What is Korean Air cancellation policy?

Korean Air offers free cancellation within 24 hours of booking, plus fare-class-based fees after that window closes. Refund method: Refunds are issued to the original form of payment. A service fee of USD 30 (or equivalent) may apply for refunds.

What is Korean Air cancellation policy after 24 hours?

Once the 24-hour window expires, fees apply by fare class. Main Cabin: Fees vary by route and time of cancellation. For international flights departing from Korea, fees range from KRW 30,000 to KRW 300,000 depending on the fare class and how close to departure the cancellation is made.. Basic Economy: Not applicable. Premium: Fees range from KRW 30,000 to KRW 300,000 depending on the fare class and time of cancellation..

Does Korean Air 24-hour cancellation apply to agency bookings?

Tickets booked through third-party travel agencies (including consolidators) may not qualify for Korean Air's 24-hour free cancellation. The rule typically applies only to direct bookings on the airline's own website or app. Check your specific fare rules or contact Korean Air directly to confirm.

What is Korean Air's change fee?

Main Cabin: Fees vary by route and time of change. For international flights departing from Korea, fees range from KRW 30,000 to KRW 300,000 depending on the fare class and how close to departure the change is made.. Basic Economy: Not applicable (Korean Air does not have a Basic Economy fare).

Korean Air Cancellation Policy: Fees & Refund Rules Explained

Full refund without penalty if canceled within 24 hours of purchase, provided the ticket was purchased at least 7 days before departure.

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Page updated: August 2026

24-Hour Rule

Yes — free cancellation within 24 hours of booking. Full refund without penalty if canceled within 24 hours of purchase, provided the ticket was purchased at least 7 days before departure.

Cancellation Fees

Fare Class	Fee
Basic Economy	Not applicable
Main Cabin	Fees vary by route and time of cancellation. For international flights departing from Korea, fees range from KRW 30,000 to KRW 300,000 depending on the fare class and how close to departure the cancellation is made.
Premium	Fees range from KRW 30,000 to KRW 300,000 depending on the fare class and time of cancellation.
Business	Fees range from KRW 30,000 to KRW 450,000 depending on the fare class and time of cancellation.

Change Fees

Fare Class	Fee
Basic Economy	Not applicable (Korean Air does not have a Basic Economy fare)
Main Cabin	Fees vary by route and time of change. For international flights departing from Korea, fees range from KRW 30,000 to KRW 300,000 depending on the fare class and how close to departure the change is made.
Premium	Fees range from KRW 30,000 to KRW 300,000 depending on the fare class and time of change.
Business	Fees range from KRW 30,000 to KRW 450,000 depending on the fare class and time of change.

Refund Method

Refunds are issued to the original form of payment. A service fee of USD 30 (or equivalent) may apply for refunds.

Same-Day Change

Not explicitly offered as a standard free benefit; subject to standard change fees and fare differences.

No-Show Policy

A no-show penalty applies if you fail to board your flight or cancel before departure. The penalty varies by route (e.g., KRW 120,000 for long-haul flights).

If Korean Air Cancels Your Flight

When an airline cancels or significantly changes your flight, U.S. Department of Transportation regulations require the airline to provide a full refund to the original form of payment — including ticket price, taxes, fees, and any paid extras — regardless of fare type.

Under DOT rules, a "significant change" includes: arrival delayed 3+ hours (domestic) or 6+ hours (international), a change in departure or arrival airport, additional connections, or an involuntary downgrade to a lower class of service.

The refund must be issued automatically within 7 business days for credit card purchases or 20 calendar days for other payment methods. Airlines may offer travel credits or vouchers as an alternative, but must inform you of your right to a cash refund. You are not required to accept a voucher.

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, Aviation Consumer Protection — Refunds (transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/refunds, last updated November 7, 2025).

How to Cancel

Log in to your Korean Air account or access your booking via 'Find Trips'.
Select the reservation you wish to cancel.
Review the cancellation fees and refund amount.
Confirm the cancellation to process the refund.

Tips

Cancel at least 91 days before departure for a full refund on most standard and flex fares.
Always cancel before your flight's departure time to avoid hefty no-show penalties.
If you booked through a travel agency, you must contact them directly to cancel.
Check if your ticket is eligible for a refund fee exemption before canceling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Korean Air cancellation policy?: Korean Air offers free cancellation within 24 hours of booking, plus fare-class-based fees after that window closes. Refund method: Refunds are issued to the original form of payment. A service fee of USD 30 (or equivalent) may apply for refunds.
Can I cancel a Korean Air flight for free?: Yes — Full refund without penalty if canceled within 24 hours of purchase, provided the ticket was purchased at least 7 days before departure.
What is Korean Air cancellation policy after 24 hours?: Once the 24-hour window expires, fees apply by fare class. Main Cabin: Fees vary by route and time of cancellation. For international flights departing from Korea, fees range from KRW 30,000 to KRW 300,000 depending on the fare class and how close to departure the cancellation is made.. Basic Economy: Not applicable. Premium: Fees range from KRW 30,000 to KRW 300,000 depending on the fare class and time of cancellation..
Does Korean Air 24-hour cancellation apply to agency bookings?: Tickets booked through third-party travel agencies (including consolidators) may not qualify for Korean Air's 24-hour free cancellation. The rule typically applies only to direct bookings on the airline's own website or app. Check your specific fare rules or contact Korean Air directly to confirm.
What is Korean Air's change fee?: Main Cabin: Fees vary by route and time of change. For international flights departing from Korea, fees range from KRW 30,000 to KRW 300,000 depending on the fare class and how close to departure the change is made.. Basic Economy: Not applicable (Korean Air does not have a Basic Economy fare).
How do I get a refund from Korean Air?: Refunds are issued to the original form of payment. A service fee of USD 30 (or equivalent) may apply for refunds.
What happens if I no-show on Korean Air?: A no-show penalty applies if you fail to board your flight or cancel before departure. The penalty varies by route (e.g., KRW 120,000 for long-haul flights).