Korean Air Carry-On Restrictions: Everything You Need to Know!

Korean Air’s carry-on policy is straightforward once you separate (1) the carry-on suitcase and (2) your personal item. The most important thing to watch is the total allowed weight—especially in Economy—because that’s often enforced more consistently than minor dimension differences.

For quick comparisons, see my airline carry-on luggage rules guide.

Korean Air carry-on rules at a glance

• Economy: 1 standard carry-on + 1 personal item
• First/Prestige: 2 standard carry-ons + 1 personal item
• Standard carry-on size: 55 × 40 × 20 cm (also commonly expressed as ≤ 115 cm total)
• Personal item size: 40 × 30 × 15 cm
• Weight (combined): Economy total (carry-on + personal) up to 10 kg; First/Prestige total up to 18 kg

Korean Air carry-on size limit

Standard carry-on size: 55 × 40 × 20 cm (or total ≤ 115 cm)

Korean Air carry-on weight limit

• Economy: combined total weight of your standard carry-on + personal item up to 10 kg
• First/Prestige: combined total up to 18 kg

Korean Air personal item rules

Korean Air publishes a specific personal item size limit: 40 × 30 × 15 cm. This is where travelers sometimes get caught with an overstuffed backpack that becomes more “second carry-on” than “personal item.”

Recommended Carry-On Bag for Korean Air

When an airline publishes a 55 × 40 × 20 cm style limit, you want a bag that’s compact in depth and doesn’t balloon outward when packed. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 International Expandable Carry-On Spinner (19″) stays relatively slim, which is exactly what helps on airlines with a 20 cm depth rule.

Manufacturer dimensions:

• Overall dimensions: 21.75″ H × 15.75″ W × 7.75″ D
• Case dimensions: 19″ H × 15″ W × 7.75″ D

Fit note (on paper): Korean Air’s common limit includes a 20 cm depth, and this bag’s overall depth (~19.7 cm) aligns well. As always, keep it unexpanded, and don’t overstuff exterior pockets.

Our Pick

Maxlite 5 International Carry-on Spinner (19-Inch ) | by Travelpro

Sized to meet carry-on limits for a wide range of international airlines.

Overall Dimensions (includes wheels and carry handles):

H: 21.75 in. W: 15.75 in. D: 7.75 in.

Buy on Amazon Buy on Travelpro.com

Korean Air Carry-On Liquid Policy

Liquids are primarily a security-screening rule, not an airline rule. The safest baseline is:

• Containers: 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less
• Bag: one resealable transparent bag, up to 1 liter

If you’re transiting through different countries, follow the most restrictive rule you’ll encounter at security on that trip.

Korean Air Pet Policy

Korean Air will allow Dogs, cats, and pet birds at least 8 weeks old in the cabin. The pet must remain in its kennel (container) for the entire flight duration.  The total weight of the pet + carrier has to be 7kg or less and it must fit to store under the seat.

Korean Air Carry-On Size and Fees

Korean Air does not charge a fee for carry-on baggage that meets their size requirements. If your bag is too large and does not meet Korean Air’s carry-on restrictions, you may be charged a fee to gate-check it.