When transporting a pet by a commercial airline, it is extremely important to understand their pet policy. These policies vary between airlines. Some allow small pets to fly in the cabin and others don’t. It is important to know the answers to all your questions before making your decision to fly your pet on any commercial airline. Does Korean Air allow pets on your specific route? How much does it cost to fly a dog or cat on Korean Air? What documents will I need? What are the carrier or crate requirements for Korean Air? All your answers related to Korean Air pet policy are answered below.
Note: It is important to mention that the pet policy of the airline that operates your pet’s route will preside over the policy of the airline that owns the route. This is important to note because if the operating airline changes during your trip, then you will likely need to claim and recheck your pet on the next airline. This will cause you to clear customs and enter the layover country. You will need time and extra documentation to accommodate this process during the layover unless flying domestically.
Classes of service offered to pets by commercial airlines
- In-Cabin: Pets traveling in the cabin must fly with an adult passenger and travel in an airline compliant
carrier stowed under the seat. - Checked Baggage: Pets traveling with a passenger that are not permitted in the cabin due to size or breed can be transported as checked baggage in the cargo hold.
- Air Cargo: Unaccompanied, very large pets or pets flying to countries that require that pets enter under air cargo will travel as manifest cargo in the hold.
Can my pet fly with me in the cabin? Yes (Certain Flights)
Can my pet fly with me as checked baggage? Yes
Can my pet fly as manifest cargo? Yes
Where is Korean Air based?
Korean Air [IATA:KE] is based out of Seoul Incheon Airport in Seoul, South Korea. Most layovers within Korean Air’s network will occur in this airport.
What countries does Korean Air fly to?
Korean Air offers service to pets to the following countries: Austria, Cambodia, Canada, China, Czechia, France, Germany, Guam, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates (cargo) United Kingdom (cargo), United States, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
Korean Air Pet Policy – In Cabin
If your dog or cat meets the requirements listed in Korean Air’s pet policy to fly in the cabin, it will need an airline-compliant pet carrier unless you are flying with a service dog who is trained to assist you in a task required to address a physical or medical disability.
Pets allowed flown by Korean Air in the cabin
Small dogs, cats and household birds. Pets must be odorless, clean, healthy, harmless and mannerly. Sedated or pregnant pets will not be permitted.
Reservations
Reservations can be made at the Korean Air website or by contacting Korean Air. For domestic flights, reservation must be made at least 24 hours prior to flight departure. For international flights, reservation must be made at least 48 hours prior to flight departure.
Age requirements
The minimum age for domestic flight is 8 weeks of age; however, this can vary depending on the destination. For example, dogs imported to the United States must be 6 months of age and pets imported to the European Union must be between four months and seven months of age to conform to import regulations.
Pet carrier requirements
Your pet’s carrier must:
- Have adequate ventilation on at least three sides (domestic) or four sides (international)
- Be large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around comfortably
- Be able to accommodate your entire pet. No part of your pet can extend out of the carrier
- Be able to fit under the seat in front of you
- Have a waterproof bottom and absorbent pet pad
- Have secure fasteners (heavy duty zippers are recommended)
Maximum carrier measurements to fly in the cabin with Korean Air is 17.5L x 12.5W x 7.5″H* (32 x 45 x 19 cm). One pet is permitted per carrier with these exceptions:
- Two pets of the same species less than 6 months old are permitted in one carrier if there is adequate room for them and their weight combined with the carrier does not exceed weight limitations.
- Two birds of the same species and known to each other are permitted to fly in one carrier.
*Soft-sided carriers can be as much as 10″ (25 cm) in height if they will compress to 7.5″ to fit under the seat.
Carriers must not be expanded during flight. All carriers must be marked with the passenger’s name and contact information. Exit row or bulkhead seats cannot be reserved when flying with a pet. Pets must remain in carriers for the duration of the flight. Pets must remain in their carrier for the duration of the flight.
Related: Selecting a pet carrier that is airline compliant
Forms required
Proof of microchip, rabies vaccination, permits, tests and health certificate required for your destination country must be provided.
The passenger assumes full responsibility and expense for complying with applicable laws, customs and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the country, state or territory to and from which your pet is being transported. Upon arrival, health certificates, import permits, and other papers may be required by local authorities depending upon the route on which your pet is traveling.
Related: Regulations and forms required to import a pet to over 220 countries
Route restrictions
Pets cannot be flown in the cabin to the United Kingdom or the United Arab Emirates.
Check in
Your pet should be presented at the departure airport ticket counter in its carrier at least 30 minutes before normal check in times.
