Korean Air Pet Policy
Traveling with your beloved pets on Korean Air can be a smooth and hassle-free experience, thanks to their accommodating pet policy. However, to secure your pet a spot on the flight, you are advised to book your pet's place as soon as you've confirmed your travel arrangements. This is crucial because Korean Air limits the number of pets allowed on each flight. You can easily book by contacting the customer service team at (800) 438-5000. It's important to note that pets are not allowed on Boeing 737 international flights.
If your pet and its carrier weigh less than 11 lbs (5 kg), they can accompany you in the passenger cabin. The fee for this service fluctuates based on your travel plans. For instance, a journey between Asia and America or from Asia to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, or Oceania will cost you $200, while a flight from Korea to Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macao, or Mongolia comes with a $100 fee. All other Asian flights charge $150. Always bear in mind the weight limit, which includes both the pet and carrier.
If your pet and carrier's combined weight is between 11 lbs (5 kg) and 70 lbs (32 kg), they qualify to travel as checked baggage. Please note that animals weighing between 72 lbs (33 kg) and 99 lbs (45 kg) may also be accepted as checked baggage, though some countries might have specific regulations that could prevent acceptance. The same pricing structure applies to checked baggage as in the cabin, but for pets that fall between the 72 lbs (33 kg) and 99 lbs (45 kg) weight category, the fees are doubled.
Guidance, Tips, & info on Airlines and Airports
- Go to our guide to global airlines to find information on any other commercial airline.
- Peruse the Korean Air KE baggage fees and restrictions page to learn what luggage policies and fees are imposed.
- Check out where you can fly direct to on Korean Air if you live near one of their gateway cities.
- Get insights and learn the lingo on airline cabin configurations and seating, while understanding the economics and rationale why those airplane seats seem so small.
- Get up-to-date live info for Korean Air's flight status anywhere in the world.
- For more detailed information, including flight check-in, baggage policies, corporate information, and more, visit our guide to Korean Air (KE)
For pets exceeding the maximum weight of 99 lbs (45 kg), Korean Air offers the option to transport them as freight cargo. In situations where your pets are not accepted as checked baggage based on your destination, using the cargo method would be the best alternative. Each passenger is allowed to transport up to four dogs at a time, but pets under 90 days old are not permitted to fly with Korean Air. For any additional details, you can contact the Korean Air Cargo Traffic Team at 82-2-2656-5868.
It's important to keep in mind the carrier's dimensions. For cabin travel, the carrier's height should not exceed 45" (115 cm), and for economy class, the height should be less than 8" (20 cm). Soft carriers can be 10" (26 cm) high. The carriers can be made from hard materials like metal, wood, or plastic, and cloth and leather carriers are also permitted. For pets traveling as checked baggage, the carrier's maximum linear dimension is 114" (291 cm) with a height restriction of 33" (84 cm). Ensure your carrier is well-ventilated and water-resistant.
When traveling with pets on Korean Air, you should be aware of certain limitations and restrictions. Each passenger can bring a maximum of three pets on a flight - two checked as baggage and one in the cabin. During the months of July through September, certain snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are not permitted in the cargo compartment on domestic flights operated with narrow-body aircraft. Additionally, Korean Air does not accept what they consider to be aggressive breeds, ill animals, those on medication, pets with a strong odor, or pregnant pets.
Keep in mind that air carriers can change these policies at any time, so you should always check directly with the airline you are traveling on, before you book, for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Check out our Korean Air Guide for detailed info about this airline, including flight check in, baggage policies, corporate information, and more.
Do you need to track your Korean Air flight? Get real-time flight status here.
Find more help here for your journey through the airport