JL vs KE · 2026 comparison
JAL vs Korean Air
JAL wins on a bigger carry-on; Korean Air doesn't clearly win any category. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.
Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction
JAL
JLWins 1 category
- A bigger carry-on
Korean Air
KENo clear category wins
Quick verdict
JAL wins on a bigger carry-on; Korean Air doesn't clearly win any category. Both include a carry-on on every fare.
- Carry-on size
- JAL: 55 × 40 × 25 cm · Korean Air: 55 × 40 × 20 cm
- Carry-on on the cheapest fare
- JAL: Included on every fare · Korean Air: Included on every fare
- First checked bag (regular economy)
- JAL: 2 free bags · Korean Air: 2 free bags
Side by side
| JAL | Korean Air | |
|---|---|---|
| Bags | ||
| Carry-on size | 55 × 40 × 25 cm | 55 × 40 × 20 cm |
| Carry-on on the cheapest fare | Included on every fare | Included on every fare |
| Carry-on weight limit | 10 kg (22 lb) | 10 kg (22 lb) |
| Personal item | Must fit under the seat | 40 × 30 × 15 cm |
| First checked bag (regular economy) | 2 free bags | 2 free bags |
| Network | ||
| Alliance | oneworld | SkyTeam |
| Loyalty program | JAL Mileage Bank | SKYPASS |
| Main hubs | HND, NRT | ICN |
Highlighted values are better for travelers. Fees are for U.S. domestic economy flights; on-time data is 2025 U.S. DOT figures for each airline's own flights.
Bags and fees
JAL allows a carry-on up to 55 × 40 × 25 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.8 in), and Korean Air up to 55 × 40 × 20 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 in), so JAL's is roomier.
Both include it on their cheapest fares.
Carry-on weight limits: 10 kg (22 lb) on JAL, 10 kg (22 lb) on Korean Air.
Personal items: anything that fits under the seat on JAL, and 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on Korean Air.
JAL includes two bags with Economy on flights between the U.S. and Japan, and Korean Air includes two bags with Economy Standard on flights between the U.S. and Korea.
Basic economy
JAL (Economy): Every fare includes the carry-on and personal item (10 kg combined).
Korean Air (Economy): Every Economy fare includes the 10 kg carry-on.
Loyalty and where they fly
JAL is in oneworld and Korean Air is in SkyTeam.
Loyalty programs: JAL Mileage Bank (JAL) and SKYPASS (Korean Air).
JAL's main hubs are Tokyo Haneda (HND), Tokyo Narita (NRT). Korean Air's are Seoul (ICN). The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.
Which should you book?
Choose JAL if you want…
- a bigger carry-on
- to earn and use oneworld miles and status
- nonstops from HND, NRT
Choose Korean Air if you want…
- to earn and use SkyTeam miles and status
- nonstops from ICN
On a route both fly, the cheaper ticket isn't always the cheaper trip: add the bags you'll actually bring, and check the fare rules before you book.
JAL vs Korean Air FAQ
It depends on what matters most to you. JAL wins on a bigger carry-on; Korean Air doesn't clearly win any category. If they fly the same route, compare the total price with bags included.
Keep comparing
Bag rules and fees
Sources
Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Airlines change their rules without notice, so confirm with the airline before you fly.
- Japan Airlines official baggage policy
- Upgraded Points: carry-on size chart for 63 airlines (updated May 16, 2026)
- Korean Air official baggage policy
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
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