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Korean Air Pet TravelKE

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FAQ about Korean Air pet policy

Policy last updated: April 25, 2026

Accepted pets:🐱 Cat🐶 Dog
Min age: 8 weeks

In-Cabin Travel

Allowed
🐾Accepted pets🐱 Cat🐶 Dog
Max weight (pet + carrier)7 kg
Carrier max dimensions45 × 32 × 19 cm
Max pets per passenger1

Total weight of pet plus carrier must not exceed 7 kg (15 lb). Carrier dimensions: up to 32 cm wide x 45 cm deep x 19 cm high (including wheels). Soft carriers up to 25 cm high permitted if not more than 19 cm when pressed down. Carrier must fit under the seat. Soft material carriers (fabric or leather) required for in-cabin transport. Pets must be 8 weeks or older for cabin travel. One pet per passenger in cabin. Passenger must select a designated seat for traveling with a pet. Approval required at least 48 hours before international flights and 24 hours before domestic flights. Fee varies by route distance and weight: domestic KRW 30,000 (≤32 kg), international short-haul KRW 150,000/USD 150/CAD 150/IDR 2,140,000, medium-haul KRW 225,000/USD 225/CAD 225/IDR 3,296,000, long-haul KRW 300,000/USD 300/CAD 300/IDR 4,280,000 (all for ≤32 kg combined weight). Fee is the same regardless of cabin or cargo hold transport method. Pets not permitted to be removed from carrier in lounges or on board. Pets not accepted in cabin for travel to/from New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, or the UK due to government regulations.

Cargo / Hold

Allowed
As checked baggage Yes
Max weight45 kg
Temperature embargoTransport restricted when temperatures are above 29°C (84°F) or below -7°C (19°F). Checked pet transport restricted on Boeing 737 and Airbus A321 aircraft for all international flights and during warm season (June–September) for domestic flights.

Total weight of pet plus carrier must not exceed 45 kg (99 lb). Carrier dimensions: sum of length x width x height must be 291 cm (114 in) or less, up to 84 cm (33 in) high. Transport may be restricted when exceeding 32 kg (70 lb) in some countries. Pets must be 16 weeks or older for cargo hold. Up to two animals per passenger in cargo hold. Snub-nosed breeds (dogs and cats) cannot travel in cargo hold. Carrier must be sturdy with proper ventilation, water-resistant, cannot be opened from inside. Fee varies by route distance and weight: domestic KRW 60,000 (≤32 kg), international short-haul KRW 300,000/USD 300/CAD 300/IDR 4,280,000, medium-haul KRW 450,000/USD 450/CAD 450/IDR 6,592,000, long-haul KRW 600,000/USD 600/CAD 600/IDR 8,560,000 (all for ≤32 kg). For 33–45 kg, fees are doubled at each tier. Pets not accepted as checked baggage for travel to/from New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, or the UK. Pet carrier must be equipped with a water bottle for flights to/from Canada per Canadian government regulations.

Service Animals

Unknown

No specific service animal policy mentioned on this page.

Breed Restrictions

  • Tosa and mixed breeds
  • Pit Bull Terrier and mixed breeds (including American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier)
  • Rottweiler and mixed breeds
  • Mastiff and mixed breeds
  • Laika and mixed breeds
  • Ovcharka and mixed breeds
  • Kangal and mixed breeds
  • Wolfdog and mixed breeds
  • Newfoundland (brachycephalic - cargo hold restricted)
  • Dogo Argentino (brachycephalic - cargo hold restricted)
  • Dogue de Bordeaux (brachycephalic - cargo hold restricted)
  • Lhasa Apso (brachycephalic - cargo hold restricted)
  • Boston Terrier (brachycephalic - cargo hold restricted)
  • Boxer (brachycephalic - cargo hold restricted)
  • Bulldog (brachycephalic - cargo hold restricted)
  • Brussels Griffon (brachycephalic - cargo hold restricted)
  • Shar Pei (brachycephalic - cargo hold restricted)
  • English Toy Spaniel (brachycephalic - cargo hold restricted)
  • Shih Tzu (brachycephalic - cargo hold restricted)
  • American Bully (brachycephalic - cargo hold restricted)
  • Affenpinscher (brachycephalic - cargo hold restricted)
  • Chihuahua (brachycephalic - cargo hold restricted)
  • Japanese Chin (brachycephalic - cargo hold restricted)
  • Chow Chow (brachycephalic - cargo hold restricted)
  • Cane Corso (brachycephalic - cargo hold restricted)
  • King Charles Spaniel (brachycephalic - cargo hold restricted)
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (brachycephalic - cargo hold restricted)
  • Pug (brachycephalic - cargo hold restricted)
  • Pekingese (brachycephalic - cargo hold restricted)
  • Tibetan Spaniel (brachycephalic - cargo hold restricted)
  • Burmese cat (brachycephalic - cargo hold restricted)
  • British Shorthair cat (brachycephalic - cargo hold restricted)
  • Scottish Fold cat (brachycephalic - cargo hold restricted)
  • Exotic cat (brachycephalic - cargo hold restricted)
  • Persian cat (brachycephalic - cargo hold restricted)
  • Himalayan cat (brachycephalic - cargo hold restricted)

