Ticket Services / Ticket Refunds

Refund process could be complicating sometimes. Before you apply for a refund, quickly review the information and the guidance below to make it easier and hassle free.

What do I need to check before I apply for a ticket refund? How do I apply for a refund? How do I receive a refund?

What do I need to check before I apply for a ticket refund? What type of ticket is eligible for a refund? – Tickets must be initially issued by Korean Air. – Although the ticket was initially issued by other carrier, if the service disruption occurred due to the nature of Korean Air, refund can be also processed by Korean Air.   Can I get a refund for a ticket purchased through a travel agency? If you have purchased your ticket through a travel agency, it is strongly recommended the refund be processed through the same travel agency to expedite the process. Applying for a refund directly through a Korean Air office may cause delay in the process, as the refund process has to wait until a sales report from the travel agency is complete, which normally takes extra weeks. Please note a travel agency's commission may be deducted from the refund amounts.   Can I get a refund for a ticket purchased in other country? Refund of a completely-unused air ticket must be processed in the same country where the ticket is originally issued. This is because air tickets cannot be used as a means of remittance. If it is for a partially-used ticket, you may apply for a refund at a Korean Air branch office nearby. It will take approximately 2-3 business days for ticket verification that is required to initiate the refund process. If the ticket was purchased through a local travel agency, verification process may take longer. If the ticket has been issued under special conditions by the travel agency, refund must be processed through the same travel agency only.   Is there a time limit for ticket refund? All tickets have an expiration date stated. You can apply for a refund within thirty days after the expiration date indicated on the ticket.

How do I apply for a refund? What documents do I need to provide for a refund? Visit a Korean Air branch office, and present the following documents.   When a passenger visits a Korean Air branch office - the unused ticket (the last page of the ticket, passenger receipt, must be handed in as well) - the passenger’s photo identification When a representative visits a Korean Air branch office - the unused ticket (passenger receipt - the last page of the ticket - must be handed in as well) - the passenger’s photo identification - A letter of attorney written by the passenger - The representative’s photo identification   Do I have to pay a service charge or penalty? Service charge applies to refund. Service charge varies depending on the country where the service is provided. For example, the service charge in Korea is 30,000 won. Free tickets such as SKYPASS bonus tickets and infant tickets are exempt from service charges. Service charges are subject to change. Refund penalties may also apply depending on the fare types. If refund penalties apply, then the service charge will be exempt. Either service charge or refund penalty will apply on all refunds, regardless of the cancellation of your booking.

How do I receive a refund? Can I receive a refund immediately? Visit a Korean Air branch office and present the following documents.   If purchased in cash : Depending on the amount, refund will be received to your bank account within 1-2 business days. ※ Refund period can be different depending on each region, so please ask each regional Korean Air call center for it. (Ex: In Korea it takes 1~2 days, in USA 2~3 weeks) If purchased using a credit card : Refund will be received to your credit card account on the next billing cycle after the refund application. Refer to the following procedure. ※ Refund period can be different depending on each region, so please ask each regional Korean Air call center for it. (Ex: In Korea at settlement day, in USA it takes 3~4 weeks)   Note   For certain type of tickets such as Prepaid Ticket Advice (PTA) or Government Transportation Request (GTR), refund can be paid to the designated person only.   - What is PTA? : PTA stands for "Prepaid Ticket Advice". Tickets that are prepaid for a passenger in a different location.   - What is GTR?? : GTR stands for "Government Transportation Request". Tickets that are paid by a government for government personnel on official duty.   I have purchased a ticket with my credit card. Can I receive a refund in cash? If you have purchased your ticket with a credit card, the refund will be received to your credit card account. Even if the credit card account is closed, the refund will be sent to the credit card company. If you must receive the refund in cash, submit a document confirming the cancellation of the card which states, "Credit card company/Bank permit KAL to refund in cash to credit card holder" from the credit company or the bank where you hold your credit card account with.   I have paid for my ticket in U.S. dollars. Will I receive a refund in U.S. dollars? A refund will be paid in the currency of the country where the refund service is processed. If you have applied for a refund in Korea, the refund will be paid in Korean Won. Foreign exchange rate on the date of initial refund request will apply.   Note   If you purchased your ticket in Greece, India, Brazil or other South American countries with their local currencies, refund must be processed in those countries only in accordance with foreign exchange regulations of those countries.