What is the Korean Air Cancellation Policy 2026?

Things do not always go as planned. Speaking about travel plans, they can also change at any time. Thanks to the unexpected events that occur without any prior notice. Anyone traveling with Korean Air should be aware of the special policy that covers the revocation of travel plans. This is nothing but the Korean Air cancellation policy. This is a set of specific rules that outlines the scenarios, processes, applicable charges, exceptions, and other details related to cancellation. Fliers who need to cancel their booking due to voluntary or involuntary reasons should review the policy beforehand. This will help them know their rights and everything.

What is the Flight Cancellation Policy of Korean Air?

The Korean Air cancel policy is divided into two different types. These are:

• Voluntary cancellations: When passengers cancel their booking due to unavoidable circumstances.
• Involuntary cancellations: When Korean Air cancels flights due to special circumstances.

Voluntary Cancellation Policy for Korean Air: A Quick Look

This cancellation policy of Korean Air provides passengers with two easy options to revoke the booking. Based on the precise cancellation needs, one can either choose a risk-free window or simply follow the rules of the normal cancellation policy. Below is the detailed information about these cancellation policies:

Korean Air 24-Hour Cancellation Policy

As the name suggests, the Korean Air cancellation policy 24 hours allows easy and free cancellations within 24 hours of the booking. Here are the important points of this policy:

• Passengers can cancel any ticket for free within this risk-free window.
• Korean Air will offer refunds for refundable and non-refundable fares.
• Any cancellation that is made within this grace period will be free from any penalty or fee.
• The rule is applicable for domestic and international bookings.
• Fliers should contact the airline in case of doubt or if additional assistance is needed.

Overview of Korean Air Cancellation Policy

When the risk-free window is closed, fliers are advised to follow the normal cancellation policy to reverse their bookings. To know what is Korean Air cancellation policy, go through the following points:

• If the grace period is over, the airline will consider all cancellation requests as per the standard cancellation policy.
• This policy allows cancellation, but a certain amount will be paid by the passenger for revoking their reservations.
• The applicable cancellation fee will depend on the cabin class, fare type, and travel destination chosen.
• For eligible tickets, the airline will offer a refund, but a cancellation fee may be deducted.
• In case there is a non-refundable ticket, the airline may give travel vouchers that can be used for future bookings.
• Service charges, airport fees, and fuel surcharges might not be provided after cancelling tickets.
• One should cancel their booking before the expiration date.
• Any cancellation that is made for an expired ticket will result in the loss of the entire value, as no refunds will be offered.
• Anyone who does not board the flight without cancelling the booking will not be eligible for any refund.
• Such cases will be considered as a no-show, where the entire value of the ticket will lapse.
• Passengers can cancel their booking through the original mode that they used initially.
• Bookings made through official platforms, such as the website, app, ticketing office, or call center, should only be cancelled through these modes.
• Third-party bookings can be terminated by contacting the travel agent or agency.

When do Voluntary Cancellations Take Place?

There are different reasons behind the voluntary cancellations. They usually vary from one passenger to another. However, some common reasons have been listed below:

• Cancelled plans at work
• Health issues
• Medical or family emergency
• The untimely demise of the ticketed passenger or a close family member
• Severe illness of the ticketed passenger or a close family member

Involuntary Cancellation Policy Korean Air

In some circumstances, the airline may cancel the flights. This will be considered as an involuntary cancellation. Thankfully, there is a special Korean Air flight cancelled policy to cover, manage, address, and resolve issues associated with involuntary cancellations. Here are some reasons that force the airline to cancel flights:

• Travel restrictions
• Political stress and instability
• Government policies
• Strikes and wars
• Instructions of ATC
• Adverse flying conditions
• Natural disasters, like a Tsunami

What Will Korean Air Do to Manage Involuntary Cancellations?