Related: How to clear airport security with a pet
Pet fee
The cost to fly your pet in the cabin on Korean Airlines is 30,000 KRW for domestic flights and 150,000 KRW for short-haul flights, 225,000 KRW for medium-haul flights and 300,000 KRW for long-haul flights. Pet owners can pay in advance or at the time of check in.
Service dog pet policy
All service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge. They must be trained by a person or organization that specializes in service dog training to provide specific tasks for a person with a disability. Notice must be provided to the airline at least 48 hours prior to departure. They must be at least 16 weeks of age or older depending on the destination requirements.
Service dogs must be suitably marked, harnessed and leashed. They must fit in the space provided at their passenger’s feet without intruding on cabin operations or other passengers. They will not be seated in exit rows. They must be clean, mannerly and not show any signs of aggression toward other passengers or the flight crew.
If flights involve the United States, Department of Transportation forms must be completed and submitted at least 48 hours prior to departure. All required documentation required for the destination country must be provided at check in.
All service dogs are subject to the same requirements as regular dogs when traveling internationally.
Korean Air Pet Policy – Checked Baggage
If the size of your pet is too large to fit in an airline-compliant pet carrier, or it is a pet other than a cat or dog, it will be transported as checked baggage on Korean Air if it is flying with an adult passenger. This section of the cargo department has the same temperature and pressure as the passenger cabin.
Live animals are checked in by reservation employees and are checked in at the airport terminal. The airline will move your pet between aircraft in their fleet during layovers if the layover is not over about three hours in length.
Pets flown by Korean Air as checked baggage
Dogs, cats and pet birds can be flown on Korean Air as checked baggage. A total of three pets can accompany each passenger per flight (one in the cabin and two as checked baggage).
Reservations
Reservations can be made at the Korean Air website or by contacting Korean Air. For domestic flights, reservation must be made at least 24 hours prior to flight departure. For international flights, reservation must be made at least 48 hours prior to flight departure.
Age requirements
To fly your pet with Korean Airlines, it must be at least 16 weeks of age; however, this can vary depending on the destination. For example, dogs imported to the United States must be six months of age and pets imported to the European Union must be between four months and seven months of age to conform to import regulations.
Pet crate requirements
All crates must conform to regulations imposed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For more information, see PET CRATE REQUIREMENTS.
Forms Required
Proof of microchip, rabies vaccination, permits, tests and health certificate required for your destination country must be provided.
The passenger assumes full responsibility and expense for complying with applicable laws, customs and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the country, state or territory to and from which your pet is being transported. Upon arrival, health certificates, import permits, and other papers may be required by local authorities depending upon the route on which your pet is traveling.
Note that if your pet is being imported to your destination country for commercial purpose, such as sales, adoption, event attendance, breeding, or research, it may not be accepted on Korean Air depending on destination country regulations.
Related: Regulations and forms required to import a pet to over 220 countries
Check in
Your pet should be presented at the departure airport ticket counter in its carrier at least 30 minutes before normal check in times.
Pet fee
Weight of pet and its crate is 32 kg or less
- Domestic: 30,000 KRW
- Short-Haul: 150,000 KRW
- Medium-Haul: 225,000 KRW
- Long Haul: 300,000 KRW
Weight of pet and its crate is 33 – 45 kg
- Domestic: 60,000 KRW
- Short-Haul: 300,000 KRW
- Medium-Haul: 450,000 KRW
- Long Haul: 600,000 KRW
Pet owners can pay in advance or at the time of check in.
Korean Air Pet Policy – Air Cargo
All live animals flying as air cargo travel under an airline manifest or air waybill and are tracked throughout the entire flight. The airlines are responsible for caring for your pet during layovers as well. Unlike checked baggage, pets are generally checked in and claimed at the airline’s cargo facility. This facility is located on airport grounds; however, not the terminal. Many airlines require that an agent books the transport. If you need a licensed agent to arrange your pet’s transport, send us an email at info@pettraveltransport.com.
Pets flown by Korean Air as air cargo
Dogs, cats, birds, mammals, horses, fish and other animals can be flown on Korean Air as air cargo. The following pets will not be transported: mouse, hamster, mole, squirrel, beaver, chinchillas, guinea pigs, or rabbits.
Reservations
Freight forwarders or agents generally book transport as air cargo. Find a licensed agent in your origination country.
Age requirements
All pets flown as air cargo by Korean Air must be a minimum of 6 months old. Note that the minimum age may change according to regulations of the destination country.
Pet crate requirements
Only one dog or cat is permitted per crate. All crates must conform to regulations imposed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For more information, see PET CRATE REQUIREMENTS.
