Air Seoul Baggage Policy: Allowances, Fees & Rules Explained 

Air Seoul allows one carry-on bag (10kg, 115cm) and free checked baggage ranging from 15kg on domestic flights to 23kg on international and Guam routes. Excess baggage fees start at KRW 8,000 per 5kg domestically, while international rates vary by destination Japan, China/Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, and Guam each have distinct pricing tiers.

Flying with a low-cost carrier like Air Seoul means paying close attention to baggage rules, since fees for exceeding your limit can add up quickly. Whether you’re catching a quick trip from Incheon to Osaka or a longer haul to Southeast Asia, knowing exactly what’s included in your fare and what costs extra can save you a frustrating (and expensive) surprise at check-in.

What Is Air Seoul’s Carry-On Baggage Allowance?

Air Seoul permits one carry-on bag per passenger, weighing no more than 10kg (22lbs) and measuring no more than 115cm total (length + width + height). The maximum dimensions per side are 55cm x 40cm x 20cm. Passengers may also bring one small personal item, such as a laptop bag, provided the combined weight stays under 10kg.

Carry-on essentials:

• Maximum weight: 10kg (22lbs)
• Maximum size: 115cm total (55cm x 40cm x 20cm)
• One additional personal item allowed (laptop, small duty-free bag, baby food, etc.)
• Small musical instruments (like a violin) permitted if under 115cm total
• Large instruments (cello, guitar) require an extra seat purchase and can’t exceed 155cm

Not allowed as carry-on: knives, scissors, firearms, toy guns, and golf clubs. Liquids are capped at 100ml per container, all fitting inside a single 1-liter clear zip bag.

If you’re in the first row or an exit seat, note that no baggage carry-on or otherwise can be stored under the seat in front of you, since there isn’t one.

What Is Air Seoul’s Checked Baggage Allowance?

Air Seoul’s free checked baggage allowance depends on your route and fare type. Domestic flights include 15kg per passenger, while international flights and Guam routes include 23kg. However, passengers booking a Special Fare on international routes (excluding Guam) receive no free checked baggage allowance at all this is a critical detail many travelers overlook.

One infant aid (stroller, cradle, or car seat) travels free regardless of route or fare class.

Practical takeaway: If you booked a discounted “Special Fare” for an international trip, budget for prepaid baggage in advance since you’re starting from zero, not from an existing allowance.

What Is the Maximum Checked Baggage Size for Air Seoul?

Air Seoul checked baggage cannot exceed 203cm when you add the length, width, and height together, and no single piece can weigh more than 30kg. Bags exceeding 277cm in total dimensions may be refused entirely, regardless of weight or fee payment.

If your checked bag weighs more than 23kg, Air Seoul requires it to be packed separately from other items to prevent handling injuries this isn’t just a suggestion, it’s enforced at the check-in counter.

Size and weight limits at a glance:

• Standard checked bag: up to 203cm (L+W+H), up to 30kg
• Bags over 23kg: must be packed separately
• Bags over 277cm: may be refused as checked baggage entirely

How Much Is Air Seoul’s Extra Baggage Fee?

Air Seoul’s excess baggage fees vary by whether you prepay online or pay at the airport, and by route. Domestic excess baggage costs KRW 8,000 per 5kg when prepaid, or KRW 3,000 per kg at the airport (updated January 1, 2025, from the previous KRW 2,000 rate). International fees are calculated per destination zone and increase significantly for airport purchases.

Domestic Excess Baggage Fees

International Excess Baggage Fees (Pre-Paid, 48+ Hours Before Departure)

Booking within 48 hours of departure raises these rates by roughly KRW 5,000, and buying baggage allowance at the airport counter is even pricier for example, Japan routes jump to KRW 60,000 for the first 15kg plus KRW 12,000 per additional kilogram.

Worked example: A passenger flying Korea to Japan on a Special Fare with a 20kg suitcase, purchased at the airport, pays KRW 60,000 (first 15kg) + KRW 60,000 (5kg extra at KRW 12,000/kg) = KRW 120,000 total. Prepaying online 48+ hours ahead would cost only KRW 40,000 + KRW 40,000 = KRW 80,000 a savings of KRW 40,000.