When any of these issues occur, the airline will try everything possible from its end to handle the situation. Korean Air offers every possible option that can help fliers reach their destination. Here are the options provided:

• Rebooking: Passengers will get a rebooking on the next flight for the same route.
• Compensation: When a rebooked flight is several hours away, fliers will get compensation or complimentary services.
• Refunds: If rebooking is not suitable, passengers can choose to cancel their booking and get a refund.

Important Points to Remember for Different Fares?

Before initiating the process or taking any step for the cancellation, one should know the following pointers to make an informed decision:

Korean Air Refundable Tickets

• Passengers can request a refund for these tickets upon cancellation.
• These are a little expensive tickets, but a better option for those who have uncertain travel plans.

Korean Air Non-Refundable Tickets

• Refunds are not available for non-refundable tickets.
• Passengers may get travel vouchers or partial refunds for non-refundable fares.
• They are affordable options and ideal for those who are not prone to changing their travel plans.

Rebooking or Korean Air Flight Change

• When plans are not very far, rebooking can be a great option.
• This will eliminate the cancellation charges.
• For flights cancelled by the airline, automatic rebooking will be offered in the next available flight.
• This will be done at no extra cost.

How to Cancel a Korean Air Ticket Booking?

With Korean Air, passengers will get several methods for cancellation. These include the ones listed below:

Ticket Cancel Via the Official Website

• Go to the Korean Air official website.

• Click on MANAGE BOOKING.
• Enter the login credentials, such as the last name of the passenger and the booking code.
• Explore the bookings and choose the one that needs to be revoked.

• Follow all on-screen prompts and pay the applicable charges.
• Once the process is done, a confirmation notice will be sent via email.

Korean Air Cancellation At the Airport/Ticketing Office

• Sometimes, additional support is needed while cancelling the bookings.
• Find the address details of the city/country-specific office details on the Korean Air’s website.
• Head to the nearest office and connect with a Korean Air representative.
• Explain the situation and provide the necessary booking details before requesting cancellation.
• They will validate everything and initiate the process.
• Before this, passengers will need to pay the applicable cancellation fee.
• Again, a confirmation notice will be sent after the process is completed.

Ticket Booking Cancel Via Customer Support

• Passengers can dial the customer support number of Korean Air for help.
• To find the contact number, passengers can follow the link https://www.koreanair.com/contents/footer/customer-support/service-center
• Upon dialing and following the IVR instructions, an executive will be assigned.
• Share the necessary booking and the passenger details with them.
• Explain the cancellation reason and request them to initiate the same.
• After verifying the details, the executive will initiate the cancellation process.
• Passengers will need to pay the applicable cancellation fee.
• The Korean Air executive will send a confirmation email after completing the process.

At the travel agency

• When bookings are made via a third-party site or agency, one can cancel tickets through the same mode only.
• Go to the respective travel agent or booking platform.
• Request them to revoke the booking.
• Beforehand, share the booking and other relevant details with them.
• After checking everything, they will proceed with the cancellation policy.
• Once the cancellation is done, a notification will be sent that confirms the process.

IMPORTANT: The cancellation fee will only be reflected when cancellation is initiated. Besides, the applicable charges also depend on the fare type and cabin class chosen.

What is the Korean Air Cancellation Fee?

As per the Korean Air cancel flight policy, a revocation process comes with an applicable fee. However, the cost may vary. Here are some more points to keep in mind:

• The cancellation fee is influenced by the cabin class, timing, and travel destination chosen.
• Anyone who reacts quickly will get a chance to cancel their bookings for free.
• However, this quick reaction should come within 24 hours of the booking.
• Beyond the grace period, the cancellation is charged differently depending on the factors listed above.
• The cancellation charges may be higher for non-refundable fares compared to refundable ones.

What is the Korean Air Refund Policy?

