Korean Air allows small dogs, cats, and household birds to travel in the cabin on most routes, provided the combined weight of pet and carrier does not exceed 5 kg (11 lbs).
Larger pets must travel as checked baggage or cargo. Korean Air charges $200+ for pets on intercontinental flights as of February 2026, with fees varying by route type.
Brachycephalic breeds are banned from Korean Air cargo year-round due to safety concerns, and Korean Air requires 48-hour advance notice for all pet bookings as of 2026. All reservations must be made by phone, not online.
Korean Air Pet Policy Quick Reference
| Policy Element | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Cabin Weight Limit | 5 kg (11 lbs) pet + carrier total |
| Carrier Dimensions (Cabin) | Max 45 x 32 x 19 cm (17.7 x 12.6 x 7.5 in) |
| Domestic Fee | KRW 30,000 (~$22 USD) |
| Intercontinental Fee | KRW 300,000 (~$220 USD) |
| Booking Method | Phone only (US: +1-800-438-5000), 48 hours advance |
| Breed Restrictions | Brachycephalic breeds banned from cargo; dangerous breeds banned entirely |
In-Cabin Pet Travel: Weight Limits and Carrier Requirements
Korean Air permits one pet carrier per passenger in the cabin on most routes. Allowed species include dogs, cats, and household birds at least 8 weeks old.
The combined weight of your pet and carrier must not exceed 5 kg (11 lbs) total. Two pets under 6 months of age and of the same species may share one carrier if space permits, but this is subject to availability.
The carrier must fit completely under the seat in front of you. Maximum dimensions are approximately 45 cm x 32 cm x 19 cm (17.7 x 12.6 x 7.5 in). Some sources list slightly different measurements such as 43 x 28 x 23 cm (16.9 x 11 x 9.1 in), so verify the exact limit for your specific aircraft type when booking.
Your carrier must be IATA-compliant with a waterproof or absorbent bottom, secure fastenings, mesh ventilation on at least two sides, and enough space for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down naturally. Both soft-sided and hard-sided carriers are accepted.
Pro Tip: The 5 kg (11 lbs) limit includes the carrier weight. Most soft-sided carriers weigh 1 to 2 kg (2.2 to 4.4 lbs), meaning your pet should weigh no more than 3 to 4 kg (6.6 to 8.8 lbs) to stay within the limit. Weigh your pet and carrier together before calling to book.
Korean Air Pet Fees: Complete Breakdown by Route
Korean Air’s pet fees are structured by route type, not by cabin class. You may bring your pet in First Class or Business Class, but the fee remains the same and the carrier must still be stowed under the seat.
| Travel Type | Route Category | Fee | USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabin | Domestic (within South Korea) | KRW 30,000 | ~$22 |
| Cabin | Intra-Asia (Japan, China, etc.) | KRW 150,000 or USD $150 | ~$110-$150 |
| Cabin | Intercontinental (US, Europe, etc.) | KRW 300,000 or USD $300 | ~$220-$300 |
| Cargo (Checked Baggage) | Domestic, up to 32 kg (70 lbs) | KRW 30,000 | ~$22 |
| Cargo (Checked Baggage) | Domestic, 32-45 kg (70-99 lbs) | KRW 60,000 | ~$44 |
| Cargo (Checked Baggage) | Intra-Asia, up to 32 kg (70 lbs) | KRW 150,000 or USD $150 | ~$150 |
| Cargo (Checked Baggage) | Intra-Asia, 32-45 kg (70-99 lbs) | KRW 300,000 or USD $300 | ~$300 |
| Cargo (Checked Baggage) | Intercontinental, up to 32 kg (70 lbs) | KRW 300,000 or USD $300 | ~$300 |
| Cargo (Checked Baggage) | Intercontinental, 32-45 kg (70-99 lbs) | KRW 600,000 or USD $600 | ~$600 |
Fees may be charged in Korean Won (KRW) or USD depending on your point of purchase and route. Exchange rates fluctuate, so verify the exact amount in your currency when booking. Contact Korean Air directly at +1-800-438-5000 (US) for current pricing before finalizing your reservation.
Breed Restrictions: Comprehensive List of Banned Breeds
Korean Air maintains one of the most extensive breed restriction policies among major airlines. Restrictions are divided into two categories: brachycephalic breeds banned from cargo hold travel, and dangerous breeds banned from all travel.
Brachycephalic Breeds Banned from Cargo (Year-Round)
Due to respiratory risks during air transport, the following short-nosed breeds are prohibited from traveling as checked baggage or cargo. They may be allowed in the cabin if they meet the 5 kg (11 lbs) weight limit.
