Korean Air is the flag carrier and the largest airline in South Korea. Its headquarters is located in Seoul. The airline accepts pets in the cabin, in the hold or in the cargo hold, depending on their size and weight.

There is a limit to pets carried on each Korean Air flight, so please confirm your booking as soon as possible. One passenger can transport 1 pet in the cabin and up to 2 pets in the hold. To book a place for a pet, you must contact the Service Center at 0800-0265-883 (in the UK) or 1-800-438-5000 (in the US) at least two working days before the trip. Traveling with pets is not possible without a prior booking.

Small pets (dogs, cats and small birds) can be taken to the cabin if the total weight of the animal and its container does not exceed 7 kg. To be allowed to travel in the cabin, the pet must be at least 8 weeks old.

If you plan to transport your pet in the aircraft cabin, prepare a transport bag/ container suitable for air traveling. On Korean Air flights, the following requirements apply:

• The dimensions of transport bags must not exceed 32 x 45 x 25 cm;

• The dimensions of hard-sided containers must not exceed 32 x 45 x 19 cm;

• The transport bags/containers must fit the place under the seat;

• Carriers can be made of hard materials such as metal, wood or plastic. In addition, fabric and leather carriers are allowed for hand luggage;

• There must be enough space for the pet to stand up, lie down and turn around comfortably;

• The bag/container must be well-ventilated and waterproof.

If the combined weight of your pet and its carrier is between 7 kg and 32 kg, it can be accepted in the hold of the aircraft. Animals weighing up to 45 kg can also be transported as checked baggage, but passengers should be aware that in some countries they may not be accepted in accordance with certain rules.

Pet owners must provide a suitable transport container according to the following requirements:

• The total dimensions of the container must not exceed 291 cm, with a maximum height of 84 cm;

• There must be enough space for the pet to stand up, lie down and turn around comfortably;

• The container must be made of durable materials such as metal, wood and plastic (soft-sided bags are not allowed in the hold);

• It must be well-ventilated and waterproof;

• The container must have a locking mechanism that can be opened from the outside in an emergency.

The fee for pet transportation varies depending on the route and the weight of the animal.

If your pet weighs 32 kg or less, the following fees apply:

• On domestic flights – KRW 30,000;

• Flights to/from Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau or Mongolia – $150;

• To/from Southeast Asia or Southwest Asia (including Guam and Palau) – $225;

• To/from North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa or Oceania – $300.

If the total weight of the pet and its container is from 32 to 45 kg, the following fees apply:

• On domestic flights – KRW 60,000;

• Flights to/from Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau or Mongolia – $300;

• To/from Southeast Asia or Southwest Asia (including Guam and Palau) – $450;

• To/from North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa or Oceania – $600.

Animals weighing more than the maximum weight of 45 kg may be transported in the cargo hold of the aircraft. Each person is allowed to carry up to 4 pets at a time.

Korean Air rules for traveling with a pet

1. Be sure to give your pet food and water no later than two hours before departure.

2. Cover the bottom of the container with an absorbent pad.

3. Make sure your name and phone number are written in English and attached to the pet container.

4. A pet transport bag must fit under the seat in the cabin.

5. It is strictly forbidden to take your pet out of the carrier bag. Please note that it is also prohibited to place the carrier on the seat or on your lap.

6. If you are transporting animals for commercial purposes such as sale, adoption, participation in an event, breeding and research, the import of animals may be prohibited depending on the rules of the country of arrival. In this case, you are responsible for all expenses associated with pet transportation.

Additional restrictions

Korean Air does not carry brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds in the hold due to possible breathing difficulties at the time of traveling. Brachycephalic breeds include dogs such as Dogo Argentino, Mastiff, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bulldog, Brussels Griffon, Shih Tzu, Spaniel (English Toy), Japanese Chin, Chow Chow, Pug, Pekingese, Lhasa Apso, Shapeei, Affenpinscher, Tibetan Spaniel and Pit Bulls. The brachycephalic cat breeds are Burmese, Exotic, Himalayan and Persian.

Korean Air also does not accept dogs considered fierce dogs, as well as animals that are aggressive, are taking medication, are sick, have a strong odor, or are pregnant. Fierce breeds are Tosa, Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Mastiff, Laika, Shepherd Dog, Kangal, Wolf Dog, and any crossbreeds of the breeds above.

Remember to check the pet import rules in your destination country before the journey. For further information, please visit our website’s “International Travel” section.