Koda flies cargo, so a snub-nosed rule matters here. Korean Air accepts dogs in cabin, cargo, and hold, which sounds open until you hit the breed and crate details. Fourteen cargo trips taught me one thing: read the fine print before you book, not at the counter. This guide strips Korean Air down to what a big-dog cargo traveler actually needs to decide.
Korean Air's pet policy splits into cabin and cargo. This page summarizes the weight limits, fees, brachycephalic-breed restrictions, and carrier specifications for both modes — sourced from the airline's official pet pages.
How Korean Air handles your pet Each fact comes straight from the operator’s published policy. Tap the
🐕 Dog 🐈 Cat
In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Not accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedDogs, cats, and pet birds over eight weeks old verified 2026-06-15 Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesDuring 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. verified 2026-07-20 Snub-nosed breeds list Bulldog Pug Boxer Boston Terrier Pekingese Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso Chow Chow Cane Corso Dogue de Bordeaux Brussels Griffon Affenpinscher Japanese Chin Shar Pei Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mastiff Pets that are restricted from traveling Transport restrictions Ferocious dogs as stated in the Enforcement Rule of the Animal Protection Act or pets with violent tendencies Pets that have been given drugs, such as… verified 2026-07-15 Minimum age 8 weeks Age requirements The minimum age for domestic flight is 8 weeks of age; however, this can vary depending on the destination. verified 2026-07-20 Advance booking notice 48 hours …of accompanying pets After purchasing a flight ticket, please check if transportation is allowed at least 48 hours before for international flights and 24 hours before for domestic flights verified 2026-07-06 Advance booking required ✓ Yes=== [section 1] === How to request the Traveling with Pets service in advance The Traveling with Pets service is subject to prior reservation and approval verified 2026-07-07 Max pets per passenger 3 A total of three pets is allowed on the aircraft per passenger. - A passenger traveling with three pets can carry one of them in the cabin and transport the other two in the cargo compartment as checked baggage. - The… verified 2026-07-16 Min age weeks 8 weeks Dogs, cats, and pet birds over eight weeks old verified 2026-05-31 Max per flight 3 A total of three pets can accompany each passenger per flight (one in the cabin and two as checked baggage). verified 2026-07-20 Nursing allowed ✓ Yes(International Animal Transport and Quarantine Office Regulations) According to IATA LAR, the females in heat(oestrus), females with suckling young, unweaned animals (dogs/cats) and the animals under 3 months in age are… verified 2026-07-20 Sedation allowed ✗ NoPets allowed flown by Korean Air in the cabin Small dogs, cats and household birds. Pets must be odorless, clean, healthy, harmless and mannerly. Sedated or pregnant pets will not be permitted. verified 2026-07-10 Season restrictions June through September To ensure the safe transportation of pets, checked pet transport is restricted on Boeing 737 and Airbus A321 aircraft for all international flights and during the warm season (June through September) for domestic flights verified 2026-06-16 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoPregnant pets or pets with a strong odor verified 2026-06-15 Carrier size 32 × 45 cm …Maximum carrier measurements to fly in the cabin with Korean Air is 17.5L x 12.5W x 7.5″H* (32 x 45 x 19 cm). verified 2026-07-20 Max weight (pet + crate) 7 kg Cabin (7 kg (15 lb) or less) Pet conditions 8 weeks or older Total weight of the pet and pet carrier must be 7 kg (15… verified 2026-07-16 Crate must have/be soft-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier …Maximum carrier measurements to fly in the cabin with Korean Air is 17.5L x 12.5W x 7.5″H* (32 x 45 x 19 cm). verified 2026-07-20 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedNumber of animals you can transport: You can transport one animal per passenger on-board and two in the cargo hold verified 2026-07-08 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesPrimates : Monkey, Orangutan, Chimpanzee, etc. Exceptions : For the purpose of zoo exhibition, pet. Shark’s Fin In order to protect animals, Korean Air prohibits the transportation of Shark’s Fin. Forbidden Live Animal… verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds list Bulldog Pug Boxer Boston Terrier Pekingese Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso Chow Chow Cane Corso Dogue de Bordeaux Brussels Griffon Affenpinscher Japanese Chin Shar Pei Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mastiff Pets that are restricted from traveling Transport restrictions Ferocious dogs as stated in the Enforcement Rule of the Animal Protection Act or pets with violent tendencies Pets that have been given drugs, such as… verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Minimum age 16 weeks Pets in Checked Baggage Pets transported as checked baggage must be at least 16 