Forms Required
Transporters must complete a Shipper’s Certificate prior to check in. A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, microchip, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cats and ferrets) at least 30 days before flight for primary vaccinations, and all forms required for your destination country (if Korea is your destination, the results of a rabies titer test is required). For those pets protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), those permits must also be available.
The passenger assumes full responsibility and expense for complying with applicable laws, customs and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the country, state or territory to and from which your pet is being transported. Upon arrival, health certificates, import permits, and other papers may be required by local authorities depending upon the route on which your pet is traveling.
Related: Regulations and forms required to import a pet to over 220 countries
Check in
Your pet will be checked in at the Korean Air cargo facility, which is located on airport grounds, not at the airport terminal.
Pet fee
The cost of your pet’s transport will depend on weight of your pet and crate, dimensional volume and your route.
Korean Air Pet Crate Requirements
All pet crates must conform to regulations set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The container must be large enough for your pet(s) to stand, turn around, and lie down. The crate must be made of fiberglass, metal, rigid plastics, weld metal mesh, solid wood or plywood.
The crate door must have a secure, spring-loaded, all-around locking system with the pins extending beyond the horizontal extrusions above and below the door. The floor must be waterproof. The crate must not have wheels attached when checking your pet. Metal hardware should be used to fasten the top and bottom halves of your pet crate together. Korean Air requires either metal or plastic threaded nuts and bolts to secure both halves of the crate.
All crates must be labeled with LIVE ANIMAL stickers and a Shipping Declaration that includes feeding and watering instructions.
Related: Is your pet’s crate IATA-compliant?
All pets should be acclimated to their crates prior to travel. This may take weeks or even months to accomplish; however it is the best thing you can do for your pet before flying.
Related: Acclimating your pet to its crate or carrier
Temperature Restrictions – Checked Baggage and Air Cargo
When temperatures rise above or drop under certain levels, commercial airlines will prohibit the transport of live animals in the cargo hold. These restrictions are implemented for the safety of your pet. It is important to note that the risk from high or low temperatures is not when your pet is airborne. The risks come during preflight holding, loading on the tarmac and taxiing to the take-off runway.
Pets will not be accepted as checked baggage or air cargo when actual or forecasted temperatures are above 85°F (29.4°C) or below 45°F (7.2°C) at any airport on the itinerary. Pets may be accepted at temperatures below 45°F with an acclimation certificate, however, no pet will be transported at temperatures lower than 20°F (-6.6°C).
Note that the temperature restrictions for summer travel are lower for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) pets.
Cold-blooded animals are exempt from these restrictions.
Related: Why temperatures matter for pets flying in the cargo hold
Breeds Banned by Korean Air
The following breeds have been classified as brachycephalic (snub- or flat-nosed) by Korean Air and will not be transported in the cargo hold as checked baggage or air cargo:
Dogs: Newfoundland, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux, Lhasa Apso, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bulldog, Brussels Griffon, Shar Pei, English Toy Spaniel, Shih Tzu, American Bully, Affenpinscher, Chihuahua, Japanese Chin, Chow Chow, Cane Corso, King Charles Spaniel, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pug, Pekingese and Tibetan Spaniel.
Cats: Burmese, British Shorthair, Scottish Fold, Exotic, Persian, Himalayan
The following breeds have been classified as aggressive by Korean Air and will not be transported in the cargo hold:
Tosa and its mixed breeds, Pit Bull Terrier and its mixed breeds (including American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier), Rottweiler and its mixed breeds, Mastiff and its mixed breeds, Laika and its mixed breeds, Ovtcharka and its mixed breeds, Kangal and its mixed breeds and Wolfdog and its mixed breeds.
Private Jet Charter
Another option for pet owners who do not want their pet to fly in the cargo hold is a pet-friendly private jet charter. Your pet can fly in your lap, at your feet or beside you comfortably without being confined. We can arrange flights from anywhere in the world to anywhere you need to go on your time schedule, without the crowds or commotion of a commercial airport.
Other Information
The information published here is a guideline for Korean Air pet policy. For more airline pet policies, click the banner below.
Further Reading
How to keep your pet safe when flying in the cargo hold
Tips for airline pet travel
Requirements for a pet transiting a country by air
When do you need a pet transporter?
Routing your pet’s flight
Flying with a snub-nosed breed
More information on airline pet travel
Have a comment or question about transporting a pet with Korean Air? Post it below and we will respond. You can also reach out by posting to our Blog, X (Twitter), Facebook, or Email or follow our activities on Instagram and TikTok.
To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on PetTravel.com reflect the current regulations. We cannot predict how a given airline may enforce these regulations. Noncompliance may result in the need to deny your pet boarding privileges at the time of check in. We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following Korean Air pet policy.
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