What is the Korean Air baggage allowance? Is Korean Air strict with carry-on baggage?
So you’re flying with Korean Air soon and checking the baggage rules before you pack your bags.
In this guide, you’ll find all the Korean Air baggage limits, carry-on size, personal item rules, checked luggage allowances, and those sneaky extra fees that could catch you out.
I will also give you the inside scoop on how strict Korean Air really is at the gate.
Because while Korean Air isn’t known to be the strictest airline, if your bag’s too big or too heavy, you will be stopped. And that could mean last-minute gate checking, extra fees, and some serious stress at the airport.
Let’s break everything down.
Pro Tip: Use this free Cabin Luggage Size Checker to see if your carry-on is within your airline size and weight limits.
Korean Air Carry-On Baggage Rules
How many bags can you bring in the cabin?
Korean Air allows you to bring as carry-on baggage the following:
- 1 carry-on bag, and
- 1 personal item (such as a handbag, laptop bag, or briefcase)
But your carry-on must meet both size and weight limits.
Korean Air Carry-On Size & Weight Limits
Here’s what Korean Air officially allows:
- Carry-on size: Must not exceed 115 cm / 45 inches (length + width + height)
- Carry-on weight (Economy Class): Max 12 kg / 25 lbs
- Carry-on weight (Business & First Class): Max 18 kg / 40 lbs, and you can bring 2 carry-on bags
So while you may have room for more, don’t push it. Your bag must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
And yes Korean Air can and does weigh carry-ons at the gate, especially if your bag looks bulky.
If your bag is too heavy or doesn’t fit, there is a good chance that it will be gate checked and that might come with a baggage fee depending on your fare and destination.
Do Korean Air Weigh Carry-On Bags?
While it’s not guaranteed that they’ll weigh your carry-on, it does happen especially on busy international routes or smaller planes.
If your bag looks oversized or doesn’t fit in the overhead, the airline crew may ask you to check it in.
And if you’re not entitled to free checked luggage, that could mean extra charges.
So if you’re planning to travel with just a carry-on, stay well under the size and weight limits to avoid any unpleasant surprises at boarding.
Korean Air Personal Item Rules
In addition to your carry-on bag, you are also allowed to bring a personal item, that must fit under the seat in front of you.
Common personal items include:
- A handbag
- A laptop case
- A small backpack or briefcase
Just like your carry-on, it should be compact.
Don’t try to sneak a second carry-on into the cabin disguised as a “purse” Korean Air isn’t likely to let that slide.
Korean Air Checked Baggage Allowance
Checked baggage policies depend on where you’re flying and which fare you select.
Flights To / From the U.S., Canada & Transpacific Routes:
- Economy Class: 2 checked bags, each max 23 kg / 50 lbs, total dimensions per bag must not exceed 273 cm / 107 in
- Business & First Class: 2 checked bags, each max 32 kg / 70 lbs, max 158 cm / 62 in per bag
Flights To / From Asia & Europe:
- Economy: Total combined weight of 20 kg / 44 lbs
- Business: Total of 30 kg / 66 lbs
- First Class: Total of 40 kg / 88 lbs
So, while transpacific flyers can enjoy a generous two-bag policy, regional travelers need to be more careful with their packing.
How Strict Is Korean Air With Baggage?
Korean Air is not the strictest airline, but they’re also not a free for all.
If your bags obviously exceed the size or weight limit, expect to be charged or forced to check.
They also use sizers and weighing scales at check-in and sometimes at the gate, especially on international flights.
So don’t rely on leniency and stick to the rules.
Korean Air Excess Baggage Fees
Let’s talk money. If your bag is too heavy, too big, or you have more than your allowance you’ll pay.
Here’s a general breakdown for flights to / from the Americas (excluding Brazil):
Extra Baggage (3rd Bag or More):
| Class | Fee (U.S.) |
| Economy | $200 |
| Business | $200 |
| First | $200 |
Overweight Baggage (24–32kg or 33–45kg):
| Class | 24–32 kg | 33–45 kg |
| Economy | $100 | $200 |
| Business | — | $200 |
| First | — | $200 |
Oversize Baggage (159–203 cm or 204–292 cm):
| Size Range | Fee (U.S.) |
| 159–203 cm | $200 |
| 204–292 cm | $400 |
Fees vary by country and departure airport. Always double-check with Korean Air or use their Baggage Calculator for precise pricing based on your itinerary.
Sports Equipment on Korean Air
Planning to bring golf clubs, skis, or a surfboard?
Korean Air treats sports equipment as special baggage and that usually means extra charges, even if it replaces one of your allowed bags.
Contact the airline ahead of time to get approval and pricing, especially for larger items.
Korean Air Baggage Recap
You can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item, such as a handbag, briefcase, or laptop bag.
The Korean Air carry-on size limit is 115 cm (about 45 inches total) and the maximum weight is 12 kg (25 lbs) in Economy Class.
First and Business Class passengers can bring two carry-on bags with a combined weight of up to 18 kg (40 lbs).
If your carry-on goes slightly over the size or weight limit, you may be asked to check it in and that could mean paying extra charges.
To skip any surprises at the airport, weigh and measure your bag before you fly to make sure it fits within Korean Air’s carry-on restrictions.
If you need to take more luggage, book extra baggage in advance to save money and avoid last-minute airport fees.
I hope this helps
Happy travels
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