weeks old Pets in Checked Baggage Pets transported as checked baggage must be at least 16 weeks old verified 2026-07-10 Hold: Advance booking notice 48 hours …of accompanying pets After purchasing a flight ticket, please check if transportation is allowed at least 48 hours before for international flights and 24 hours before for domestic flights verified 2026-06-29 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ Yes=== [section 1] === How to request the Traveling with Pets service in advance The Traveling with Pets service is subject to prior reservation and approval verified 2026-07-07 Hold: Max pets per passenger 2 You can transport one animal per passenger on-board and two in the cargo hold. verified 2026-05-31 Hold: Cold-weather embargo -7°C …the outside of the carrier. Transporting your pet in temperatures above 29 degrees Celsius (84°F) or below -7 degrees Celsius (19°F) can adversely affect your pet’s health. verified 2026-07-10 Hold: Min age weeks 16 weeks 16 weeks of age or older if checked in the cargo hold verified 2026-05-31 Hold: Nursing allowed ✓ Yes(International Animal Transport and Quarantine Office Regulations) According to IATA LAR, the females in heat(oestrus), females with suckling young, unweaned animals (dogs/cats) and the animals under 3 months in age are… verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Sedation allowed ✗ NoThe following are not permitted: pets that are medicated (e.g., sedated), pregnant, or emit strong odors; snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds in the cargo hold; and ferocious or restricted breeds. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Banned breeds list pit bull Due to government regulations in Ontario, pit bulls are not accepted in the cabin or as checked baggage or as cargo for travel into (or via) Ontario Dogs : Newfoundland, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux, Lhasa Apso,… verified 2026-06-16 Hold: Season restrictions June through September To ensure the safe transportation of pets, checked pet transport is restricted on Boeing 737 and Airbus A321 aircraft for all international flights and during the warm season (June through September) for domestic flights verified 2026-06-16 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoSedated or pregnant pets will not be permitted. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Carrier size 84 cm …carrier must not exceed 43" x 26" x 45" (114 cm x 66 cm x 114 cm) in total, with a maximum height of 33" (84 cm) For pets traveling as checked baggage, the carrier's maximum linear dimension is 114" verified 2026-06-09 Hold: Max weight (pet + crate) 32 kg and carrier's combined weight is between 11 lbs (5 kg) and 70 lbs (32 kg), they qualify to travel as checked baggage. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Crate must have/be water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier …carrier must not exceed 43" x 26" x 45" (114 cm x 66 cm x 114 cm) in total, with a maximum height of 33" (84 cm) For pets traveling as checked baggage, the carrier's maximum linear dimension is 114" verified 2026-06-09 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedGo to top Contact For further details, please contact Cargo Marketing Team === [section 1] === Pets permitted on board Dogs, cats, and pet birds over eight weeks old 16 weeks of age or older if checked in the cargo hold… verified 2026-07-16 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesPrimates : Monkey, Orangutan, Chimpanzee, etc. Exceptions : For the purpose of zoo exhibition, pet. Shark’s Fin In order to protect animals, Korean Air prohibits the transportation of Shark’s Fin. Forbidden Live Animal… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds list Bulldog Pug Boxer Boston Terrier Pekingese Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso Chow Chow Cane Corso Dogue de Bordeaux Brussels Griffon Affenpinscher Japanese Chin Shar Pei Restriction on transporting brachycephalic(snub-nosed) dogs and cats Brachycephalic(snub-nosed) dogs and cats, which are susceptible to breathing difficulties or death during air flight due to their anatomical… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Minimum age 16 weeks …Marketing Team === [section 1] === Pets permitted on board Dogs, cats, and pet birds over eight weeks old 16 weeks of age or older if checked in the cargo hold Number of animals you can transport: You can transport… verified 2026-07-21 Cargo: Advance booking notice 48 hours …of accompanying pets After purchasing a flight ticket, please check if transportation is allowed at least 48 hours before for international flights and 24 hours before for domestic flights verified 2026-07-03 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ Yes=== [section 1] === How to request the Traveling with Pets service in advance The Traveling with Pets service is subject to prior reservation and approval verified 2026-07-07 Cargo: Max pets per passenger 1 Number of animals you can transport: You can transport one animal per passenger on-board and two in the cargo hold Number of animals you can transport: You can transport one animal per passenger on-board and two in the… verified 2026-06-01 