saver fare: $200)

3 or more bags: $200 each

First bag: Free

Second bag: Free

3 or more bags: $200 each

First bag: Free

Second bag: Free

Third bag: Free

4 or more bags: $200 each

Asia to Europe, Middle East, Africa, Oceania (excluding Guam)

First bag: Free

Second bag: $130

3 or more bags: $200 each

First bag: Free

Second bag: Free

3 or morebags: $200 each

First bag: Free

Second bag: Free

Third bag: Free

4 or more bags: $200 each

Asia to Guam

First bag: Free

Second bag: $100

3 or more 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 to Northeast Asia or Mongolia

First bag: Free

Second bag: ₩70,000/$70

3 or more bags: ₩100,000/$100 each

First bag: Free

Second bag: Free

3 or more bags: ₩100,000/$100 each

First bag: Free

Second bag: Free

Third bag: Free

4 or more bags: ₩100,000/$100 each

Korea to Central, Southeast, or Southwest Asia and Russia (Asian part)

First bag: Free

Second bag: ₩100,000/$100

3 or more bags: ₩150,000/$150 each

First bag: Free

Second bag: Free

3 or more bags: ₩150,000/$150 each

First bag: Free

Second bag: Free

Third bag: Free

4 or more bags: ₩150,000/$150 each

Within Asia

First bag: Free

Second bag: $100

3 or more bags: $150 each

First bag: Free

Second bag: Free

3 or more bags: $150 each

First bag: Free

Second bag: Free

Third bag: Free

4 or more bags: $150 each

To or from Europe,Middle East, Africa, Oceania (excluding Guam)

First bag: Free

Second bag: $130

3 or more bags: $200 each

First bag: Free

Second bag: Free

3 or more bags: $200 each

First bag: Free

Second bag: Free

Third bag: Free

4 or more bags: $200 each

To or from Guam

First bag: Free

Second bag: $100

3 or more bags: $150 each

First bag: Free

Second bag: Free

3 or more bags: $150 each

First bag: Free

Second bag: Free

Third bag: Free

4 or more bags: $150 each

Domestic Korea

Free baggage up to 44 pounds (20 kilograms)

Free baggage up to 66 pounds (30 kilograms)

undisclosed

Additional and Excess Baggage Fees

SCROLL FOR MORE

Route

Overweight (50 to 70 lbs/24 to 32 kg)

Overweight (70 to 100 lbs/33 to 45 kg)

Economy

Prestige

First

Economy

Prestige

First

Between the Americas and Asia

₩100,000/$100 (to/from Brazil: free)

Complimentary (baggage exceeding the free baggage allowance will be charged the same as economy class)

₩200,000/$200

(to or from Brazil: ₩175,000/$175)

Between the Americas and Europe, Middle East, or Africa

Between the Americas, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Micronesia (Guam, Saipan, etc.)

Between Asia and Micronesia (Guam, Saipan, etc.)

₩75,000/$75

₩150,000/$150

Within the Americas

₩50,000/$50

₩75,000/$75

SCROLL FOR MORE
Route

Oversized (159 to 203 cm)

Oversized (204 to 292 cm)

Economy

Prestige

First

Economy

Prestige

First

Between Americas and Asia

₩200,000/$200

₩400,000/$400

Between Americas and Europe, Middle East, or Africa

Between Americas, Europe, Middle East, or Africa and Micronesia (Guam, Saipan, etc.)

Between Asia and Micronesia (Guam, Saipan, etc.)

₩150,000/$150

₩300,000/$300

Within Americas

₩75,000/$75

₩150,000/$150

For baggage fees related to special luggage (sporting equipment, musical instruments, etc.), 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 fly with a SkyTeam partner or codeshare partner.

