Korean Air Baggage Allowance 2026, Carry-on & Checked Bag Rules
Korean Air economy class includes one carry-on bag of 55 × 40 × 20 cm plus one personal item measuring 40 × 30 × 15 cm with a combined weight limit of 10 kg total. International routes come with two free checked bags up to 23 kg each and 158 cm or 62 inches linear. Domestic flights within Korea use a weight system with 20 kg included in economy. Prestige business class offers two checked bags at 32 kg each plus two cabin bags with an 18 kg combined limit, and First Class includes three checked bags.
Published on July 8, 2026 · Last verified on July 26, 2026 by Luggage Validator
6/10
Korean Air Baggage Policy Strictness
Strict
Overview
Standard baggage allowance for your selected route and fare class. All dimensions include wheels and handles.
Carry-on Bag
55 × 40 × 20 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 in)
Overhead bin · Not specified
Personal Item
40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in)
Under seat ·Not specified
Checked Baggage
≤ 158 cm (62 in)
2 free pc · 23 kg (50 lbs)/pc
Standard Economy Allowance
Quick reference for your selected route type. See below for full cabin class comparison.
| Baggage Type | Free | Max Size | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on Bag Overhead bin · per piece | 1 pc | 55×40×20cm 21.7×15.7×7.9in | Not specified |
| Personal Item Under seat · per piece | 1 pc | 40×30×15cm 15.7×11.8×5.9in | Not specified |
| Checked Baggage Cargo hold · piece system | 2 pc free | ≤ 158 cm 62 in | 23 kg 50 lbs |
Full Cabin Class Comparison
Compare allowances across all fare types and cabin classes for your selected route.
| Item | Economy Basic | Economy | Prestige Economy | Prestige | First |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Item Under seat | 1 pc | 1 pc | 1 pc | 1 pc | 1 pc |
| Personal Item Size L × W × H | 40×30×15cm 15.7×11.8×5.9in | 40×30×15cm 15.7×11.8×5.9in | 40×30×15cm 15.7×11.8×5.9in | 40×30×15cm 15.7×11.8×5.9in | 40×30×15cm 15.7×11.8×5.9in |
| Carry-on Pieces Overhead bin access | 1 pc | 1 pc | 1 pc | 2 pc | 2 pc |
| Carry-on Size L × W × H | 55×40×20cm 21.7×15.7×7.9in | 55×40×20cm 21.7×15.7×7.9in | 55×40×20cm 21.7×15.7×7.9in | 55×40×20cm 21.7×15.7×7.9in | 55×40×20cm 21.7×15.7×7.9in |
| Carry-on Weight Per piece | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| Free Checked Bags Piece system | 2 pc | 2 pc | 2 pc | 2 pc | 3 pc |
| Checked Bag Size Max per piece | ≤ 158 cm 62 in | ≤ 158 cm 62 in | ≤ 158 cm 62 in | ≤ 158 cm 62 in | ≤ 158 cm 62 in |
| Checked Bag Weight Per piece max | 23 kg 50 lbs | 23 kg 50 lbs | 23 kg 50 lbs | 32 kg 70 lbs | 32 kg 70 lbs |
Recent Traveller Feedback
Traveling with my 9 month old on a flight from Incheon to Singapore. We checked a foldable stroller and a car seat both for free on top of our regular allowance. Korean Air also provided a baby meal with Gerber jars and fruit. Security at ICN did an extra swab on the baby food jars but let everything through. Liquid formula and medications are exempt from the 100 ml rule.
Flew from Seoul to Los Angeles in economy with two checked bags. The 23 kg per piece limit is strictly enforced. My second bag was 25.5 kg and they wanted to charge an overweight fee. I repacked some items into my carry-on and got it down to 22.8 kg. International routes definitely include two free bags unlike the domestic Korean flights.
Korean Air counts your carry-on and personal item together for a 10 kg combined limit, not per bag. I had 13 kg total at Incheon and they made me check my bag at the gate. Gate checking was free which was a relief. They are relaxed about size though. My standard 22 inch roller went through fine and nobody measured it.
Common Luggage Compatibility
Based on Korean Air · Economy class · Asia / Middle East routes. Compare luggage compatibility across all fare types and cabin classes using the filters above.
| Luggage | Personal Item | Carry-on | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
Regular Backpack | OK | OK | OK |
16" Under-seat Briefcase | Over Limit | OK | OK |
18" Cabin Suitcase | Over Limit | OK | OK |
Standard 20" Carry-on | Over Limit | OK | OK |
22" North American Carry-on | Over Limit | Over Limit | OK |
24" Medium Checked Suitcase | Over Limit | Over Limit | OK |
26" Mid-size Checked Suitcase | Over Limit | Over Limit | OK |
28" Large Checked Suitcase (IATA Standard) | Over Limit | Over Limit | OK |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the carry-on weight limit on Korean Air?
Economy passengers may bring one main cabin bag plus one small personal item on board.
The combined weight of both items must not exceed 10 kg total.
The main cabin bag fits in the overhead bin at 55 × 40 × 20 cm including wheels and handles.
How many free checked bags do you get in economy class?
International flights include two free checked bags for economy class passengers.
Domestic flights within Korea use a weight based allowance with 20 kg included per passenger.
Each international checked bag may weigh up to 23 kg and measure 158 cm in total linear dimensions.
What baggage comes with Prestige business class?
Prestige passengers receive two checked bags weighing up to 32 kg each on all routes.
Business class also allows two cabin bags plus one personal accessory with a combined weight of 18 kg.
Priority boarding, lounge access and priority baggage handling are all included with Prestige.
What counts as a personal item on Korean Air?
A handbag, laptop bag, briefcase or small backpack all qualify as the personal accessory.
It must measure no more than 40 × 30 × 15 cm and fit completely under the seat in front.
The personal item counts toward the 10 kg combined carry-on limit in economy class.
What is the maximum size for checked luggage?
Each economy checked bag may weigh up to 23 kg before overweight fees apply on international routes.
The maximum linear dimension for any checked piece is 158 cm or about 62 inches total.
Bags heavier than 32 kg are not accepted as regular checked luggage on any Korean Air flight.
All baggage rules on this page are from the official Korean Air website. Last updated July 26, 2026. Before you fly, please check the official site again to make sure nothing has changed.
Help keep this data accurate. If you spot outdated baggage rules or have recent experience flying with Korean Air contribute your update