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Korean Air Cabin Bag Size

Exact Korean Air cabin bag dimensions, weight limits, and fees for 2026, verified against the airline's own published policy on 2026-04-14.

Quick answer

Carry-on size: up to 21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9" (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
Weight limit: 12 kg (26.5 lb)
Carry-on fee: free on most fares
Personal item: must fit under the seat, free on every fare
Gate-check risk: Low

Korean Air maximum carry-on dimensions, including wheels and handles.

Carry-On Bag

Max dimensions (in): 21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9"
Max dimensions (cm): 55 x 40 x 20 cm
Weight limit: 12 kg (26.5 lb)
Fee: Free
Gate-check risk: Low

Total linear dimensions must not exceed 115 cm (45 in). Economy allows one cabin bag plus a personal item.

Personal Item

Max dimensions (in): Not published
Max dimensions (cm): Not published
Included: Yes, free

A handbag, laptop bag, or garment bag in addition.

See full personal item rules for Korean Air

Korean Air cabin bag dimensions and bag size

The maximum Korean Air cabin bag size is 21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 inches, which works out to 55 x 40 x 20 cm. These measurements include wheels, handles, and any external pockets. Gate sizers on Korean Air match the published limits closely, so a bag marketed as "22 inch" can fail if its wheels push the total past 21.7 inches. Always measure your bag packed, not empty.

Korean Air cabin bag weight limit

Korean Air limits carry-on bags to 12 kg (26.5 lb). Most domestic check-in counters do not weigh carry-ons, but gate agents can pull bags that look heavy. If your bag is over the limit, expect to be asked to check it, sometimes at a higher gate-check fee.

Does Korean Air charge for cabin bag bags?

No. Korean Air includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on most fares. This applies across standard economy fares.

What bags fit as a Korean Air personal item

Common bag types compared against the Korean Air personal item limit. Sizes are typical retail dimensions and vary by brand.

Bag type	Typical size	On Korean Air
Standard backpack Everyday daypack, laptop backpack	18 x 13 x 8"	Under-seat only
Tote bag Canvas or leather tote	15 x 14 x 5"	Under-seat only
Laptop bag Messenger or slim briefcase	16 x 12 x 4"	Under-seat only
Small duffel Gym or weekender	18 x 11 x 11"	Under-seat only
Purse Handbag or crossbody	12 x 10 x 5"	Under-seat only
Under-seat roller Mini wheeled bag	16 x 14 x 8"	Under-seat only

Korean Air carry-on by fare class

Fare	Carry-on	Personal item	Notes
Economy	Included	Included	1 piece up to 10 kg and within 115 cm total (L+W+H). Plus 1 small personal item.
Prestige (Business)	Included	Included	2 pieces, combined up to 18 kg, each within 115 cm sum.
First	Included	Included	2 pieces, combined up to 18 kg, each within 115 cm sum.

What counts as a personal item on Korean Air

Allowed

Handbag
Laptop bag
Small item that fits under the seat

Korean Air vs Japan Airlines carry-on

Korean Air and JAL both give Economy 10 kg of carry-on, so they tie on weight. Korean uses a 115 cm linear sum while JAL enforces a fixed 55x40x25 cm box, which means Korean is more forgiving of tall or deep bags as long as the total stays under 115 cm. In premium cabins Korean pulls ahead: Prestige and First get two bags with 18 kg combined, while JAL keeps the same 10 kg combined cap across all classes on standard international aircraft. Both allow one personal item on top. If you pack heavy up front, Korean is the more generous ticket.

See Japan Airlines carry-on size

Frequently asked questions

What is the Korean Air carry-on size limit?

Korean Air allows carry-on bags up to 21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9" (55 x 40 x 20 cm), including wheels, handles, and any external pockets. The weight limit is 12 kg (26.5 lb).

What are the Korean Air carry-on dimensions in cm?

The Korean Air carry-on size limit in centimeters is 55 x 40 x 20 cm. In inches that converts to 21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9". Both measurements include wheels, handles, and external pockets.

What is the Korean Air carry-on weight limit?

Korean Air limits carry-on bags to 12 kg (26.5 lb). Overweight carry-ons are usually asked to be checked at the gate, which can trigger a gate-check fee.

Does Korean Air charge for carry-on bags?

No. Korean Air includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on most fares.

What is the Korean Air personal item size?

Korean Air does not publish strict personal item dimensions. Your bag must fit fully under the seat in front of you, which is typically about 18 x 14 x 8 inches. A handbag, laptop bag, or garment bag in addition.

Will my bag be gate-checked on Korean Air?

Korean Air currently has a low gate-check risk based on our review of boarding policies and traveler reports. Overhead bin space is usually sufficient on full flights.

Does a 22-inch suitcase fit as a Korean Air carry-on?

Not always. A standard 22 x 14 x 9 inch carry-on exceeds the Korean Air published limit of 21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9" on at least one axis. A slightly smaller bag is a safer choice.

Need the full Korean Air baggage policy?

Checked bag fees, overweight and oversize charges, special items (ski, golf, bike, pets), and basic economy fare rules for Korean Air, all on one page.

Full Korean Air baggage policy Korean Air checked bag fees Korean Air personal item Generate a packing list

Flying Korean Air out of these airports?

Check terminal layouts, connection times, and layover tips for major Korean Air hubs and focus cities.

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Gear, tactics, and packing help for your Korean Air flight.

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Sources & verification

Last verified 2026-04-14 against the official Korean Air policy at https://www.koreanair.com/us/en/airport/baggage/carry-on . Airlines change their rules without notice, so always confirm with Korean Air before flying.