Michael Turner
Recommendation: Buy a fare bundle or add a prepaid checked-bag allowance during booking – the cheapest ticket tier excludes checked baggage and cabin weight is restricted. Purchasing baggage online usually costs less than paying at the check-in counter.
Common allowances and fee ranges: carry-on typically limited to one piece up to 10 kg with dimensions near 55×40×20 cm; checked options are sold as 15 kg or 20 kg increments. Prepaid checked-bag fees for regional sectors often fall between KRW 20,000–50,000 (≈USD 15–40) per segment; counter rates at the terminal can be 50–100% higher. Overweight and oversize surcharges are charged separately, normally per kilogram or per excess dimension bracket.
Actionable packing and booking tips: weigh and measure baggage before leaving home; if your itinerary includes connections, purchase allowance that covers all segments on the original reservation; add checked pieces online while booking to secure the lower price and guarantee space. For sports gear or musical instruments, reserve the specific allowance in advance – rules and fees differ from standard checked items.
Verification checklist: read the fare rules on the booking confirmation for exact included items and weight limits, consult the carrier’s official baggage page for route-specific regulations, and save screenshots of paid add-ons. Keep electronic or printed baggage receipts at online check-in to speed up processing and prevent disputes at the counter.
Checked-bag rules for a South Korean low-cost carrier’s reduced fares
Purchase checked allowance during booking if you expect more than a carry-on: the lowest fare excludes complimentary checked pieces and onboard allowance is limited to a single small cabin item plus a personal item.
Typical cabin allowance to target: 55 × 40 × 20 cm and a weight cap commonly between 7–10 kg; personal item (laptop/tote) usually fits under the seat. Confirm exact dimensions and weight on your booking confirmation before departure.
Paid checked options are sold in weight tiers – common choices are 15 kg, 20 kg, 25 kg. Fees vary by route and purchase moment: pre-purchase online often costs roughly USD 15–50, while airport add-ons can be about 1.5–2× higher.
Overweight and oversize charges apply separately; expect surcharges in the range of USD 50–150 per oversized item and per-kilogram excess fees for overweight bags. Sporting equipment and musical instruments require advance booking and special handling fees.
If itinerary contains connecting segments on partner carriers, baggage rules may differ by segment – check the ticketed carrier rules for each leg rather than assuming a single policy.
Practical checklist: weigh and measure pieces at home, add checked allowance online during initial booking, save receipts, and photograph valuables. When multiple checked bags are required, compare the total cost of add-ons with upgrading to a higher fare class before finalizing purchase.
Baggage allowance for reduced fares
Prepay a checked-bag option during booking if you plan to carry more than a single small personal item; promotional tickets generally include only one personal item carried into the cabin.
Typical included allowance (what to expect)
- Personal item: commonly limited to roughly 40 × 30 × 20 cm and up to 7 kg – fits under the seat.
- Carry-on suitcase: usually not included with the lowest fare class and must be purchased as an add-on.
- Checked baggage: not part of base promotional fares; weight-based allowances (15–23 kg) are available for purchase by piece or by weight depending on route and fare add-on options.
Practical recommendations and fee guidance
- Buy checked allowance at booking or via the carrier’s manage-booking page – online prepayment is substantially cheaper than airport rates.
- If adding baggage, select a weight option that matches your packing (e.g., 20 kg vs 30 kg) to avoid overweight fees at check-in.
- At the airport, overweight and oversized surcharges can exceed standard prepay fees; typical surcharge ranges for the first checked piece at gate are considerably higher than web rates.
- For connections involving other operators, verify which ticketing rule applies: baggage entitlement follows the ticketed fare rules, not necessarily the operating carrier’s base policy.
- Pack valuables and essentials in your personal item; purchase extra protection or priority boarding only if you must guarantee carry-on space.
Carry-on size and weight limits on budget fares
Stick to one personal item plus one cabin bag no larger than 55 x 40 x 20 cm (22 x 16 x 8 in) and 7 kg (15 lb) to avoid gate checking and extra charges.
Sizing and packing rules
Measure outer dimensions including wheels, handles and exterior pockets; carriers check total size against overhead bin limits. Aim for 53–55 cm length, 35–40 cm width and 20–23 cm depth for universal fit. Choose soft-sided bags to gain a few centimetres when squeezing into bins. Pack heavier items low and close to wheels, and wrap clothes around electronics to spread weight evenly.
Weighing, fees and smart choices
Weigh cabin items on a portable scale before travel; 1–3 kg over common limits typically triggers a gate check fee. Oversize or overweight penalties usually range from $30 to $100 depending on route and timing; prepay online when allowed to reduce costs. Keep liquids to 100 ml per container inside a clear 1 L bag and carry phone chargers and documents in the personal item for quick screening. Add a compact collapsible umbrella for unpredictable weather – best umbrella for boston commuters.
How to pay for checked baggage when booking a reduced-fare ticket
Pre-pay checked bags during the booking process on the carrier’s booking page or mobile app to lock lower rates and guarantee space for each piece.
