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FlightLogic is an independent, advertising-supported information service that lets you compare airlines, airports, hotels, and travel products. We do not provide financial advice and we do not recommend specific products or providers. Links marked * are advertising links and may earn us commission at no extra cost to you — always read the terms of any product before booking or applying. Learn more about how we make money.

Korean Air

Expert Editorial Review

Excellence in Flight

#20 Global 5-Star Airline Safety 9.5 · Maximum Safety
Decision summary FlightLogic verified data · Updated 6 July 2026

Should I choose Korean Air for my next long-haul work trip?

Korean Air scores 8.4/10 (safety 9.5/10), ranking #20 globally — Wi-Fi is paid or route-dependent. Baggage: 1×23 kg international economy; 2×32 kg Prestige.

FlightLogic score
8.4/10
Safety
9.5/10
Global rank
#20
Wi-Fi policy
Partial / paid tiers
Korean Air Boeing 777-300ER aircraft departing Boston.
Photo: 4300streetcar / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0

Korean Air is South Korea's flag carrier operating from Incheon with Prestige Class business, exceptional Korean dining, and strong SkyTeam connectivity for UK–Asia routings.

Last updated 6 July 2026

Pre-Trip Planning

Passenger policies at a glance

Policy data verified

Baggage, Wi-Fi, legroom, and lounge access for Korean Air — expand for the full matrix.

View full policy matrix Baggage · Wi-Fi · lounges · changes
Korean Air passenger policies
Cabin baggage Included — standard carry-on allowance applies
Checked baggage 1×23 kg international economy; 2×32 kg Prestige
In-flight Wi-Fi Partial — free messaging or select routes/cabins only
Economy seat pitch 32–34"
Lounge access KAL Prestige lounge ICN; SkyTeam Elite Plus
Changes & refunds Flex fares allow changes; restricted fares charge fee
Loyalty programme SKYPASS

Awards & Recognition

  • SkyTeam member
  • Best Korean airline catering

Airline Details

IATA Code
KE
ICAO Code
KAL
Hub
Seoul Incheon (ICN)
Alliance
skyteam
Founded
1969
Fleet Size
160 aircraft

Strengths

  • KAL Prestige lounge at ICN
  • Incheon hub 9.3/10 airport score
  • Strong UK–Seoul and UK–Asia connections

Weaknesses

  • Asiana merger integration ongoing
  • Award space competitive on popular routes

Day-of Travel Support

About Korean Air

Korean Air is South Korea's flag carrier operating from Incheon with Prestige Class business, exceptional Korean dining, and strong SkyTeam connectivity for UK–Asia routings.

Key strengths: KAL Prestige lounge at ICN. Incheon hub 9.3/10 airport score. Strong UK–Seoul and UK–Asia connections. Areas for improvement: Asiana merger integration ongoing. Award space competitive on popular routes.

Editorial Korean Air Reviews

Korean Air Boeing 777-300ER aircraft departing Boston.
Airline Reviews

Korean Air Review 2026: Prestige Class & Incheon Hub

South Korea's flag carrier — Prestige business class, exceptional Korean dining, and Incheon hub ranked 9.3/10 on FlightLogic.

Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 departures, home to Korean Air's KAL Prestige Lounge.
Airport Lounge Reviews

Korean Air KAL Prestige Lounge, Incheon International Airport

KAL Prestige lounges at Incheon Terminal 1 pair Korean cuisine, nap rooms, and Spa on Air with one of Asia's cleanest airport environments — the SkyTeam benchmark for Seoul connections.

Korean Air — Frequently Asked Questions

Is Korean Air a good airline?

Korean Air scores 8.4/10 overall on FlightLogic (5-Star), with 2,340 passenger reviews. Strengths include KAL Prestige lounge at ICN; Incheon hub 9.3/10 airport score.

What is Korean Air's safety score?

Korean Air scores 9.5/10 on FlightLogic's safety index — calculated separately from passenger experience using IOSA certification, accident history, fleet age, and regulatory compliance.

What alliance is Korean Air in?

Korean Air is a member of skyteam.

Where is Korean Air's hub?

Korean Air's primary hub is Seoul Incheon (ICN). The airline was founded in 1969 and operates approximately 160 aircraft.

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