Dogs:
- Affenpinscher
- American Bully
- Boston Terrier
- Boxer
- Brussels Griffon
- Bulldog (all varieties including English Bulldog, French Bulldog, American Bulldog)
- Cane Corso
- Chihuahua
- Chow Chow
- Dogo Argentino
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- English Toy Spaniel
- Japanese Chin
- King Charles Spaniel
- Lhasa Apso
- Newfoundland
- Pekingese
- Pug
- Shar Pei
- Shih Tzu
- Tibetan Spaniel
Cats:
- British Shorthair
- Burmese
- Exotic Shorthair
- Himalayan
- Persian
- Scottish Fold
Dangerous Breeds Banned from All Travel
The following breeds are not accepted for travel in any capacity on Korean Air, neither in cabin nor in cargo:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Bull Terrier
- Rottweiler
- Tosa Inu
- Mastiff (all varieties)
- Any crossbreed or mixed breed of the above
If you are unsure whether your pet’s breed is restricted, call Korean Air at +1-800-438-5000 (US) at least 48 hours before departure to confirm eligibility.
Cargo and Checked Baggage Travel for Larger Pets
Pets that exceed the 5 kg (11 lbs) cabin limit or are not brachycephalic breeds banned from cargo may travel as checked baggage or manifest cargo. Korean Air accepts pets up to 45 kg (99 lbs) including the crate as checked baggage. Heavier shipments are handled as manifest cargo through Korean Air Cargo with no published upper weight limit, though route-specific restrictions apply.
The crate must be a rigid IATA-compliant plastic or fiberglass kennel. Your pet must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down naturally inside. The crate must be labeled “Live Animal” with arrows indicating the upright position.
Temperature Restrictions and Seasonal Embargoes
Korean Air will not accept pets in the cargo hold if the ground temperature at any point in the journey (origin, destination, or transit) is forecast to exceed 29°C (84°F) or fall below 7°C (45°F). For temperatures between -7°C and 7°C (20°F and 45°F), an acclimation certificate from your veterinarian may allow travel.
Summer embargoes from June through September are common on routes with high temperatures. Brachycephalic breeds face stricter temperature restrictions. Verify current temperature policies with Korean Air Cargo before booking cargo travel.
Pro Tip: Book cargo pet travel for spring or fall to avoid summer heat embargoes and winter cold restrictions. Call Korean Air Cargo at least one week in advance to confirm your route is not subject to seasonal bans.
How to Book a Pet on Korean Air: Step-by-Step Process
Korean Air does not allow online pet bookings. All pet reservations must be made by phone. Follow these steps:
- Call the Korean Air Service Center at least 48 hours before international flights (24 hours for domestic flights). For US bookings, dial +1-800-438-5000. Calling one week or more in advance is strongly recommended to secure limited pet space.
- Provide your booking reference number, pet species, breed, exact weight (pet + carrier), and carrier dimensions. The agent will confirm whether your pet is eligible and whether space is available on your flight.
- Request written confirmation that your pet has been added to your reservation. Ask for a reference number or email confirmation.
- Prepare all required health documents and certificates (see documentation section below). Verify destination-specific requirements with the embassy or consulate of your destination country.
- Pay the pet fee. Fees can often be paid online after the reservation is confirmed or at the airport during check-in. If your pet’s weight changes before travel, notify Korean Air immediately, as this may affect fees or eligibility.
- Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure for international flights. Check in at the pet desk and present all required documents. Online check-in is not available for passengers traveling with pets.
- Board as directed by gate agents. Cabin pets may board early or at standard boarding time depending on the flight.
Pro Tip: Call during Seoul business hours (9:00 AM KST) for the shortest wait times if calling from overseas. Have your flight itinerary, pet’s exact weight, carrier dimensions, and breed information ready before calling. If the agent cannot confirm pet space, ask to be placed on a waitlist and call back 24 hours later.
Required Health Documents and Certificates
Documentation requirements vary significantly by destination country. At a minimum, you will need:
- Health Certificate: Issued by an accredited veterinarian within 7 to 10 days of departure.
- Rabies Vaccination Certificate: Required for most international destinations. The vaccination must typically be administered at least 21 to 30 days before travel but not more than 12 months prior.
- Microchip: An ISO-compliant microchip (ISO Standard 11784 or 11785) is strongly recommended and required for entry into many countries including EU member states.
- Rabies Titer Test: Required for entry into the European Union, Japan, Australia, and other destinations. Must be completed at an approved laboratory.
- Import Permit: Required for destinations including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and others. Apply well in advance as processing can take weeks or months.
- EU Pet Passport: Accepted by Korean Air if you are traveling from an EU country and your pet has a valid EU Pet Passport.
Quarantine requirements apply to destinations including the United Kingdom, Australia, Hawaii, and Japan. Contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country at least 8 to 12 weeks before travel to confirm all requirements. Present all documents at check-in. Missing or incorrect paperwork will result in your pet being denied boarding.
