Refund process could get complicated sometimes. Before applying for a refund, please review the following information and guidance for an easier and hassle-free experience.
Tickets initially issued by other carriers in case of service disruption in which Korean Air is responsible
Time limit for a ticket refund
All tickets have a written expiry dates. You can apply for a refund within thirty days from the expiry date indicated on the ticket.
Please be advised that refund may not be possible if the refund request is made more than 30 days after the expiry date.
NOTES
To refund a ticket purchased through a travel agency
If you have purchased your ticket through a travel agency, it is recommended that the refund is processed through the same travel agency to expedite the process.
Applying for a refund directly through Korean Air will delay the refund process as a sales report from the travel agency is required before the refund process can proceed. This will further delay the process by a few more weeks. Please also note a travel agency's commission may be deducted from the amount to be refunded.
To refund 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 to prevent air tickets from being used as a means of remittance.
For a partially-used ticket, you may apply for a refund at the nearest Korean Air ticketing office.
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It will take approximately 2-3 business days for ticket verification that is required to initiate the refund process.
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If the ticket was purchased through a local travel agency, verification process may take longer.
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If the ticket has been issued under special conditions by the travel agency, refund must only be processed through the same travel agency.
How to apply for a ticket refund
Refund request process
Refund requests can be filed via phone depending on ticket type, departure city or ticket status (completely/partially unused). Certain refunds must be filed in person at a ticketing office. Please confirm the refund type with a Korean Air Service Center or ticketing office.
Ticket Type
Method of Refund Request
e-Ticket
Request via phone or in-person visits to a ticketing office
Paper Ticket
In-person visits to a ticketing office
Required documents
If required to visit a Korean Air branch or ticketing office in person to submit a refund request, the following documents are required.
e-Ticket
Paper Ticket
Mandatory documents
- e-Ticket Itinerary/Receipt
received via e-mail or fax
(or the credit card used for
the ticket payment)
- The passenger’s photo
identification
- The unused ticket
- The passenger receipt (the last
page of the ticket)
- The passenger's photo
identification
Service charge applies to a refund regardless of whether cancellation was made prior to departure date and is subject to change.
Service charge varies depending on the country where the service is provided.
(ex 1) The service charge in Korea: 30,000 won
(ex 2) Service charge exemption: Free tickets (ex: SKYPASS bonus tickets),
infant tickets
Penalty
Refund penalties may also apply depending on the fare types. If refund penalty applies:
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the service charge will be exempted.
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the penalty applies even if cancellation was made prior to the departure date.
How to receive a refund
Receive a refund for a ticket purchased in cash
Depending on the amount, refund will be issued to your bank account within 1-2 business days.
Refund period can vary depending on each region(ex: in Korea - 1~2 days, in USA - 2~3 weeks). Please contact corresponding Korean Air Service Center.
Receive a refund for a ticket purchased by credit card
Refund will be issued to your credit card account on the next billing cycle after the refund application.
Refund period can vary depending on each region (ex: in Korea - at settlement day, in USA - 3~4 weeks). Please contact corresponding Korean Air Service Center.
If you have purchased your ticket with a credit card, the refund will be issued to your credit card account.
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Even if the credit card is no longer in use, the refund will be sent to the account where your credit card was connected to.
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If you must receive the refund in cash, submit a document confirming the cancellation of the card which states, "Credit card company/Bank permit Korean Air to refund in cash to credit card holder" from the credit company or the bank where you hold your credit card account with.
NOTES
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.
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.
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.
What to check before applying for a ticket refund
Mileage Inquiry