korean air dog travel

Korean Air flying with pets

What is korean air’s policy on pet acceptance.

Transporting  pets  on  Korean  Air  flights  is  allowed   either in the cabin, or in the cargo compartment . They are not allowed on international flights on a Boeing 737 .

Which pets are allowed to travel on Korean Air flights?

Dogs, cats, and birds are accepted for transportation on Korean Air flights. Korean Air will not accept for transportation other animals such as rabbits, hamsters, or snakes. Fierce dogs are also not accepted for transportation. Most common fierce dogs comprise: Rottweiler, American Staffordshire Terrier, Tosa, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier and all its mixed breed. Please use special animal transportation agencies for these and other not common species.

How many pets can I carry?

A total of three pets is allowed: one of them in the cabin and the other two in the cargo compartment. In the case of pets under 6 months of age, they can be transported in the passenger cabin in a single cage if they are the same breed. Previous contact with the airline Service Center is advised. It is recommended to check with the airline as there is a limited number per cabin/cargo compartment on each plane.

Traveling with Pets

Pet’s Health Status for Travel

Pets should be in a healthy condition and at least 8 weeks old to be carried in the cabin and 16 weeks old to be carried as checked baggage . Please check pet’s health status before travel. Pets that are under medication, under the effect of sedatives, showing violent behavior, ill smelling, pregnant, or showing signs of any other sick condition will be refused for transportation by Korean Air. Water and food should be offered to your pet no more than 2 hours prior to departure

Restrictions

Pets may travel in the cabin with you if the weight of the pet and the kennel together is maximum 7 kg . Over that weight and up to 45 kg , the pet must travel in the cargo compartment as checked baggage . However, if the total weight is between 33 and 45 kg, certain countries may not accept the carriage of pets due to their regulations. You can contact Korean Air service center for information about the applicable restrictions.

Please check in advance with the respective government sites about regulations in force with respect to pet’s admission. Get informed about the specific conditions that must be fulfilled for your destination country .

Documentation and Procedures for Pet Travel

In the first place, contact the reservation center and make the booking for pet travel . Please confirm the documentation before your travel, because it varies according to departure city. Also contact the Quarantine Service Office. Normally you will be required for 2 copies of documentation provided by the animal quarantine office, such as Declaration of Indemnity and Rabies vaccination certificate or health certificate.

At the airport check-in counter , you will be required to fill customs declaration forms and the additional documentation required. Bring the above documentation to the check-in counter. Once at your destination, submit all previously prepared certificates at the moment of the quarantine inspection. You are required to carry the quarantine certificate if you are accompanying a service animal (The waiver for travelling with a pet is not needed).

Kennel Regulations

For transportation in the cabin, the total dimension (length + width + height) of the kennel should not exceed 115 cm (45 in) . When traveling in Economy Class , the height of the kennel should be less than 20 cm (8 in), 26 cm high (10 in) for soft carriers . When traveling in First or Prestige Class passengers must secure the pet carrier in places like overhead bins and coatrooms during take-off and landing.  For safety reasons you cannot take your pet out of the cage at any moment.

For transportation in the cargo compartment, the total dimension (length + width + height) of the kennel should not exceed 291 cm (114 in) , with less than 84 cm (33 in) height .

Kennel permitted should be made of strong materials and allow enough space for the animal to move around. The kennel must also be leak-proof, with adequate ventilation openings. Kennel’s doors must be padlocked, but allowing the airline staff to open it in case of emergencies. The kennel must have absorbent bedding inside, such as paper, towels, or a blanket. Your name and telephone number should be written in English on the outside of the kennel.

To travel with a pet as carry-on or as checked baggage, you will be charged extra for your pet regardless of your free baggage allowance :

Service Dogs

Passengers with disabilities are allowed to travel with their Service Dog which can sit in front of them (they cannot occupy a seat). Service Dogs accompanying a passenger with a disability will be carried in the passenger cabin or as checked baggage free of charge in addition to the free baggage allowance.

Mentally handicapped persons who are accompanied by an Emotional Support Animal (dog only) must carry a valid medical statement issued within a year from the date of departure. Emotional Support Animals are only allowed on flights to/from America.