Gate Check-In Fees (Separate From Excess Baggage Charges)

If you bring extra bags to the boarding gate that weren’t checked in advance, Air Seoul charges an additional per-piece fee, stacked on top of any weight-based excess charge:

Sports Equipment Fees

Ski gear, snowboards, surfboards, windsurfing equipment, diving gear, and bicycles each carry a flat KRW 20,000 (USD 20) handling fee per item, on top of any excess weight charges. Golf clubs are treated under standard checked baggage allowances but must be packed in a hard case Air Seoul isn’t liable for damage otherwise.

How Does Air Seoul Check-In Work?

Air Seoul offers online check-in starting 24 hours before departure, closing 30 minutes prior for domestic flights and 1.5 hours prior for international flights. Passengers with only carry-on items can head straight to security, while those with checked bags must visit the counter to drop luggage after checking in online.

Check-in steps:

1. Complete online check-in and download/print your boarding pass
2. At the airport: skip the counter if you have no checked bags, or drop bags at the counter (show your QR code) if you do
3. Clear security and immigration with your boarding pass and ID/passport
4. Board domestic gates close 5 minutes before departure

Exceptions: Online check-in isn’t available for flights to China or Vietnam, or for codeshare bookings these require counter check-in. Security screening must be completed at least 20 minutes before departure for domestic flights and 60 minutes before for international flights.

Tips for Managing Air Seoul Baggage Costs

• Prepay online whenever possible. Airport rates for excess baggage run 30–50% higher than prepaid online rates.
• Book excess baggage 48+ hours ahead. This locks in the lower “before departure” rate rather than the higher “within 48 hours” rate.
• Double-check your fare type. Special Fare tickets on international routes (except Guam) include no free checked baggage factor this into your total cost before booking.
• Weigh your bag before leaving home. A bag just 1kg over the limit still triggers the full excess fee tier.
• Pack sports equipment separately. Since items like bicycles and surfboards carry a flat handling fee regardless of weight, keep other baggage under the free allowance to avoid stacking charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Air Seoul charge for a second checked bag?
Yes. Outside of Guam routes (which allow 2 free pieces), a second checked bag on domestic or international flights is charged as excess baggage, calculated per kilogram based on your route and purchase timing.

Is Air Seoul’s carry-on limit strictly enforced?
Yes. The 10kg, 115cm limit applies per passenger, and bags exceeding this must be checked often at the gate, where a separate per-piece fee applies alongside any weight-based excess charge.

Can I bring a baby stroller for free on Air Seoul?
Yes. One infant aid stroller, cradle, or car seat travels free of charge regardless of route or fare type, separate from your checked baggage allowance.

What happens if my Air Seoul checked bag exceeds 30kg?
Air Seoul caps individual checked bags at 30kg. If your single piece exceeds this, you must split the contents into separate bags before check-in; the airline won’t transport a single piece over this weight.

Does Air Seoul’s Special Fare include free checked baggage?
Not on international routes. Special Fare tickets for international flights (excluding Guam) come with zero free checked baggage allowance, meaning any checked bag is billed entirely as excess baggage.

How much cheaper is prepaid baggage versus airport purchase on Air Seoul?
Significantly cheaper. For Korea-Japan routes, prepaid excess baggage costs KRW 40,000 for the first 15kg, versus KRW 60,000 at the airport a difference of KRW 20,000, plus higher per-kilogram rates for airport purchases.

Are golf clubs included in Air Seoul’s standard baggage allowance?
Yes, golf clubs fall under standard free baggage allowances, but they must be checked (not carried on) and packed in a hard case, since Air Seoul won’t cover damage to unprotected equipment.

Can I change my prepaid baggage weight after purchase on Air Seoul?
No. Air Seoul requires you to cancel your existing prepaid baggage purchase and repurchase at the new weight; direct weight adjustments aren’t available.

Does Air Seoul’s baggage policy apply to Asiana codeshare flights?
Yes. Passengers on Asiana codeshare flights operated under Air Seoul are charged the same excess baggage fees as standard Air Seoul passengers.

What’s the latest deadline to purchase prepaid excess baggage on Air Seoul?
You can purchase prepaid baggage until 4 hours before departure for international flights and 48 hours before for domestic flights, provided your ticket is already issued and you haven’t checked in yet.