  • Morning Calm Club: 1 additional piece (70 pounds/32 kilograms) for first and Prestige classes, 50 pounds (23 kilograms) 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 kilograms) for first and Prestige classes, 50 pounds (23 kilograms) for economy class
  • Million Miler Club in Economy, Prestige, and First Class: 1 additional piece (70 pounds/32 kilograms)

When using the weight system, an additional 22 pounds (10 kilograms) of baggage is allowed for Morning Calm Club, an additional 44 pounds (20 kilograms) for Morning Calm Premium Club, and 66 pounds (30 kilograms) for Million Miler Club.

Can I Prepay for Baggage?

Korean Air allows passengers to prepay for luggage online 48 hours before departure. Flights to or from the U.S., Canada, U.K., or Paris can check in and prepay for baggage 24 hours before departure.

To do this, passengers need to log in to their booking from the check-in page of the Korean Air website.

Credit Cards That Cover Checked Bag Fees

When flying Korean Air to or 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 cover some or all of your checked bag fees when flying Korean Air.

You can 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 CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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.

Apply Now(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
Purchases: 19.99% - 29.24% (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)
Why We Like This Card

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 & Cons
Pros
  • 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
Cons
  • $395 annual fee (rates & fees)
  • 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
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • 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 and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
  • Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
  • 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
  • Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: Purchases: 19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

 

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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!

Apply Now(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!
Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000 miles
$1,350
$95
Purchases: 19.99% - 29.24% (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)
Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is 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 & Cons
Pros
  • 5x miles per $1 on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
  • Up to a $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
Cons
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • 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, vacation rentals 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 $120 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
  • Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: Purchases: 19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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.

Apply Now(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
Purchases: 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; variable 19.24% - 29.24% thereafter
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)
Why We Like This Card

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

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

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
  • Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
  • No luxury travel or elite benefits
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • $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; 19.24% - 29.24% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: Purchases: 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; variable 19.24% - 29.24% thereafter
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

If you’d rather use a travel credit, you can pay for baggage with the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, which offers a $300 annual travel credit that can apply to baggage charges.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®
A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.
Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
100,000 points + $500 Chase Travel credit
$2,000
$795
20.24% - 28.74% 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
Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the best options.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like worldwide airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options. Plus, it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to cover you at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the more than $2,000 in annual credits, which can offset the annual fee!

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases
  • 5x points on Lyft rides
  • 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
Cons
    • $795 annual fee
Read Full Review
Card Highlights
  • Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
  • Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
  • Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
  • Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music - all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 - a value of $250 annually
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.24% - 28.74% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Hot Tip:

See more airline baggage fees and policies.
Featured Image Credit: Korean Air

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bags can you carry on Korean Air?

Korean Air allows 1 personal item and 1 carry-on item for economy passengers and 2 standard carry-on for first class and Prestige passengers. Korean Air doesn’t specify maximum sizes but for Economy, the combined weight of both items must not exceed 22 pounds (10 kilograms) and 40 pounds (18 kilograms) for first class and Prestige.

How much is excess baggage in Korean Airlines?

For international flights, Korean Air charges $50 to $100 for overweight bags weighing 24 to 32 kilograms and $75 to $200 for bags weighing 33 to 45 kilograms. Oversized bags measuring 159 to 292 centimeters in maximum linear dimensions will be charged $75 to $400 depending on the route.

How many bags can you check on Korean Air?

To and from the Americas, Korean Air allows economy passengers to bring 2 checked bags for free (23 kilograms). For all other international routes, 1 checked bag is free for economy (23 kilograms), 2 for Prestige (32 kilograms), and 3 for first class (32 kilograms).

Is Korean Air strict with baggage allowance?

Korean Air has a strict baggage policy, with many forums detailing passenger accounts of being asked to pay excess fees or repack baggage. So consider your baggage allowance carefully and be prepared to pay if you exceed them.

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About Erin Miller

An experienced points hacker, Erin is Alex’s partner-in-crime and contributes to Upgraded Points with in-depth guides and relationship management. Erin’s work has been cited in multiple major publications.

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