It is yet another critical aspect to know while traveling with Korean Air. Here are points to keep in mind:

• Refunds will be provided to eligible tickets.
• The refund request should be made within 30 days of the expiration date of the ticket.
• The refund policy rules may vary depending on the departure point.
• Korean Air charges a fee for the refunds of reissued and fully unused tickets.
• The refund penalties are based on the time of the cancellation.
• There is no refund penalty that will be levied if the request is made 91 days before the scheduled departure or has a voluntary reason.
• No penalty is charged for refunds if the request is submitted within 24 hours of the booking.
• Refund requests for the flights of Korean Air departing from New Zealand will be addressed and managed as per the New Zealand Immigration Act.

How Will Korean Air Credit the Refunds?

After cancelling the bookings, the refunds will be provided by the airline in the original form of the payment used for the purchase. Here are some more details:

• Cash: When tickets are purchased via cash, the airline will refund through wire transfer. For this, passengers should contact the airline’s ticketing or airport office.
• Credit cards: Once the refund request is approved, the airline may take up to 1-4 weeks. Talking about the approval time, it can be up to 3 business days.

What is the Korean Air Refund Penalty?

Korean Air charges a different amount as a refund penalty. The amount depends on the travel destination, flight type (short or long haul), cabin class chosen, and time of cancellation and refund request submission. To find out more, check out the following:

Refund Penalty for International Flights

For Short Haul
Time of Refund Request Submission Before the Departure	Charges as per the Travel Class
	Flex (B, M, and W)	Standard (S, H, K, E, L, Q, O, and T)	Saver (L, U, Q, and T)
Before 91 days	Free	Free	Free
Before 61 to 90 days	KRW 30000	KRW 30000	KRW 60000
Before 15 to 60 days	KRW 50000	KRW 70000	KRW 140000
Before 4 to 14 days	KRW 60000	KRW 90000	KRW 180000
Within 3 days	KRW 80000	KRW 110000	KRW 220000
Partial refund	KRW 50000	KRW 80000	KRW 160000

For Medium Haul
Time of Refund Request Submission Before the Departure	Charges as per the Travel Class
	Flex (B, M, and W)	Standard (S, H, K, E, L, Q, O, and T)	Saver (L, U, Q, and T)
Before 91 days	Free	Free	Free
Before 61 to 90 days	KRW 30000	KRW 30000	KRW 60000
Before 15 to 60 days	KRW 70000	KRW 100000	KRW 200000
Before 4 to 14 days	KRW 90000	KRW 120000	KRW 240000
Within 3 days	KRW 110000	KRW 150000	KRW 300000
Partial refund	KRW 70000	KRW 120000	KRW 240000

For Long Haul
Time of Refund Request Submission Before the Departure	Charges as per the Travel Class
	Flex (B, M, and W)	Standard (S, H, K, E, L, Q, O, and T)	Saver (L, U, Q, and T)
Before 91 days	Free	Free	NA
Before 61 to 90 days	Free of charge	Free of charge
Before 15 to 60 days	KRW 30000	KRW 30000
Before 4 to 14 days	KRW 150000	KRW 200000
Within 3 days	KRW 180000	KRW 240000
Partial refund	KRW 230000	KRW 300000

Refund Penalties for Domestic Flights

For Short Haul
Time of Refund Request Submission Before the Departure	Charges as per the Travel Class
	C	D, I, and R
Before 91 days	KRW 50000	KRW 100000
Before 61–90 days	KRW 60000	KRW 120000
Before 15–60 days	KRW 80000	KRW 150000
Before 4–14 days	KRW 50000	KRW 100000
Within 3 days	KRW 50000	KRW 100000
Partial refund	KRW 60000	KRW 120000

For Medium Haul
Time of Refund Request Submission Before the Departure	Charges as per the Travel Class
	C	D, I, and R
Before 91 days	Free	Free
Before 61–90 days	KRW 30000	KRW 30000
Before 15–60 days	KRW 70000	KRW 200000
Before 4–14 days	KRW 90000	KRW 240000
Within 3 days	KRW 110000	KRW 300000
Partial refund	KRW 70000	KRW 200000

