KE vs PR · 2026 comparison
Korean Air vs PAL
Korean Air wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit; PAL wins on a bigger carry-on and a bigger personal item. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.
Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction
Korean Air
KEWins 1 category
- A more generous carry-on weight limit
PAL
PRWins 2 categories
- A bigger carry-on
- A bigger personal item
Quick verdict
Korean Air wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit; PAL wins on a bigger carry-on and a bigger personal item. Both include a carry-on on every fare.
- Carry-on size
- Korean Air: 55 × 40 × 20 cm · PAL: 56 × 36 × 23 cm
- Carry-on on the cheapest fare
- Korean Air: Included on every fare · PAL: Included on every fare
Side by side
| Korean Air | PAL | |
|---|---|---|
| Bags | ||
| Carry-on size | 55 × 40 × 20 cm | 56 × 36 × 23 cm |
| Carry-on on the cheapest fare | Included on every fare | Included on every fare |
| Carry-on weight limit | 10 kg (22 lb) | 7 kg (15.4 lb) |
| Personal item | 40 × 30 × 15 cm | 45 × 35 × 20 cm |
| Network | ||
| Alliance | SkyTeam | None |
| Loyalty program | SKYPASS | Mabuhay Miles |
| Main hubs | ICN | MNL |
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
Korean Air allows a carry-on up to 55 × 40 × 20 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 in), and PAL up to 56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14.2 × 9.1 in), so PAL's is roomier.
Both include it on their cheapest fares.
Carry-on weight limits: 10 kg (22 lb) on Korean Air, 7 kg (15.4 lb) on PAL.
Personal items: 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on Korean Air, and 45 × 35 × 20 cm (17.7 × 13.8 × 7.9 in) on PAL.
Loyalty and where they fly
Korean Air is in SkyTeam and PAL is not in an alliance.
Loyalty programs: SKYPASS (Korean Air) and Mabuhay Miles (PAL).
Korean Air's main hubs are Seoul (ICN). PAL's are MNL. The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.
Which should you book?
Choose Korean Air if you want…
- a more generous carry-on weight limit
- to earn and use SkyTeam miles and status
- nonstops from ICN
Choose PAL if you want…
- a bigger carry-on
- a bigger personal item
- nonstops from MNL
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.
Korean Air vs PAL FAQ
It depends on what matters most to you. Korean Air wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit; PAL wins on a bigger carry-on and a bigger personal item. 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.
- Korean Air official baggage policy
- Upgraded Points: carry-on size chart for 63 airlines (updated May 16, 2026)
- Philippine Airlines official baggage policy
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
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