Korean Air Seat Selection: A Comprehensive Guide

Evelyncharlie
6 min readJun 12, 2024

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When planning a flight, choosing the right seat can significantly enhance your travel experience. Korean Air offers a flexible and convenient seat selection process, allowing passengers to choose their preferred seats based on availability. Understanding the Korean Air Seat Selection policy is essential to ensure you get the best possible seat for your journey. This guide will walk you through the steps, process, timing, fee charges, and other essential details for selecting seats on Korean Air. With this information, you can make informed decisions and enjoy a more comfortable flight.

Steps for Seat Selection on Korean Air

Booking Your Flight:

  1. Online Booking:
  • When booking your flight on the Korean Air website or mobile app, you will be prompted to select your seat during the booking process. This is the most convenient time to choose your seat, ensuring you get your preferred spot. During the online booking, you can view the seat map and select from available seats. This immediate selection helps you secure your ideal seat before others.
  • For any assistance, you can call 1–844–402–8105.

2. Travel Agency:

  • If you book through a travel agency, you can request them to select your seat at the time of booking. Most travel agencies have access to the seat maps and can assist in selecting a seat based on your preferences.
  • Ensure the travel agency confirms the selected seat and provides you with the necessary details.

3. Korean Air Reservation Center:

  • You can also call the Korean Air reservation center at 1–844–402–8105 to book your flight and select your seat simultaneously. The reservation agents can provide information on seat availability and assist with your selection over the phone.

Managing Your Booking:

  1. Online Management:
  • If you did not select a seat during booking, you can do so later by managing your booking on the Korean Air website. Simply log in with your booking reference and last name, and navigate to the “Manage Booking” section to choose your seat. This feature allows flexibility if you change your mind or if better seats become available closer to your departure date.
  • The online management tool is user-friendly and offers various options for managing your booking.

2 . Mobile App:

  • The Korean Air mobile app also allows you to manage your booking and select your seat. This can be particularly convenient if you need to make changes on the go, providing a seamless experience from your mobile device.
  • The app is available for both iOS and Android devices and offers a range of functionalities.

During Check-in:

  1. Online Check-in:
  • You can select or change your seat during the online check-in process, which opens 48 hours before departure for international flights and 24 hours before departure for domestic flights. This option is useful if you want to adjust your seating arrangements based on any last-minute changes.
  • Online check-in is quick and efficient, saving you time at the airport.

2. Airport Kiosks:

  • If you prefer to check in at the airport, you can use the self-service kiosks to select or change your seat. These kiosks provide an easy and quick way to handle seat selection without waiting in line.
  • The kiosks are available at most major airports and offer a simple interface.

3. Check-in Counters:

  • You can also request seat changes at the check-in counters, subject to availability. The staff at the check-in counters can assist with any special seating needs or preferences you may have.
  • For assistance, you can contact the reservation center at 1–844–402–8105.

Process and Timing for Seat Selection

Advance Seat Selection:

  • Passengers can select their seats in advance from the time of booking up until 48 hours before departure for international flights and 24 hours for domestic flights. This is the recommended option to secure your preferred seat. Advance selection ensures that you have a wider range of seats to choose from, including those with extra legroom or near the front of the plane.
  • Early selection is crucial for securing the best seats, especially on popular flights.

Check-in Period:

  • If you miss the advance seat selection window, you can still choose or change your seat during the check-in period. However, options may be limited as seats fill up. It’s advisable to complete your check-in as early as possible to have better chances of getting a suitable seat.
  • Late check-in may result in fewer available options, so plan accordingly.

Fee Charges for Seat Selection

Standard Seats:

  • Most standard seats can be selected free of charge during the booking process or any time before check-in. These include regular seats in the economy class that do not have extra legroom or special positioning.
  • No additional fees are required for these seats, making them a cost-effective choice.

Preferred Seats:

  • Korean Air offers preferred seats with extra legroom or more convenient locations, such as exit rows or bulkhead seats. These seats may incur an additional fee, which varies depending on the route and seat type. For instance:

Exit Row Seats:

Fees for these seats range from $20 to $60 depending on the flight duration and route.

Bulkhead Seats:

Typically cost between $30 to $70, offering more space and convenience.

  • Preferred seats provide added comfort and convenience, worth considering for longer flights.

Premium Seats:

  • For business or first-class passengers, seat selection is typically included in the fare, and these seats offer enhanced comfort and amenities. No additional fees are usually required for selecting these premium seats as part of the booking.
  • Premium seats come with a range of benefits, including more space, better service, and additional amenities.

Additional Information

Seat Map:

  • Korean Air provides a seat map during the booking and check-in process, allowing you to see the layout of the aircraft and choose the best available seat. This visual representation helps you make an informed decision based on your preferences.
  • The seat map is detailed and provides information on the type and location of seats.

Special Requests:

  • Passengers with special needs, such as those requiring wheelchair assistance or traveling with infants, should contact Korean Air in advance to ensure appropriate seating arrangements. Korean Air accommodates various needs and ensures that all passengers are comfortably seated.
  • Special requests can be made by calling 1–844–402–8105.

Group Bookings:

  • For group bookings, seat selection can be coordinated through the Korean Air Group Sales department to ensure that all members of the group are seated together. This is especially beneficial for family trips or group tours, where staying together is a priority.
  • Group bookings offer a convenient way to manage multiple seats and ensure a cohesive travel experience.

Frequent Flyers:

  • Korean Air SKYPASS members may have additional benefits, such as complimentary seat selection for preferred seats, depending on their membership tier. Elite members enjoy privileges that make seat selection easier and often without extra charges.
  • SKYPASS members can take advantage of their status to enjoy better seating options and added perks.

Advantages of Choosing Your Seat with Korean Air

Comfort:

  • By selecting your seat in advance, you can ensure a more comfortable flight, whether you prefer a window seat for the view or an aisle seat for easy access. Comfort is a critical aspect, especially for long-haul flights, where seat selection can significantly impact your travel experience.
  • Comfortable seating enhances your overall travel experience and reduces fatigue.

Convenience:

  • Avoid the hassle of last-minute seat changes at the airport by choosing your seat ahead of time. Early selection provides peace of mind knowing your seating arrangements are secured.
  • Pre-selecting your seat saves time and minimizes stress during travel.

Family Travel:

  • Ensure that your family is seated together by selecting seats during the booking process. This is particularly important for travelers with young children who need to be close by.
  • Keeping your family together makes the journey more enjoyable and manageable.

Enhanced Experience:

  • For long-haul flights, selecting a seat with extra legroom can make your journey significantly more pleasant. Seats with additional space help you stretch out and reduce fatigue.
  • Enhanced seating options contribute to a more relaxing and enjoyable flight.

Conclusion

Choosing the right seat is a crucial part of your travel planning, and Korean Air offers a straightforward and flexible process to help you select your preferred seat. By understanding the steps, process, timing, and potential fees associated with seat selection, you can enhance your travel experience and ensure a comfortable journey. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, taking advantage of the seat selection options available with Korean Air can make all the difference. So next time you book a flight, remember to Korean Air select seats early to secure the best spot on the plane.

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