Cargo: Heat embargo 29°C …written in English and attached to the outside of the carrier. Transporting your pet in temperatures above 29 degrees Celsius (84°F) or below -7 degrees Celsius (19°F) can adversely affect your pet’s health. verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Nursing allowed ✗ No(International Animal Transport and Quarantine Office Regulations) According to IATA LAR, the females in heat(oestrus), females with suckling young, unweaned animals (dogs/cats) and the animals under 3 months in age are… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Sedation allowed ✗ NoPets that have been given drugs, such as stabilizers or sleeping pills verified 2026-06-15 Cargo: Season restrictions June through September To ensure the safe transportation of pets, checked pet transport is restricted on Boeing 737 and Airbus A321 aircraft for all international flights and during the warm season (June through September) for domestic flights verified 2026-06-16 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoPregnant pets or pets with a strong odor verified 2026-06-15 Cargo: Carrier size 84 cm Sum of length x width x height 291 cm (114 in) or less (up to 84 cm (33 in) high) verified 2026-06-15 Cargo: Max weight (pet + crate) 45 kg Pets in Cargo Animals and carriers that have a combined weight of more than 99 lbs (45 kg) must be transported by freight ng on the weight and travel distance. verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier Sum of length x width x height 291 cm (114 in) or less (up to 84 cm (33 in) high) verified 2026-06-15 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ YesForms Required Proof of microchip, rabies vaccination, permits, tests and health certificate required for your destination country must be provided. verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate validity 10 days …Switzerland, or the Vatican A health certificate issued by a certified veterinarian is required (valid for 10 days from the date of issue). verified 2026-07-10 Microchip · Required ✓ YesEU PET Passport and the quarantine certificates issued by Korean government are accepted. (Microchip number, listing for rabies antibody test results related issues are required) Considering the Suitability for Air… verified 2026-07-20 Quarantine · Type Quarantine station regulation of Destination) Required Documents Quarantine Certificate (Issued by Quarantine station, usually a local office is located near the airport) When applying for a Quaran verified 2026-07-20 Quarantine · Required ✓ YesAcceptance Check Lists Quarantine Regulations of Arrival country Required Documents Adequacy of Cage or Pen (Size, Material) Forbidden Items by CITES (Co Restriction on transporting brachycephalic(snub-nosed) dogs and… verified 2026-06-04 Quarantine · Pre-approval required ✓ Yesimplanted in them. Their owners must submit to the animal quarantine officer at the port of entry a health certificate issued by verified 2026-07-20 Quarantine · Approved facility required ✓ Yesantine and Inspection Agency (QIA) and obtain prior approval for the use of an animal quarantine facility. ◎ Additionally required documentation Cats imported from Australia and cats verified 2026-07-20 Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Required ✓ Yesed for your destination country (if Korea is your destination, the results of a rabies titer test is required). verified 2026-07-20 Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Approved laboratory required ✓ YesThe rabies-neutralizing antibody test must be administered by an internationally approved laboratory or by the competent authority of the exporting country before maximum 24 months Restriction on transporting… verified 2026-06-04 Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Waiting period after test days 180 days dy-related scores are recorded An elapsed time of between 180 days and 2 years after the blood test is required In the event that the period of 180 days has not passed at… verified 2026-06-04 Health certificate · Required ✓ YesFor pets traveling from a third country other than Andorra, Croatia, Ireland, Lichtenstein, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, or the Vatican A health certificate issued by a certified veterinarian is required (valid for… verified 2026-07-21 Rabies vaccination · Required ✓ YesRabies vaccination The pet must have been vaccinated at least twice (at least 30 days apart). verified 2026-07-21 Rabies vaccination · Booster required ✓ YesRabies vaccination record, Antibodies value must be entered on the quarantine certificate. verified 2026-07-20 Rabies vaccination · Waiting period after vaccination 180 days …lab and the required rabies antibody-related scores are recorded An elapsed time of between 180 days and 2 years after the blood test is required In the event that the period of 180 verified 2026-06-04 Rabies vaccination · Min age at vaccination 16 weeks === [section 1] === Pets permitted on board Dogs, cats, and pet birds over eight weeks old 16 weeks of age or older if checked in the cargo hold Number of animals you can transport: You can transport… verified 2026-06-22 Health certificate valid within days · Health