For Long Haul
Time of Refund Request Submission Before the Departure	Charges as per the Travel Class
	C	D, I, and R
Before 91 days	Free	Free
Before 61–90 days	KRW 30000	KRW 30000
Before 15–60 days	KRW 150000	KRW 300000
Before 4–14 days	KRW 180000	KRW 360000
Within 3 days	KRW 230000	KRW 450000
Partial refund	KRW 150000	KRW 300000

Refund Service Charges (for one-way trips)

Routes	Cabin Class and Charges
Domestic	C (Prestige): KRW 3000Y (Regular): KRW 3000B, M, S, H, and E (Discount): KRW 5000K, L, U, W, V, Q, and T (Special): KRW 7000
International	W: KRW 30000

What is the No-Show and Same-Day Cancellation Policy of Korean Air?

In addition to the Korean Air cancellation policy, there are two more aspects that fliers should learn about before traveling. These are no-show and same-day cancellation policies. Here are some points to remember:

• When a passenger fails to board the flight without prior notice, the matter will be considered as per the no-show policy.
• As per the rules, no refunds are provided for the no-show of a confirmed booking, irrespective of the fare type.
• To save the fare’s value, passengers must inform the airline immediately and explain the reasons for missing the flight.
• Submit any relevant or supportive documents, if any, such as a health certificate, to request a refund.
• Such cases are subject to the airline’s specific policies and rules.
• Same-day cancellation rules cover the revocation on the travel day.
• Korean Air has special regulations for it.
• Passengers must contact the airline for guidance and assistance.

What is the Korean Air No-Show Penalty?

If a flyer is unable to board the flight without informing the airline, it will be considered a no-show. Kindly note that Korean Air charges a penalty for such cases. However, they may vary for domestic and international routes. Here are the details:

No-Show Penalty for Domestic Flight
Fare Type	Charges
Domestic one-way trip	KRW 15000

No-Show Penalty for International Flight
Cabin Class	Charges
Economy	KRW 100000
Prestige	KRW 300000
First	KRW 300000

What are the Exemptions of the Korean Air Cancellation Policy?

Even though the Korean Air flight cancellation policy is not rigid, people should follow the rules to get a refund. Besides, the policy has some exemptions that allow free cancellations and a full refund (for eligible fares). Here are those exemptions:

• Medical emergencies
• Health issues
• Death or severe illness of the ticketed passenger
• Death or severe illness of a close family member of the passenger
• When bookings are cancelled within 24 hours of the purchase
• When cancellations are made 91 days or more before the expected departure

Note: For medical issues, passengers will need to submit the relevant medical documents to justify the cancellations and support the refund request.

Useful Tips to Save on the Cancellation Charges

If planning a trip with Korean Air, one should have the following tips in mind to save on the cancellation charges and ensure a positive experience:

• Insurance: Small preparations can help to a great extent. Hence, passengers should get an insurance plan that covers the cancellation fees and refund penalties.
• Timing: While cancelling a ticket, timing is the key. To save on the cancellation and refund charges, always cancel the booking within 24 hours of the purchase or 91 days or more before the scheduled departure.
• Cabin class: No refund penalties, but cancellation charges might be saved by booking on a higher cabin class. However, it is suggested to check everything beforehand.
• Rebooking: If possible, rebook tickets to the next available flight as per the new travel schedule. This will help passengers save on the refund penalties. Kindly note that a minimal fee may be charged as a rebooking fee.

Check Here: Qatar Airways Cancellation Policy

In Summary,

After learning every aspect of Korean Air cancel policy, passengers will be able to plan their trip better and stay prepared to face any unexpected event that can lead to booking revocation. Besides, the policy outlines the alternative option of rebooking to save on the refund penalties. Lastly, one can utilize the grace period to avoid the cancellation fee. For further details, get in touch with the customer support of Korean Air.

FAQs on Korean Air Cancellation Policy