🔄 Updated : June 30, 2026

South Korea’s flag carrier, flying worldwide from its Seoul Incheon hub, Korean Air is one of the airlines that accepts dogs both in the cabin and in the hold, under conditions. Weight limits, fees, restricted breeds and booking: here is everything you need to know before you reserve.

In the cabin

Korean Air accepts a dog in the cabin if its weight, carrier included, does not exceed 7 kg (15 lb). The carrier must be soft-sided and fit under the seat in front of you. Expect roughly €138–276 (~$160–320) depending on the route.

Airline conditions: ≤7 kg (15 lb) with carrier.

In the hold

Above the cabin limit, your dog travels in a pressurized, heated hold, inside an IATA-compliant crate, for a combined dog + crate weight of up to 45 kg (99 lb). Indicative fee: €138–552 (~$160–635).

Airline conditions: ≤45 kg (99 lb); brachycephalic breeds banned from the hold.

Brachycephalic breeds

Like most airlines, Korean Air restricts flat-faced breeds (bulldogs, pugs, boxers, etc.), which are generally banned from the hold because of the respiratory risk. If your dog is brachycephalic, choose the cabin whenever its weight allows, and confirm the rule before booking.

⚠️ Heat: seasonal embargoes may apply during periods of high temperatures. Check the dates of your trip. Our advice: heatstroke in dogs.

How to book

Pet spots on board are limited: book as early as possible.

  1. Buy your ticket, then contact Korean Air to add your dog to the reservation.
  2. Prepare the health documents (microchip identification, rabies vaccination, pet passport or health certificate, sometimes a rabies titer test) — see our guide to international travel with a dog.
  3. Choose the right container: an approved soft carrier (cabin) or an IATA crate (hold). Size it with our IATA crate calculator.

🧰 Our tools to plan your trip

Dog flight checker Can my dog fly? 62 airlines compared, by departure airport, destination and your dog's weight. Open the checker → IATA crate calculator IATA crate calculator The airline-approved crate size for your dog, using the official IATA formula. Calculate the size → Entry requirements by country Entry requirements checker Country-by-country entry rules: paperwork, vaccines, lead times and official sources. Check the rules →

Compare with other airlines

How dogs are treated varies widely from one airline to the next. To find the best option for your route and your dog’s weight, use our can-my-dog-fly checker and browse our comparison of 62 airline pet policies. To prepare for the flight itself, also read our advice on dog travel anxiety.

➡️ Next step : your journey

  1. Check the health requirements
  2. Choose an IATA-compliant travel crate
  3. Prepare your dog for the stress of flying
  4. Compare the 62 airlines

🌍 Where can you fly with Korean Air? Our entry-requirement guides for its destinations: European Union, Japan, New Zealand, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom.

Frequently asked questions

Does Korean Air accept dogs in the cabin?
Yes, up to 7 kg (15 lb), carrier included.
Does Korean Air carry dogs in the hold?
Yes, up to 45 kg (99 lb) (dog + crate), in an IATA-compliant crate — brachycephalic breeds are usually excluded.
How much does it cost to fly a dog on Korean Air?
As a guide: cabin €138–276 ($160–320) · hold €138–552 ($160–635). The final fee depends on the route and is confirmed at booking.

Sources

Korean Air — Travel with pets, accessed June 2026. Conditions and fees change regularly: confirm with Korean Air before booking.