Documentation Required

  • Country-specific documents vary; check with quarantine office or embassy at origin/destination
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (international flights where applicable)
  • Quarantine certificate (international flights where applicable)
  • Name and telephone number (in English) attached to outside of carrier
What types of animals are permitted in the cabin?
Dogs, cats, and pet birds over 8 weeks old are permitted in the cabin, subject to weight and carrier size requirements, seat availability, and destination country regulations.
What is the maximum weight allowed for a pet in the cabin?
The total combined weight of the pet and carrier must be 7 kg (15 lb) or less for cabin travel.
What are the carrier size requirements for in-cabin pet travel?
The carrier must be up to 32 cm (12.5 in) wide x 45 cm (17.5 in) deep x 19 cm (7.5 in) high (including wheels). Soft carriers up to 25 cm high are permitted provided they are not more than 19 cm when pressed down. The carrier must fit under the seat. Soft material carriers (fabric or leather) are required for in-cabin transport.
Can pets travel in the cargo hold, and what are the requirements?
Yes. Pets must be 16 weeks or older. The total weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 45 kg (99 lb). The carrier dimensions (length + width + height) must be 291 cm (114 in) or less and no more than 84 cm (33 in) high. Snub-nosed breeds cannot travel in the cargo hold. Transport is restricted on Boeing 737 and Airbus A321 for all international flights and during the warm season (June–September) for domestic flights. Transport may be restricted over 32 kg in some countries.
What are the fees for traveling with a pet?
Fees vary by route distance and weight. For pets up to 32 kg (pet + carrier): Domestic KRW 30,000; International short-haul KRW 150,000 / USD 150 / CAD 150 / IDR 2,140,000; Medium-haul KRW 225,000 / USD 225 / CAD 225 / IDR 3,296,000; Long-haul KRW 300,000 / USD 300 / CAD 300 / IDR 4,280,000. For 33–45 kg: Domestic KRW 60,000; Short-haul KRW 300,000 / USD 300 / CAD 300 / IDR 4,280,000; Medium-haul KRW 450,000 / USD 450 / CAD 450 / IDR 6,592,000; Long-haul KRW 600,000 / USD 600 / CAD 600 / IDR 8,560,000. The fee is the same for cabin or cargo hold. Can be paid by credit card, mileage, or SKYPETS points.
Is there a limit on the number of pets per passenger or per flight?
One pet per passenger in the cabin; up to two pets per passenger in the cargo hold. Two dogs under six months old or two cats may be transported in one container.
Are there any breed restrictions for pets traveling in the cabin or cargo?
Ferocious dog breeds (Tosa, Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Mastiff, Laika, Ovcharka, Kangal, Wolfdog, and their mixed breeds) are not permitted. Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds cannot travel in the cargo hold but may travel in the cabin if boarding conditions are met. Brachycephalic dog breeds include Bulldog, Pug, Shih Tzu, Boxer, Boston Terrier, Chihuahua, Chow Chow, and others. Brachycephalic cat breeds include Persian, Himalayan, British Shorthair, Scottish Fold, Burmese, and Exotic.
What documents and health certificates are required to travel with a pet?
Domestic flights: No documents required. International flights: Requirements vary by country. Generally a rabies vaccination certificate and quarantine certificate are needed. Please check with the quarantine office or embassy at origin/destination. For the US, dogs need an approved CDC Dog Import Form and microchip. For Japan, advance notification and pet inspection approval are required 40 days before arrival. For EU countries, a microchip and health certificate from a certified vet are required.
How do I book a flight for my pet, and can I do it online?
After purchasing a flight ticket, you can request pet transportation on the Korean Air website. Approval must be requested at least 48 hours before international flights and at least 24 hours before domestic flights. You will receive a notification and a pet transportation declaration form 7 days before departure.
Are there special requirements for international travel with a pet?
Yes, requirements vary by destination. Key examples: US requires CDC Dog Import Form, microchip, and dog to be at least 6 months old (as of August 1, 2024). Hawaii has a 120-day quarantine with possible Direct Release or 5 Day or Less programs. Japan requires 40-day advance notification and quarantine approval. Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and the UK do not accept pets in the cabin or as checked baggage. Singapore requires a license from the Animal & Veterinary Service. Canada requires a rabies vaccination certificate (English or French). EU requires microchip and health certificate.
Are there temperature-related restrictions for pets traveling in the cargo hold?
Yes. Transporting pets in temperatures above 29°C (84°F) or below -7°C (19°F) can adversely affect their health. Checked pet transport is also restricted on Boeing 737 and Airbus A321 aircraft for all international flights and during the warm season (June through September) for domestic flights.
What is the airline's policy on sedating pets during travel?
Pets that have been given drugs such as stabilizers or sleeping pills are not permitted to travel.
Is there a dedicated contact for pet travel inquiries?
Yes, passengers can contact the Korean Air Service Center for further details on pet travel, including codeshare flight policies and currency conversion for fees.

Source: Official pet policy page ↗