The Korean Air pet policy allows for several types of pet travel. Travelers can choose between in-cabin transit, checked baggage options, and cargo shipping when bringing their animals onboard aircrafts. This is a lenient departure from many international airlines, which often enforce strict restrictions on types of pet travel. Still, if you are using Korean Air to travel to Korea, you’ll need to abide by the country’s strict animal import regulations. Getting there won’t be difficult, but entering the country will take a bit more work.

Unlike for most airlines, the Korean Air pet policy is relatively forgiving. With varied pet travel options available on most flights, you shouldn’t have a problem figuring out which will work best for you and your furry friend. With some extra preparation and a bit of research, you can easily abide by the Korean Air pet policy.

 

Korean AirPet Fees and Policies

Here’s what you need to know about the Korean Air pet policies, regardless of your dog’s size, age, and temperament.

  • Flying with Pets in the Cabin: Pets weighing less than 7kg, or around 15lbs, will be able to fly alongside you in a Korean Air cabin. The price will vary by flight, destination, and your pet’s weight, but pet parents should expect to pay between $150 and $300 per flight for in-cabin transportation

 

  • Flying with Pets as Checked Baggage: Pets who weigh between 7lkg and 32kg, or between 15lbs and 70lbs, will need to fly as checked baggage. Some airplanes will be able to accommodate pets weighing up to 100lbs, but you will need to call ahead to ask. Animals traveling this way are subject to certain breed-specific restrictions. You’ll also spend more to fly this way – somewhere between $200 and $400 depending on your destination.

 

  • Flying Pets in Cargo: The Korean Air pet policy indicates that the airline has its own cargo arm. The “Specialized-LIVE” service provided by Korean Air Cargo will ensure your pet gets to your destination safely. Price will vary by distance travelled and the combined weight of your pet and their carrier.

 

  • Service Animal Policies: Korean Air accepts service animals on most flights free of charge. Service animals are often free of some weight minimums, though some restrictions do apply. Korean Air does not allow emotional support animals to travel as service animals. All passengers who wish to travel with a service animal must make a request through the Korean Air Service Center and fill out the proper forms.

 

Korean Air SKYPETS Customer Program

Those who travel frequently with Korean Air should consider registering their animals with SKYPETS, the airline’s preferred customer program. Each time you travel, you will receive a stamp, which can then be used to redeem free or discounted pet travel in the future. Dogs, cats, and birds are eligible, and a maximum of 5 companion animals can be registered at once. Accrued stamps are valid for three years from the boarding date, and stamps can be claimed within 1 year. Think of this as a frequent flyer program for animals. For more information about how many stamps passengers can redeem for flights, see the SKYPETS guidelines.

 

Other Korean Air Pet Policies and Programs

Korean Air will not transport brachycephalic breeds as checked baggage. The Korean Air pet policy has also changed its minimum age requirements and maximum cage dimensions in recent months. Even if you’re familiar with the Korean Air pet policy, we recommend revisiting your travel option of choice. The minimum requirements for animals may have changed since your last trip.

In addition to addressing cats and dogs, the Korean Air pet policy also includes birds as an animal allowed on flights. However, rabbits, hamsters, mice, moles, squirrels, beavers, chinchillas, snakes, and guinea pigs are not allowed on Korean Airlines flights. In some cases, weasels and hedgehogs may be accepted as air cargo.

Korean Air is known for being remarkably pet friendly. The airline is lauded for its customer service. However, you may encounter several transportation-related restrictions based on your destination country. For example, Singapore does now allow brachycephalic animals to fly in the cabin, which means those with pugs, boxers, or other snub-nosed animals will not be able to bring their pets on a Korean Air flight. The Korean Air pet policy recommends reviewing pet restrictions by country to better understand how you will be able to fly.

If you need additional information about other popular airlines, check out our airlines pet travel guide.