More information here >>

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Flying Pets as Checked Baggage with Korean Air

Animals that are too large to fly in the cabin will be transported as checked baggage with Korean Airlines. Pets are allowed to fly in the pressurized cargo hold of the aircraft on the same flights as their owners. This is a marked departure from most U.S. domestic airlines, but it remains a popular option for parents whose pets weigh more than the 15-pound maximum for in-cabin transport. If you’re curious about additional flight options, read more about the Korean Air pet policy .

Pet Restrictions for Flying as Checked Baggage

Brachycephalic animals were recently banned from flying in the cargo hold of Korean Air passenger flights. These breeds are susceptible to breathing difficulties during air travel, which means they could die or suffer serious injury if traveling as checked baggage. For Korean Air, the follow breeds are considered brachycephalic.

• Affenpinscher
• American Bully
• Boston Terrier
• Brussels Griffon
• Dogo Argentino
• Dogue de Bordeaux
• English Toy Spaniel
• Japanese Chin
• Newfoundland
• Tibetan Spaniel
• British Shorthair
• Scottish Fold

Additionally, the minimum pet age for animals traveling as checked baggage has changed. Young animals are more vulnerable to unfamiliar surroundings, and prolonged exposure to the aircraft cargo hold may cause physical and psychological damage. As a result, animals must be at least 16 weeks old to fly Korean Air as checked baggage.

Travel Container Specifications

The maximum pet cage dimensions have recently increased. For animals traveling as checked baggage, carriers cannot be larger than 84 cm high, or around 2 feet. Cages should have hard, rigid sides, good ventilation, and absorbent flooring in the case of a bathroom emergency. Pet parents should also affix a label to the cage that contains the pet’s information and owner contact information.

What is the Cost to fly Pets in Checked Baggage with Korean Air

The cost to fly a pet as checked baggage on Korean Air will vary by the animal’s weight and the distance traveled. Flights from Korea to the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania will cost around $300. If your pet weighs over 32kg, or 70 lb, that fee could jump to $600. For domestic flights within Korea, you should expect to pay around between $25 and $50 depending on your pet’s weight. Make sure to check these restrictions carefully. For a full list of pet travel charges and calculations, consult the Korean Air pet travel charges webpage .

What methods of transport does Korean Air provide for my pet?

• Travel in the passenger cabin.
• Checked as baggage in pressurized and temperature controlled area of your aircraft.

Does my pet qualify for travel in the passenger cabin?

Pets that meet the following qualifications can travel in the passenger cabin:

• Only domesticated dogs, cats and birds are allowed.
• Aggressive dogs and birds are not allowed.
• Your pet can comfortably remain in its kennel, under the seat for the entire flight.
• The kennel is specifically made for animal carriage, and its total dimensions do not exceed 115 cm/45 ins and it does not weigh more than 5 kg/11 lbs with the animal inside.
• Only one pet is allowed per passenger, however, 2 puppies up to 6 months, 2 kittens or a pair of birds may travel in one kennel.
• Your pet has all necessary health documents required by your destination (see below for more information).

Does my pet qualify for travel as checked baggage?

Pets that meet the following qualifications can travel as checked baggage:

• Only domesticated animals such as dogs, cats and fish are allowed.
• The kennel is specifically made for animal carriage, and its total dimensions do not exceed 246 cm/97 ins and it does not weigh more than 32 kg/70 lbs with the animal inside.

What are the fees associated with pet transport?

Contact Korean Air for more information.

What are the kennel requirements?

In addition to the size and weight maximums, the IATA and Korean Air require that kennels meet the following requirements:

• Be leak-proof and escape-proof.
• Be properly ventilated, but not allow any part of the animal from protruding outside of the container.
• Provide enough room for the animal to stand and turn around.
• Be made of metal, wood, or a hard plastic/composite.
• Contain absorbent material or litter.
• Have functional handles on the kennel's exterior to prevent tilting and any direct contact with the animals.
• Be closed securely, but not locked.
• Have labels with the words "Live Animal" in letters at least 1-inch tall on the crate's top and on at least one side.
• Have upright arrow labels indicating kennel's correct position.

