Korean Air’s cancellation policy offers flexibility for passengers, with specific rules based on fare type, timing, and route. Below is a concise overview based on available information:
24-Hour Cancellation Policy: You can cancel any flight within 24 hours of booking for a full refund without fees, provided the flight departs at least 7 days later (168 hours). This applies to all tickets, including non-refundable ones, booked directly through Korean Air’s website (www.koreanair.com), Service Center, or branch office, particularly for flights to/from the U.S. or Canada. Same-day cancellations (based on the departure city’s time zone) are also penalty-free if purchased directly from Korean Air.
General Cancellation Rules:
- Refundable Tickets (Flex Fares): Can be canceled free of charge. Other refundable fares may incur a penalty fee (e.g., 20% of the ticket fare or KRW 20,000, whichever is greater). Refunds are processed to the original payment method within 7–10 business days for domestic flights or 1–2 billing cycles for international flights.
- Non-Refundable Tickets: Cancellations after the 24-hour window incur fees based on booking class, route, and timing. Refunds, if eligible, are issued after deducting penalties. Non-refundable tickets with a Flexible Fare option may qualify for partial refunds.
- Cancellation Fees: Vary by fare and timing:
- 91+ days before departure from Korea: No penalty, full refund.
- Within 90 days: Fees depend on fare type, route, and booking class (e.g., $30–$100 USD for international routes).
- Non-Korea departures: Penalties apply regardless of timing, per fare rules.
- Service Charges: A $30 USD refund processing fee may apply, waived if a penalty is charged.
- Refunds must be requested within 30 days of ticket expiration (typically one year from issuance).
- Airport taxes on unused tickets are fully refundable without fees.
Award Tickets:
- Domestic: 500 miles deducted if canceled before expiry; 3,000 miles after expiry.
- International: Free refund 91+ days before departure; 3,000 miles within 90 days; 10,000 miles post-expiry. Upgrade awards cost 500 miles pre-expiry or 3,000 miles post-expiry.
- Full award ticket value is refunded if canceled within 24 hours of booking
How to Cancel:
- Phone: Contact Korean Air’s Service Center at +1-877-240-6770 (U.S./Canada) or local numbers listed on their website. A service fee may apply for offline cancellations.
- In-Person: Visit a Korean Air branch office or airport ticket counter.
- Travel Agency Bookings: Contact the agency directly, as Korean Air cannot process third-party cancellations. Agency fees may apply.
- Group bookings cannot be canceled online; contact customer service.
Airline-Caused Cancellations:
- If Korean Air cancels or reschedules your flight, you’re entitled to a full refund without penalties or rebooking on the next available flight.
- For EU/UK departures, EC 261/UK 261 may apply, offering €250–€600 compensation for cancellations with less than 14 days’ notice, unless caused by extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, strikes). Recent data shows Korean Air canceled 1.01% of international flights in a 24-hour period, potentially triggering compensation.
- Care (e.g., meals, accommodation) is provided for significant disruptions at EU/UK airports.
Special Cases:
- No-Show Policy: Failure to check in on time may result in cancellation of onward/return flights and a no-show penalty, separate from refund fees.
- Medical/Bereavement: Refunds or fee waivers may be granted for non-refundable tickets due to pregnancy, surgery, or family death with documentation (e.g., doctor’s note, death certificate). Outcomes vary, and waivers are not guaranteed.
- Baggage Fees: Non-refundable, even if the flight is canceled.
Additional Notes:
- Changes incur fees based on fare type, plus fare differences. Flex fares allow free changes for Classic Plus, Prestige, or First Class within 14 days of booking.
- Refunds require an e-ticket itinerary, receipt, and photo ID. Only the ticketed passenger or an authorized representative with a Power of Attorney can request refunds.
- Recent customer feedback on Reddit suggests Korean Air may open cases for fee waivers (e.g., pregnancy), but non-refundable tickets are strictly enforced unless purchased directly or covered by travel insurance.
- For codeshare flights, partner airline policies may apply.
