Korean Air Baggage, Cancellation & Seat Policy: Complete Guide

Korean Air Baggage Policy

Korean Air's baggage allowance uses a piece-based system on many international routes, particularly to/from North America. Here is the breakdown:

• Economy (lowest fare): 1 piece at 23 kg, 12 kg carry-on
• Economy (higher fare): 2 pieces at 23 kg each, 12 kg carry-on
• Prestige Class (Business): 2 pieces at 32 kg each, 18 kg carry-on
• First Class: 3 pieces at 32 kg each, 18 kg carry-on

On routes where a weight-based system applies (mainly intra-Asia), economy allowances range from 20–30 kg depending on fare class. Always verify the specific allowance for your route at booking.

Overweight fees on Korean Air are charged per kilogram of excess above your allowance. Rates vary by route; online pre-purchase is always cheaper than airport handling fees.

Cancellation and Change Policy

Korean Air's cancellation and refund policies depend on fare class and timing:

• Special/Saver fares: Non-refundable. Change fees of $100–$300 depending on route and timing, plus fare difference.
• Standard fares: Changes with lower fees; refund with a 10–30% cancellation penalty.
• Flexible/Prestige/First: Free changes; full refund to original payment.

Korean Air provides a 24-hour free cancellation window for tickets purchased through koreanair.com when the departure is at least 7 days away.

Seat Selection

Economy seat selection opens for purchase at booking for most fare types. Standard/preferred seats cost $15–$50 on shorter international routes and $25–$80 on transpacific routes. At the 24-hour check-in window, available seats can be selected for free. Business and First Class seat selection is always complimentary.

SKYPASS Elite members receive complimentary advance seat selection on most routes.

SKYPASS Loyalty Program

SKYPASS is Korean Air's frequent flyer program and part of the SkyTeam alliance. Miles are earned based on distance and fare class on Korean Air flights and all SkyTeam partners including Delta, Air France, KLM, and China Eastern. Status tiers are Morning Calm (entry), Morning Calm Premium (30,000 miles/year), Million Miler, and Korean Air Select (invitation-only top tier).

Korean Air's merger with Asiana Airlines (completed in stages through 2024–2025) is reshaping the competitive landscape in South Korea. The combined entity creates significant opportunities for SKYPASS members with expanded networks.

SKYPASS miles redemptions are distance-based. Economy class US-to-Seoul round-trips can be redeemed for 40,000–60,000 miles and Prestige Class for 90,000–120,000 miles. Korean Air has historically been generous with partner award space on Delta flights, which SkyTeam members can leverage.

Korean Air's Premium Products

Korean Air's Prestige Suites (Business Class) on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and A380 feature enclosed suites with sliding doors, lie-flat beds with duvet bedding, and highly-rated Korean cuisine service. Korean Air's First Class 'Kosmo Suites' features fully enclosed private suites on A380 aircraft.

Pro Tips for Flying Korean Air

• Korean Air SKYPASS miles transfer from Delta SkyMiles (a SkyTeam benefit) — pool miles across partners to build toward a premium redemption.
• The Incheon Airport (ICN) hub is consistently ranked as one of the world's best airports, with excellent transit facilities including a spa, golf course, and cultural experience centers.
• Book Prestige Class for Korea routes — the traditional Bibimbap and Korean barbecue served in-flight is genuinely excellent.
• Korean Air has strong codeshare with Delta — US domestic connections on Delta earn SKYPASS miles, making status easier to achieve from the US.
• Watch for Korean Air's periodic miles sale promotions where extra miles can be purchased at a discount for topping up an account ahead of a redemption.