Service Animals: Policy and Documentation
Korean Air accepts trained service dogs for passengers with disabilities in the cabin at no charge. Service animals must be at least 6 months old and trained to perform specific tasks related to a disability. Only dogs are accepted as service animals.
For flights to, from, or via the United States, Korean Air follows U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. You must submit the following forms at least 48 hours before departure:
- U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form
- U.S. DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form (for flights over 8 hours)
- Training certification or documentation
- Health certificate
The service dog must remain harnessed and fit on the floor space at your seat without blocking the aisle or protruding into another passenger’s space. Contact Korean Air at +1-800-438-5000 (US) at least 48 hours in advance to arrange service animal travel.
For more information on U.S. service animal regulations, visit the U.S. Department of Transportation’s official page: https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/service-animals.
Emotional Support Animals: No Longer Accepted
Following updated U.S. Department of Transportation rules effective January 2021, Korean Air no longer recognizes emotional support animals (ESAs) as service animals. If you wish to travel with an emotional support animal, it must meet all standard pet requirements including size, weight, carrier specifications, and fees. Your ESA will travel either in the cabin as a pet (if under 5 kg / 11 lbs) or as checked baggage in the cargo hold.
Route-Specific Restrictions and Limitations
Certain routes have additional restrictions beyond the standard Korean Air pet policy:
- Australia and New Zealand: Pets are generally not accepted on flights to or from these destinations due to strict quarantine requirements. Contact Korean Air Cargo directly to explore manifest cargo options.
- United Kingdom: Pets traveling to the UK must meet DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) requirements and typically must travel as manifest cargo, not as checked baggage.
- Codeshare Flights: Pet policies on codeshare flights operated by partner airlines may differ from Korean Air’s policy. Verify the operating carrier’s pet policy before booking.
- Transit Restrictions: If your journey includes a transit stop, your pet must meet the entry requirements of the transit country even if you do not leave the airport. Follow the strictest requirements among all countries on your itinerary.
Verify route-specific restrictions by calling Korean Air at +1-800-438-5000 (US) at least one week before booking.
IATA Live Animals Regulations Compliance
Korean Air complies with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animals Regulations (LAR) for all pet transport. Crates, carriers, and handling procedures must meet IATA standards. For detailed information on IATA LAR requirements, visit: https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/live-animals/.
Korean Air’s official pet policy page was last updated in February 2026. For the most current information, visit: https://www.koreanair.com/global/en/trip/baggage/travelling-with-pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my dog in the cabin on Korean Air?
Yes, small dogs under 5 kg (11 lbs) total weight including carrier can travel in the cabin on most routes. The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you and measure no larger than 45 x 32 x 19 cm (17.7 x 12.6 x 7.5 in). Certain brachycephalic breeds may be restricted. Call Korean Air at +1-800-438-5000 (US) at least 48 hours before departure to confirm your dog is eligible.
How much does Korean Air charge for pets?
Fees range from $22 to $600+ depending on route and pet weight. Domestic cabin travel costs approximately KRW 30,000 (~$22 USD). Intra-Asia cabin travel costs KRW 150,000 or USD $150 (~$110-$150). Intercontinental cabin travel costs KRW 300,000 or USD $300 (~$220-$300). Cargo fees for pets weighing 32 to 45 kg (70 to 99 lbs) on intercontinental routes can reach KRW 600,000 or USD $600 (~$600). Verify current fees with Korean Air before booking.
Does Korean Air allow emotional support animals?
No, Korean Air no longer accepts emotional support animals (ESAs) as service animals as of 2021. ESAs must travel as pets and meet all standard pet requirements including weight limits, carrier specifications, and fees. Only trained service dogs for passengers with disabilities are accepted in the cabin at no charge.
What dog breeds are not allowed on Korean Air?
Brachycephalic breeds including Bulldogs (all varieties), Pugs, Shih Tzus, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Pekingese, and Chow Chows are banned from cargo hold travel year-round. Dangerous breeds including Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, Staffordshire Terriers, Bull Terriers, Tosa Inus, and Mastiffs (all varieties) are banned from all travel. See the complete breed restriction list above. Contact Korean Air at +1-800-438-5000 (US) to confirm whether your dog’s breed is eligible.
How do I book a pet on Korean Air?
Pets must be booked by calling Korean Air reservations, not online. Call the Korean Air Service Center at +1-800-438-5000 (US) at least 48 hours before departure for international flights or 24 hours for domestic flights. Provide your booking reference, pet species, breed, weight (pet + carrier), and carrier dimensions. Request written confirmation that your pet has been added to your reservation.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Airline pet policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements, fees, weight limits, breed restrictions, and documentation directly with Korean Air before booking. Call +1-800-438-5000 (US) or visit https://www.koreanair.com/global/en/trip/baggage/travelling-with-pets for the most up-to-date information.