What health documentation is required?

While Korean Air does not require a health certificate for your animal, many Countries do require health documents. As it is the passenger's responsibility to be aware of all regulations, you should consult your veterinarian and the Department of Agriculture to ensure that your animal will comply with all requirements. For regulations and requirements in Korea contact the Incheon Animal Quarantine Office.

Are there any other restrictions?

Korean Air can refuse to transport an animal due to illness, aggressive behavior, poor kenneling, or extreme temperatures at origin, transfer, or destination airports.

Please contact the airline directly for information about traveling with a service animal.

Korean Air Pet Restrictions & Fees

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Korean Air Pet Policy

Traveling with your beloved pets on Korean Air can be a smooth and hassle-free experience, thanks to their accommodating pet policy. However, to secure your pet a spot on the flight, you are advised to book your pet's place as soon as you've confirmed your travel arrangements. This is crucial because Korean Air limits the number of pets allowed on each flight. You can easily book by contacting the customer service team at (800) 438-5000. It's important to note that pets are not allowed on Boeing 737 international flights.

If your pet and its carrier weigh less than 11 lbs (5 kg), they can accompany you in the passenger cabin. The fee for this service fluctuates based on your travel plans. For instance, a journey between Asia and America or from Asia to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, or Oceania will cost you $200, while a flight from Korea to Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macao, or Mongolia comes with a $100 fee. All other Asian flights charge $150. Always bear in mind the weight limit, which includes both the pet and carrier.

If your pet and carrier's combined weight is between 11 lbs (5 kg) and 70 lbs (32 kg), they qualify to travel as checked baggage. Please note that animals weighing between 72 lbs (33 kg) and 99 lbs (45 kg) may also be accepted as checked baggage, though some countries might have specific regulations that could prevent acceptance. The same pricing structure applies to checked baggage as in the cabin, but for pets that fall between the 72 lbs (33 kg) and 99 lbs (45 kg) weight category, the fees are doubled.

Guidance, Tips, & info on Airlines and Airports

• Go to our guide to global airlines to find information on any other commercial airline.
• Peruse the Korean Air KE baggage fees and restrictions page to learn what luggage policies and fees are imposed.
• Check out where you can fly direct to on Korean Air if you live near one of their gateway cities.
• Get insights and learn the lingo on airline cabin configurations and seating , while understanding the economics and rationale why those airplane seats seem so small.
• Get up-to-date live info for Korean Air's flight status anywhere in the world.
• For more detailed information, including flight check-in, baggage policies, corporate information, and more, visit our guide to Korean Air (KE)

For pets exceeding the maximum weight of 99 lbs (45 kg), Korean Air offers the option to transport them as freight cargo. In situations where your pets are not accepted as checked baggage based on your destination, using the cargo method would be the best alternative. Each passenger is allowed to transport up to four dogs at a time, but pets under 90 days old are not permitted to fly with Korean Air. For any additional details, you can contact the Korean Air Cargo Traffic Team at 82-2-2656-5868.

It's important to keep in mind the carrier's dimensions. For cabin travel, the carrier's height should not exceed 45" (115 cm), and for economy class, the height should be less than 8" (20 cm). Soft carriers can be 10" (26 cm) high. The carriers can be made from hard materials like metal, wood, or plastic, and cloth and leather carriers are also permitted. For pets traveling as checked baggage, the carrier's maximum linear dimension is 114" (291 cm) with a height restriction of 33" (84 cm). Ensure your carrier is well-ventilated and water-resistant.

When traveling with pets on Korean Air, you should be aware of certain limitations and restrictions. Each passenger can bring a maximum of three pets on a flight - two checked as baggage and one in the cabin. During the months of July through September, certain snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are not permitted in the cargo compartment on domestic flights operated with narrow-body aircraft. Additionally, Korean Air does not accept what they consider to be aggressive breeds, ill animals, those on medication, pets with a strong odor, or pregnant pets.

Keep in mind that air carriers can change these policies at any time, so you should always check directly with the airline you are traveling on, before you book, for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Check out our Korean Air Guide for detailed info about this airline, including flight check in, baggage policies, corporate information, and more.

