Korean Job Discussion Forums

oxfordstu · Joined: 28 Aug 2004 Location: Bangkok

Okay, so after a year, I am out of here in 5 weeks. I'm an American, returning to CA. I've heard that there are no luggage restrictions when flying back to the US. Is this true?

Bulsajo · Joined: 16 Jan 2003

I'm sure it's true that the US govt doesn't care how much stuff you bring home. The airline you'll be flying on, on the other hand...

justagirl · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Location: Cheonan/Portland

2 check-in bags/suitcases, up to 70 lbs each

1 carry on, up to 35 lbs

1 personal item (pillow, purse, laptop)

That's it. If you go over the weight, sometimes they're a bit lenient, but they do have a scale you set your bags on.

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OiGirl · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: Hoke-y-gun

Depends on the airline. Check the web site for your carrier.

deessell · Joined: 08 Jun 2005

Join the frequent flyer programme with the airline, that should give you any extra 10 kgs allowance.

oxfordstu · Joined: 28 Aug 2004 Location: Bangkok

Thanks everyone --- I guess I just have to pray that my director buys a ticket from an airline that allows more than the usual 20 kgs.

Wangja · Joined: 17 May 2004 Location: Seoul, Yongsan

I think it depends on destination, not the airline. The 20 kg rule applies worldwide exceot NA routes.

You should be OK with the 2 bag rule described above.

Bulsajo · Joined: 16 Jan 2003

No, don't just hope your director will be able to read minds and move mountains.

Go buy some standard size boxes from the post office, and start shipping home by surface mail your winter boots, books, and other assorted crap that you can live without for 4-6 weeks. If you have a lot of stuff (i.e. more than just one extra checked bag worth) it'll be cheaper.
Cost is per KG, and the largest boxes (about 18"x20"x32") cost around 2000W or under (to buy the box itself) and can handle 20kg max. They have packing tape at the post office, make good use of it.
My wife and I sent more than 20 boxes this way and every one of them arrived intact and on time (in many cases early).

If you're not sure go to the airport well ahead of time and find out if someone at the airport check-in will give you a break (unlikely but not unheard of); If they don't you can still hit the post office on the second floor and send a bunch of boxes by surface.