certificate valid within days 10 days A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, microchip, proof of rabies vaccination verified 2026-07-20 Other rules Minimum age 16 weeks They must be at least 16 weeks of age or older depending on the destination requirements. verified 2026-07-20 Pet passport required ✓ YesEU PET Passport and the quarantine certificates issued by Korean government are accepted. (Microchip number, listing for rabies antibody test results related issues are required) Considering the Suitability for Air… verified 2026-06-19 Dangerous breeds banned ✗ YesDog : 6 months or older (Purpose of commercial and personal pet) Cat : 6 months or older (Purpose of commercial) ※ Depending on the quarantine standards at the point of origin, pet cats have different age requirements… verified 2026-07-20 Breed restrictions apply ✗ YesFerocious dogs Tosa and its mixed breeds Pit Bull Terrier and its mixed breeds (including American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier) Rottweiler and its mixed… verified 2026-06-14 Assistance animals accepted ✓ YesApplication form : ◎ application form to import animals to the Republic of Korea (see appendix) - 4 - For more information on bringing cats and dogs to Korea, visit the Animal, Plant and Fisheries Quarantine and… verified 2026-07-24 Service & assistance animals Fee waived ✓ YesFlying with your service dog free of charge verified 2026-07-14 Recognized ✓ YesIf the required documentation is not provided at least 48 hours prior to departure, or if the documentation provided does not meet the requirements of the Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities… verified 2026-07-21 Cabin allowed ✓ YesService dogs accompanied by passengers with disabilities can come on board without a pet carrier verified 2026-06-15 Forms required ✓ YesAfter requesting a service dog travel, complete and submit the two forms below to the email provided by the Korean Air Booking Center at least 48 hours before departure. verified 2026-06-14 Max pets per passenger 2 Passengers with disabilities can travel with up to two service dogs verified 2026-06-15 Advance notice hours 48 hours Passengers wishing to travel with a service dog must provide the following at least 48 hours prior to departure (1) a declaration that the dog is a service dog; and (2) an identification card or… verified 2026-07-23 Documentation required ✓ YesRelated: Selecting a pet carrier that is airline compliant Forms required Proof of microchip, rabies vaccination, permits, tests and health certificate required for your destination country must be pr Related:… verified 2026-07-20 In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Not accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedViolations of the above may result in warnings or restrictions by the cabin crew, and continued violations may result in your pet not being allowed on board. verified 2026-07-16 Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesDuring 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. verified 2026-07-20 Snub-nosed breeds list Persian Himalayan Burmese British Shorthair Scottish Fold Pets that are restricted from traveling Transport restrictions Ferocious dogs as stated in the Enforcement Rule of the Animal Protection Act or pets with violent tendencies Pets that have been given drugs, such as… verified 2026-07-15 Minimum age 8 weeks Pets in the Cabin Korean Air allows dogs, cats, and pet birds that are at least 8 weeks old to travel in the cabin. verified 2026-07-20 Advance booking notice 48 hours …of accompanying pets After purchasing a flight ticket, please check if transportation is allowed at least 48 hours before for international flights and 24 hours before for domestic flights verified 2026-07-06 Advance booking required ✓ Yes=== [section 1] === How to request the Traveling with Pets service in advance The Traveling with Pets service is subject to prior reservation and approval verified 2026-07-10 Max pets per passenger 3 A total of three pets is allowed on the aircraft per passenger. - A passenger traveling with three pets can carry one of them in the cabin and transport the other two in the cargo compartment as checked baggage. - The… verified 2026-07-16 Booking method counter Check in Your pet should be presented at the departure airport ticket counter in its carrier at least 30 minutes before normal check in times. verified 2026-07-20 Min age weeks 8 weeks Dogs, cats, and pet birds over eight weeks old verified 2026-05-31 Nursing allowed ✗ No(International Animal Transport and Quarantine Office Regulations) According to IATA LAR, the females in heat(oestrus), females with suckling young, unweaned animals (dogs/cats) and the animals under 3 months in age are… verified 2026-07-20 Sedation allowed ✗ NoPets that have been given drugs, such as stabilizers or sleeping pills verified 2026-06-15 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoPregnant pets or pets with a strong odor verified 2026-06-15 Carrier size 32 × 19 cm Up to 32 cm (12 verified 2026-07-07 Max weight (pet + crate) 7 kg Cabin (7 kg (15 lb) or less) Pet conditions 8 weeks or older Total weight of the pet and pet carrier must be 