Travel plans can change unexpectedly, and when they do, it's essential to understand your rights and options. Korean Air offers a structured cancellation and refund policy designed to accommodate various circumstances. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate their policies.
24-Hour Cancellation Rule
Korean Air provides a 24-hour cancellation policy that allows passengers to cancel their flight and receive a full refund under specific conditions:
Eligibility: This policy applies to flights to/from the United States and international flights departing from Korea.
Purchase Requirements: The ticket must be purchased directly from Korean Air (via their website, Service Center, or Branch Office).
Time Frame: Cancellation must occur within 24 hours of booking and at least 7 days before the scheduled departure.
Fare Types: This policy applies to all fare types, including non-refundable tickets.
Note: Group bookings are not eligible for this policy.
Refund Penalties for Cancellations
If you cancel your flight outside the 24-hour window, Korean Air imposes refund penalties based on the fare type, route, and timing of the cancellation. Here's a breakdown:
International Flights Departing from Korea
| Booking Class | Route Type | 61–90 Days Before Departure | 15–60 Days | 4–14 Days | Within 3 Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D, I, R | Short-haul | KRW 30,000 | KRW 100,000 | KRW 120,000 | KRW 150,000 |
| Medium-haul | KRW 30,000 | KRW 200,000 | KRW 240,000 | KRW 300,000 | |
| Long-haul | KRW 30,000 | KRW 300,000 | KRW 360,000 | KRW 450,000 | |
| B, M, W | Short-haul | KRW 30,000 | KRW 50,000 | KRW 60,000 | KRW 80,000 |
| Medium-haul | KRW 30,000 | KRW 70,000 | KRW 90,000 | KRW 110,000 | |
| Long-haul | KRW 30,000 | KRW 150,000 | KRW 180,000 | KRW 230,000 | |
| S, H, E, K, L, U, Q | Short-haul | KRW 30,000 | KRW 100,000 | KRW 120,000 | KRW 150,000 |
| Medium-haul | KRW 30,000 | KRW 150,000 | KRW 180,000 | KRW 230,000 | |
| Long-haul | KRW 30,000 | KRW 200,000 | KRW 240,000 | KRW 300,000 | |
| N, T | Short-haul | KRW 30,000 | KRW 100,000 | KRW 120,000 | KRW 150,000 |
| Medium-haul | KRW 30,000 | KRW 150,000 | KRW 180,000 | KRW 230,000 | |
| Long-haul | KRW 30,000 | KRW 250,000 | KRW 300,000 | KRW 380,000 |
Domestic Flights Within Korea
| Fare Class | Refund Fee |
|---|---|
| Saver | KRW 7,000 |
| Standard | KRW 5,000 |
| Flex | KRW 3,000 |
| Prestige | KRW 3,000 |
Note: Airport taxes are fully refundable.
Award Ticket Cancellation
Korean Air's policy for award ticket cancellations varies based on timing:
More than 90 Days Before Departure: Full refund with no penalty.
Within 90 Days Before Departure: 3,000 miles penalty.
After Ticket Expiry: 10,000 miles penalty.
Note: Refund fees are charged in miles, and the remaining miles will be credited to your account.
No-Show and Boarding Cancellation Fees
Failing to board your flight or canceling after entering the departure area incurs additional penalties:
| Route Type | No-Show Fee | Boarding Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Within Korea | KRW 8,000 | N/A |
| Short-haul (e.g., Japan, Korea, Hong Kong) | USD 50 | USD 250 |
| Medium-haul (e.g., Southeast Asia) | USD 70 | USD 270 |
| Long-haul (e.g., Europe, Americas) | USD 120 | USD 320 |
Note: These fees apply to all ticket types, including award tickets.
Refund Processing and Service Charges
Service Charge: A service charge of USD 30 (or equivalent) applies to each refund request.
Airport Taxes: Fully refundable.
Processing Time: Refunds are typically processed within 7–10 business days.
Note: Refund rules may vary based on whether you are flying to or from Korea.
Tips for a Smooth Cancellation Process
Act Promptly: Initiate cancellations as soon as your plans change to minimize penalties.
Use Official Channels: Always cancel through Korean Air's official website, Service Center, or Branch Office.
In conclusion, while Korean Air has a fairly straightforward cancellation and refund policy, the details of the fees and conditions can vary depending on the type of ticket, route, and timing. Understanding these factors in advance will help ensure that you're prepared in case your travel plans change unexpectedly.