Select the “add baggage” or “extras” option on the booking screen, choose either per-piece or per-weight pricing, then complete payment with a credit/debit card, PayPal, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Typical per-piece fees for short-haul routes: 1st bag $15–$40, 2nd bag $25–$60; weight-based charges commonly start at $10 and rise with heavier brackets.
If you missed adding bags at purchase, use the operator’s Manage Booking tool with reservation code + surname to add and pay before check-in closes; online additions are usually accepted until 2–3 hours prior to departure and are 10–50% cheaper than airport counter rates.
Common payment and receipt rules: charges post to your card immediately; keep the booking reference and digital receipt for refunds or disputes; refunds for paid extras follow the carrier’s fare rules and are rarely automatic unless the trip is cancelled by the operator.
Overweight and oversize surcharges are separate payments at online or airport stages – overweight threshold examples: 23 kg (50 lb) and 32 kg (70 lb) with stepped fees ($50–$200). Special items (sports equipment, musical instruments) require specific add-ons and often higher flat fees; add these during booking to avoid re-pricing at the counter.
Use a travel card that reimburses baggage or waives foreign transaction fees to reduce cost; when booking via third-party agencies, confirm whether bag payments are handled by the agency or the operating carrier to avoid double-charges. Check currency conversions and dynamic currency conversion prompts before approving payment.
Practical packing and prep links: best color for outside umbrella and how to drain water from an air compressor a step by step guide.
Cost of extra checked bags and weight overage charges
Purchase checked-bag allowance while booking to lock a lower fee (online rates typically 30–60% below airport prices).
Typical fee ranges (examples)
| Route group | Prepaid per checked bag (≤23 kg) | Airport per checked bag (≤23 kg) | Overweight 24–32 kg (per bag) | Oversize (>158 cm) / heavy (>32 kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic (South Korea) | KRW 20,000–40,000 (~USD 15–30) | KRW 40,000–60,000 (~USD 30–45) | KRW 15,000–30,000 (~USD 12–25) | KRW 30,000–70,000; items >32 kg may be rejected or routed as cargo |
| Short-haul international (Japan, China, Taiwan) | KRW 30,000–50,000 (~USD 22–37) | KRW 50,000–80,000 (~USD 37–60) | KRW 20,000–40,000 (~USD 15–30) | KRW 40,000–80,000; >32 kg usually not accepted at check-in |
| Medium-haul (Southeast Asia) | KRW 35,000–60,000 (~USD 27–45) | KRW 60,000–100,000 (~USD 45–75) | KRW 25,000–50,000 (~USD 20–37) | KRW 50,000–100,000; oversized/very heavy items often require cargo handling |
How fees are applied and quick tips to reduce cost
Charges are assessed per bag based on weight tiers (standard up to 23 kg, overweight 24–32 kg, then cargo rules). Online prepayment at booking or via the carrier’s website/app uses the lowest published rate; airport desk and gate fees are significantly higher.
Weigh and measure bags at home. Consolidate items to keep each bag ≤23 kg; if one bag exceeds 23 kg while another is under, airlines still charge the overweight fee for the heavy bag. For bulky but light items, check dimensional limits to avoid oversize surcharges.
When multiple pieces are needed, compare per-bag prepaid vs. buying a higher-piece allowance: sometimes one prepaid 2-piece bundle is cheaper than two single purchases. For very heavy equipment, obtain a cargo quote in advance; last-minute cargo at the airport can be costly.
Keep payment confirmation and baggage receipts until trip completion; disputed charges are easier to contest with documented prepayment.
Adding checked items after purchase and check-in procedures
Add extra checked bags via Manage Booking at least 3 hours before scheduled departure to minimize additional charges and ensure tag issuance at the terminal.
How to add after ticket purchase (step-by-step)
Log into Manage Booking using your reservation code and surname, select “Modify booking” → “Add baggage” (or equivalent). Choose number of pieces or extra weight option shown, complete payment by card, and save the updated e-receipt and ticket. Online additions typically update the boarding pass automatically; if not, download or reprint the boarding pass before arriving at the terminal.
If check-in already completed
If online check-in is finished and you still need to add checked items, go to the check-in counter or dedicated bag-drop desk. Agents will cancel the online boarding pass if required, accept payment, reissue a boarding pass with baggage allowance recorded, and attach tags. Bag-drop desks usually close 45–60 minutes prior to domestic departures and 90–120 minutes prior to international departures; verify exact cutoffs on your reservation. Items added after bag-drop closure can be refused or sent by later manifest and will incur higher fees.
At the counter expect staff to weigh each piece, apply size inspections for oversized items, and charge overweight/oversize fees per kilogram or per piece according to the carrier’s tariff. For sports gear, musical instruments or oddly shaped items, notify the carrier at least 24–48 hours before departure to reserve handling space; if added at the counter without prior notice, acceptance is not guaranteed and surcharges are likely. Keep the payment receipt and boarding pass accessible for baggage claim verification.