7 kg (15… verified 2026-07-23 Crate must have/be soft-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier Up to 32 cm (12 verified 2026-07-07 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedNumber of animals you can transport: You can transport one animal per passenger on-board and two in the cargo hold verified 2026-07-08 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesPrimates : Monkey, Orangutan, Chimpanzee, etc. Exceptions : For the purpose of zoo exhibition, pet. Shark’s Fin In order to protect animals, Korean Air prohibits the transportation of Shark’s Fin. Forbidden Live Animal… verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds list Persian Himalayan Burmese British Shorthair Scottish Fold Pets that are restricted from traveling Transport restrictions Ferocious dogs as stated in the Enforcement Rule of the Animal Protection Act or pets with violent tendencies Pets that have been given drugs, such as… verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Minimum age 16 weeks Pets in Checked Baggage Pets transported as checked baggage must be at least 16 weeks old Pets in Checked Baggage Pets transported as checked baggage must be at least 16 weeks old verified 2026-07-10 Hold: Advance booking notice 48 hours …of accompanying pets After purchasing a flight ticket, please check if transportation is allowed at least 48 hours before for international flights and 24 hours before for domestic flights verified 2026-06-29 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesPet Reservations Once your ticket is purchased, you must request approval for pet transportation at least 48 hours before an international flight and 24 hours before a domestic flight. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Max pets per passenger 2 You can transport one animal per passenger on-board and two in the cargo hold. verified 2026-05-31 Hold: Cold-weather embargo -7°C Transporting your pet in temperatures above 29 degrees Celsius (84°F) or below -7 degrees Celsius (19°F) can adversely affect your pet’s health verified 2026-07-24 Hold: Min age weeks 16 weeks 16 weeks of age or older if checked in the cargo hold verified 2026-05-31 Hold: Nursing allowed ✗ No(International Animal Transport and Quarantine Office Regulations) According to IATA LAR, the females in heat(oestrus), females with suckling young, unweaned animals (dogs/cats) and the animals under 3 months in age are… verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Sedation allowed ✗ NoSedated or pregnant pets will not be permitted. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoSedated or pregnant pets will not be permitted. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Carrier size 84 cm For pets traveling as checked baggage, the carrier's maximum linear dimension is 114" (291 cm) with a height restriction of 33" (84 cm). verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Max weight (pet + crate) 5 kg 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. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Crate must have/be water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier For pets traveling as checked baggage, the carrier's maximum linear dimension is 114" (291 cm) with a height restriction of 33" (84 cm). verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedGo to top Contact For further details, please contact Cargo Marketing Team === [section 1] === Pets permitted on board Dogs, cats, and pet birds over eight weeks old 16 weeks of age or older if checked in the cargo hold… verified 2026-07-16 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesPrimates : Monkey, Orangutan, Chimpanzee, etc. Exceptions : For the purpose of zoo exhibition, pet. Shark’s Fin In order to protect animals, Korean Air prohibits the transportation of Shark’s Fin. Forbidden Live Animal… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds list Persian Himalayan Burmese British Shorthair Scottish Fold Pets that are restricted from traveling Transport restrictions Ferocious dogs as stated in the Enforcement Rule of the Animal Protection Act or pets with violent tendencies Pets that have been given drugs, such as… verified 2026-07-21 Cargo: Minimum age 16 weeks === [section 1] === Pets permitted on board Dogs, cats, and pet birds over eight weeks old 16 weeks of age or older if checked in the cargo hold verified 2026-07-05 Cargo: Advance booking notice 48 hours …of accompanying pets After purchasing a flight ticket, please check if transportation is allowed at least 48 hours before for international flights and 24 hours before for domestic flights verified 2026-07-03 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ Yes=== [section 1] === How to request the Traveling with Pets service in advance The Traveling with Pets service is subject to prior reservation and approval verified 2026-07-07 Cargo: Cold-weather embargo -7°C Transporting your pet in temperatures above 29 degrees Celsius (84°F) or below -7 degrees Celsius (19°F) can adversely affect your pet’s health verified 2026-06-24 Cargo: Nursing allowed ✗ No(International Animal Transport and Quarantine Office Regulations) According to IATA LAR, the females in