Do you need to track your Korean Air flight? Get real-time flight status here .

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Shindogs Air - consulting

• CONSULTATION POLICIES

Pet Travel Knowledge for all kinds of travel from/to South Korea

Helping you get your pets to their next destination

About shindogs air

Leo and jin.

• Leo and Jin are the founders of Shindogs Air and passionate animal lovers. They have been running a dog shelter in Busan, South Korea since 2008, where they have rescued and adopted out thousands of dogs, many of them abroad. Through their experience, they realized that there was a lack of affordable and reliable pet shipping services for Korean rescue animals and expats living in Korea. They decided to use their skills and knowledge as former educators to create Shindogs Air, a pet travel consulting service that combines rescue and education. Their mission is to help pets and their owners travel safely and smoothly, and to provide them with all the information and support they need along the way.

Professional Services and Knowledge

Leo and Jin have a strong background in education and research, which they use to stay updated on the latest pet travel regulations and best practices. They are always ready to share their knowledge and expertise with their clients and help them navigate the complex process of pet travel.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

We take care of checking every detail and aspect of your pet's travel paperwork, from certificates to permits. We guarantee that your pet will travel with no issues or delays, as long as you follow our instructions and recommendations.

US military- pcs travel consultation

Are you pcs'ing.

We have a special designated consultation service for Military on PCS!

Best of all: Our service fees are fully reimbursable from the DoD as part of your PCS move! 

how to hire shindogs for consultation

1- read the below services, 3- initial free consultation.

Carefully read the offered consulting levels. We offer a progression of service, each building on the previous, for all your needs.

2- Contact Us

Once you know what you need, message us from our Facebook page:

facebook.com/shindogsair

We will reply to your message as soon as we can, and have a discussion about your situation, to verify if your chosen service fits.

4- Pay With the Link Below

3- set up your consultation.

We can accept PayPal from anyone that has a non-Korean account (local banking laws). We also accept domestic bank transfers, at the current USD-KRW exchange rate.

We will coordinate with you via messenger for setting up your 30 minute call, and schedule it once you have answered our preliminary questionnaire.

4- Upgrade at any time!

As our services build on each other, you can always pay the difference to the next level, and start receiving the additional services you find would be useful to you! 

CARGO SERVICES

For clients needing UNACCOMPANIED CARGO (Manifest cargo) please email us directly from the contact form at the bottom of this page, or contact us via messenger. 

The Beagle - Live Pet Travel Consulting

This plan adds live chat! 

A- For travel from Korea TO anywhere not requiring a rabies antibodies test. (The continental Americas, most SE Asia)

B- For travel from anywhere TO Korea .

1-One 30 minute call to answer your questions regarding shipping

2-We check all your final documents once your vet has created them. (Check done via email)

3- Unlimited one-to-one consultation via text messages with you on Facebook, WhatsApp or iMessage. (During Korea business hours)

The Golden Retriever - Advanced Pet Travel Consulting

Now we add  support for communicating with your Korean vet, and filling out your Korean Health Certificate and your Quarantine application. 

A- For travel FROM Korea to Anywhere NOT requiring rabies titer test (The continental Americas, most SE Asia)

4-We communicate with your Korean vet on your behalf, ensuring they prepare the rabies and health certificate correctly. We pre-fill the certificate and email it to your vet, thus avoiding any data input errors on the English information

The Great Dane - For Titer Test Travel

The Titer Test "Requiring" plan (Rabies Antibodies Test). for destination EU, Japan, and any other Titer-country that accepts pets as checked/carry on

A- For travel from Korea TO anywhere needing rabies titer test.  (EU, GB, Australia/NZ, Middle East, Japan, HK, most islands, South Africa with EU transit.)

B- For travel involving GUAM and TRANSITING in Korea --Or other two countries transiting via ICN.

1-One 30 minute  call to answer your questions regarding shipping

4-We communicate with your Korean vet on your behalf, ensuring they prepare the rabies and health certificate correctly. We pre-fill the Korean health certificate and email it to your vet, thus avoiding any data input errors on the English information (Your vet must fill out any country-specific certificates, and we check them once they made them.)

