Korean Air – Pet Policy
Quick Reference Table
| Pet Type | Cabin | Checked Baggage / Hold | Cargo | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | Yes (≥8 wks, 1 per pax, ≤7kg incl. carrier) | Yes (≥16 wks, ≤45kg incl. crate, seasonal/aircraft restrictions) | Yes (as manifest cargo, 90+ days old, max 4 per pax) | Snub-nosed/aggressive breeds restricted; at least 24-48h advance notice, all docs required |
| Cat | Yes (same as dog) | Yes (same as dog) | Yes | No heavily snub-nosed or sick cats; health/rabies/import docs needed |
| Bird | Yes (subject to species/type ban) | Yes | Yes | No aggressive/large birds; CITES & import docs required for some; pairs/young birds can share carrier |
| Rabbit | No | No | Manifest cargo only | Contact cargo handler/agent for policy |
| Reptile | No | No | Cargo only | Handler/permit required |
| Fish | No | No | Cargo only | Handler, permit, aeration req. |
Cabin: Only dogs, cats, birds, 8+ weeks, ≤7kg (pet + carrier), in IATA-compliant crate max 45x32x19cm (hard, max 20cm H or 25cm soft). Checked/cargo: 16+ wks, ≤45kg (incl. crate); crate ≤291cm (L+W+H), max H 84cm. Manifest cargo: max 4 pets per pax, ≥90d old.
General Policy Overview
- PETS IN CABIN: Dogs, cats, and household birds (≥8 weeks, ≤7kg with carrier). Only 1 pet in cabin per pax. Pet + carrier must fit under seat and meet size limits. Carrier must be IATA-compliant, ventilated, leak/escape-proof, labeled with owner info. Max 2 same-litter/breed animals <6 months can share carrier.
- PETS IN HOLD (CHECKED BAGGAGE): Dogs, cats, and birds (≥16 weeks, ≤45kg with crate). Max 2 pets per passenger. Crate size/weight/seasonal/mechanical limits apply (not on B737, A321, or during hot summer months). Snub-nosed breeds restricted or banned. Not available on some aircraft.
- PETS AS MANIFEST CARGO: Pets that do not meet cabin/hold criteria, up to 4 per person, ≥90 days old, must go as manifest cargo. Contact cargo booking department/agent for process and booking.
- BREED RESTRICTIONS: Aggressive or snub-nosed/flat-faced dog and cat breeds face bans, crate/seasonal limits, or extra restrictions. See official breed list on Korean Air site.
Pet-Specific Guidance
- Dog: In cabin: 8+ weeks, ≤7kg in carrier, 1 per passenger. Checked/baggage: 16+ weeks, ≤45kg. Pup <6m old [same litter]: 2 per carrier allowed. Snub-nosed/aggressive dogs: seasonal/route bans.
- Cat: Same as dog: snub-nosed/overweight, sick, or pregnant cats not accepted. In-cabin (8+ wks, ≤7kg), checked/cargo (16+ wks, ≤45kg).
- Bird: Allowed if pet species, weight/size per rules. Pairs and young birds may share container. CITES/import/export rules may apply. Aggressive/large birds not accepted.
- Rabbit, Reptile, Fish: Not allowed in cabin/hold; only as manifest cargo with all permits, handler required.
Fees & Booking
- Cabin: 30,000 KRW (domestic); 150,000–300,000 KRW (international; by distance/region).
- Checked: 60,000 KRW (domestic); 300,000–600,000 KRW (international; by weight/distance).
- Manifest cargo: 4 pets per person max (≥90 days old). Additional fees, agent handling, and permits apply.
- Advance registration: at least 24 hours (domestic), 48 hours (international), highly recommended.
- SKYPETS loyalty program: earn stamps & discounts for frequent pet flyers.
Woofly Tips
- Book your pet's place as early as possible—spaces are limited, especially in cabin.
- Prepare all documentation and confirm latest breed/weight/season restrictions before booking.
- Snub-nosed/aggressive breeds: check for current restrictions and crate requirements depending on the season and route.
- Pets traveling to/from the US: dogs must be microchipped and at least 16 weeks old (CDC regulations).
- Use the SKYPETS program to earn loyalty rewards for regular pet travel!
Last updated: July 22, 2025