heat(oestrus), females with suckling young, unweaned animals (dogs/cats) and the animals under 3 months in age are… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Sedation allowed ✗ NoPets that have been given drugs, such as stabilizers or sleeping pills verified 2026-06-15 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoPregnant pets or pets with a strong odor verified 2026-06-15 Cargo: Carrier size 43 × 84 cm For pets traveling in the cargo hold, the carrier must not exceed 43" x 26" x 45" (114 cm x 66 cm x 114 cm) in total, with a maximum height of 33" (84 cm). verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Max weight (pet + crate) 45 kg Cargo hold (45 kg (99 lb) or less) Pet conditions 16 weeks or older Total weight of the pet and pet carrier must be 45 kg… verified 2026-07-21 Cargo: Crate must have/be water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier For pets traveling in the cargo hold, the carrier must not exceed 43" x 26" x 45" (114 cm x 66 cm x 114 cm) in total, with a maximum height of 33" (84 cm). verified 2026-07-20 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ YesA health certificate issued by a certified veterinarian is required (valid for 10 days from the date of issue) verified 2026-07-24 Health certificate validity 10 days …① and ② to Animal Quarantine Station, 99-951 Halawa Valley Street, Aiea, Hawaii 96701 at the latest by 10 days prior to arrival in Hawaii. ① Dog & Cat Import Form AQS-278 ② Two original ink signature copies of… verified 2026-07-20 Quarantine · Required ✓ YesAcceptance Check Lists Quarantine Regulations of Arrival country Required Documents Adequacy of Cage or Pen (Size, Material) Forbidden Items by CITES (Co Restriction on transporting brachycephalic(snub-nosed) dogs and… verified 2026-06-04 Health certificate · Validity days 84 days …requires that the dogs are vaccinated 28 days before traveling and it should be 3 months(12 weeks or 84 days) after their date of birth.) The proof of injection against rabies must be obta Restriction o verified 2026-06-04 Other rules Minimum age 16 weeks They must be at least 16 weeks of age or older depending on the destination requirements. verified 2026-07-20 Korean Air requires confirmation that transport is allowed at least 48 hours before an international flight. Contact the airline no later than 48 hours ahead to verify the pet booking on your route. For domestic segments, the window shrinks to 24 hours. Do not assume approval is automatic. Call, get the transport confirmed, and record who confirmed it before travel.
Snub-nosed breeds cannot travel in the Korean Air cargo hold. This ban includes mixed breeds crossing a snub-nosed breed with a non-snub-nosed breed, due to respiratory risk during flight. Confirm the dog's breed classification before booking cargo. A part-snub-nosed mix still falls under the ban. Choose an alternate carrier or cabin option if the breed qualifies as snub-nosed.
Frequently asked
How many pets can I bring on Korean Air? Korean Air allows 3 in the cabin, up to 2 in the hold, per passenger. Each pet needs its own carrier. What is the cabin weight limit on Korean Air? In the cabin, your pet plus its carrier must not exceed 7 kg. How much does it cost to fly a pet on Korean Air? On flights within Metropolitan France, Korean Air charges from 224 USD in the cabin, one way per pet. Longer routes cost more — price your exact itinerary. How far in advance must I book my pet on Korean Air? Add your pet to the booking at least 48 hours before departure — do it when you book the ticket, not at the airport. What if my flight is delayed past my health certificate validity? If the certificate window expires before you board, you'll need a re-issue. Build a 1-2 day buffer between the cert date and departure to absorb minor delays. What happens if I forget a document? At the destination airport: at best, an extended inspection while you produce backup; at worst, the pet is held in quarantine or returned to origin at your cost. Bring printed copies.
The Korean Air cabin pet fee is 224 USD for the 5 Day or Less Release Program. Direct airport release costs 165 USD instead. Confirm which release program applies to the destination before paying. Budget 224 USD when the shorter release program is required. Verify the fee at booking, because the release option determines which of the two amounts applies.
Korean Air can work for a big dog if the breed clears the snub-nosed rule and the 48-hour window is respected. Rules shift by route and destination, so do not lock a booking on general advice. Build your actual trip in Pawgo's plan-builder and get a personalized plan for your dog, your breed, and your exact departure. That plan is what saves you at the counter.
Glossary
ISO chip ISO 11784/11785 — the universal microchip standard. FAVN Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization — a rabies serology test required by rabies-free destinations. Brachycephalic Snub-nosed breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians, Himalayans) with restricted airline acceptance due to heat-stress risk. AVIH Animal Vehicle In Hold — IATA's term for cargo pet shipment, with fees that vary by carrier and route.