5-We pre-fill your APQA application form so you can print and take the quarantine office

6- We provide all information support related to traveling to EU, Japan or any other country that requires a rabies antibodies test.

The Chihuahua Plan - In Person Pro Check

Every other dog has run in fear, leaving their services on the ground for the mighty King of all Rage and Fierceness to take over. 

A- For travel from Korea to ANYWHERE accepting pets as checked baggage or carry-on .

Leo meets you in person at a mutually-agreed time, and checks your crate and dog for fit and safety, recommends correct size by testing on several crates, and personally inspects your existing paperwork. 

Leo will inspect the crate and the supplies you have to ensure everything complies, and also apply new shipping labels as required by IATA.

(Only available in Busan, Daegu, and Pyeongtaek) Should the crate not be the right fit, you’ll be given the option to purchase the correct one. 

for unaccompanied cargo shipping

If your pet is not (or cannot) traveling with you as checked baggage or carry on please contact here:.

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CARGO TRAVEL INFORMATION

Pets traveling as cargo are priced at rates according to multiple factors. If you  have paid for a

consultation service, and your pet has to travel as manifest cargo using our services, the consultation fee will be applied towards the cargo costs.

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Buy us a coffee, remote dog training- 1 month.

Leo has been training and handling dogs his entire life, and since 2008 he has dedicated the majority of his daily time to working with dogs. 

Leo has handled difficult rescue dogs, particularly between 2008-2018, when he ran a private dog shelter in South Korea. From 2019 onwards, Leo has been a full-time dog handling professional, running a home kennel, a pet shipping business, and never ending rescue and training of dogs. Leo has handled literally thousands of dogs, and provided training guidance to just as many individuals, particularly specializing on helping newly adopted rescue dogs adapt to their new homes.

Leo's academic background is in educational psychology, and between 1999 to 2019, he was a school teacher at elementary, secondary, university, and post-graduate levels. Sixteen of those years were as a tenured university professor.  Leo uses the lessons from his academic background to approach the education of pets, but mostly, to teach the REAL lessons required for training to the ACTUAL students: The dog owners.

Leo believes in a "consequence-based method of dog training. There are no active punishments or harm given to the dogs, but there are systems of cause-and-effect for dogs to learn the desired behaviors, and the undesired ones too. The method focuses on creating mutual understanding between dogs and owners.

The Dog Training Package includes:

-ONE 30 minute live call (video or audio) per month

-Unlimited facebook messenger support (during business hours)

-Additional calls for that month are $50/ 30 minutes,

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Passengers traveling with pets

Passengers planning to travel with pets are advised to carefully read the application method and guideline for traveling with pets.

About SKYPETS

This flyer program allows you to register your pet on the Korean Air website and get free pet travel awards by collecting points every time you travel with your pet.

Register SKYPETS

• Eligible Pets: Dogs, cats, and birds
• Maximum of five pets can be registered

Earn Points

• You can earn points from the [SKYPETS] menu, if you paid for 'Pet Travel Charge' or redeemed mileage for 'Pet Travel Award' when using Korean Air.
• 1 Point per single segment of domestic travel
• 2 points per single segment of international travel

Using Points

Accumulated points can be redeemed for free pet travel when you fly with your pet.

• 12 points: Free for one domestic flight segment in Korea
• 24 points: Free for one international flight segment

Additional information on stamp use

For itineraries connecting domestic and international flights, the total number of domestic and international points will be deducted.

When you have finalized your travel plans, please apply for SKYPETS program in advance through the Korean Air website or the Korean Air Service Center. Once approved, you can use points to pay pet travel charges for your itinerary in the [My Trips] menu.

• Points are valid for 3 years from the travel date and can be used until December 31 of the 3th year (Korea Standard Time). You can claim a point within 1 year of the travel date.
• Points are awarded only to members who have booked and made a payment for their pet travel.
• Any travel with a service animal that assists passengers with special needs is not eligible to receive points
• Stamps are only awarded for trips completed after signing up for SKYPASS membership.
• The relevant service can be changed or discontinued according to the circumstances of Korean Air.

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