Flights to Korea: Checked Baggages & Carry-ons

What's allowed on board and what's not? Here's the guide to items not permitted on international flights. If you're flying to Korea soon, make sure to read the list of items you can't bring on board or check in before you head to the airport.

Absolutely Banned🙅

Carry-on No, Checked Baggage No

You might be surprised to know how everyday items can cause unexpected danger on a plane. For your safe travel and smooth security screening, make sure to review items that are banned from both carry-on and checked baggage. You might wonder, "Who would bring this on a trip?" but many of these items are often caught during security checks. ❌ Fireworks, crackers, and other explosives ❌ Insecticides, pesticides ❌ Gas canisters, sports sprays ❌ Bleach, paint, etc.

Check in Only

Carry-on No, Checked Baggage Yes

Some items can't go in your carry-on but are okay in your checked luggage. Double-check before you pack! If you're bringing any liquid beauty items to freshen up during your stay in Korea or box cutters just in case, make sure to pack them in your checked luggage. ❌ Box cutters, scissors, knives ❌ Tools, ice skates ❌ Baseball bats, golf clubs ❌ Liquids over 100ml

Carry-on Only

Carry-on Yes, Checked Baggage No

You'll need a portable battery for your phone, but don't put it in your checked bag! Batteries pose a risk of explosion, so they must be carried in your hand luggage. Only batteries up to 160wh are allowed. Laptops can be checked if turned off, but wireless earbuds cannot be checked as they can't be powered off. ❌ Portable batteries ❌ Spare lithium batteries ❌ E-cigarettes ❌ Wireless earbuds ❌ Lighters, matches (1 per person)

Portable Batteries & E-Cigarettes

For safety reasons, electronic cigarettes, portable batteries, and lighters (disposable/reusable), which have a potential risk for fire or explosion, must be carried onboard and cannot be checked in.

Starting March 1, 2025, electronic cigarettes and portable batteries can no longer be stored in overhead compartments. Passengers must keep them on their person or store them in the seat pocket.

Portable Batteries
You must wrap the charging terminal with insulating tape or store it in a protective pouch or plastic bag to prevent contact with metal. Plus, portable batteries must not be charged directly using in-flight power sources or other batteries.
E-Cigarettes
E-cigarettes can be brought onboard. However, if they contain liquid, the volume must not exceed 100mL, and they are strictly prohibited in checked baggage. Smoking on the aircraft is not allowed.
Disposable & Reusable Lighters
Each passenger is allowed to bring one item onboard. Checked baggage is strictly prohibited. However, for flights to China, both carry-on and checked baggage are not allowed.

Storage

Number of Items

Less than 100Wh

Up to 5 items *Carrying more than 5 items requires approval from the airline.

100Wh ~ 160Wh

Up to 2 items *More than 3 items are not allowed

Over 160Wh

Not Allowed

Clear plastic bags will be provided at the check-in counter and onboard for storing portable batteries. If you wish to carry more than 5 batteries under 100Wh, airline approval must be obtained at the check-in counter. For batteries over 100Wh but under 160Wh, airline approval is required regardless of the number of items.

What Can I Bring Onboard?

Check the official website of the Korea Transportation Safety Authority, the agency responsible for aviation safety in Korea, to see what you can and can’t bring onboard. If you have questions about items other than those mentioned above, feel free to search!