Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mizmoxie]

So I heard recently that airlines in the US have really cut back on the amount of allowable checked luggage (number and weight) for domestic flights... down from two checked on most to ONE now.
Since I'm flying to Korea in less than a month now, I thought I'd better look into how this might affect international flights as well. And yep, feeling pretty stressed at the mo --
Apparently I am allowed to check a TOTAL of 20kg/44lbs, plus a carry-on item that's no more than 12kg/25lbs... I am screwed. I am not opposed to "traveling light" -- I backpacked for 5 months out of a 42L bag. But a year plus in Korea with as little luggage as that.... wow...
I checked into what it would cost for extra luggage -- domestic US flights usually charge you an extra $50 or $75 for an extra piece. But according to Japan Air's website, a mere 10kg extra weight would cost approx $794 extra... Are you kidding me??
Has anyone RECENTLY flew from the US to Korea and can comment on the situation with allowable luggage?

[MUOhio82]

Hmmm.... I actually am coming over in a little over a month, and just spoke with someone at the airline last week.... I heard it's still 2 bags to check, one carry on, plus if you're a woman you can bring a "purse", which for me consists of the biggest flippin tote I could find

Also, for some odd reason I heard golf bags don't count as a bag being checked, so I'm hearing of people packing into golf bags, and then checking them in or carrying them on.... you might want to look into this though.

Hope this helps a little

[mizmoxie]

Golf bags... that's a new one for me... Do you remember which airline you checked with?

[Binch Lover]

It's definitely possible. I came here twice with just a 20kg allowance. I ended up leaving with a lot more but that's a different story. What do you need that's gonna be so heavy? I'm a size 13 so I needed to bring a few shoes and I still managed it. Don't bring books, console... it's not worth it. If you're worried about clothes for all seasons, send stuff to your school by slowboat now and it will get there in a couple of months.

[wittman2]

I just got here a few months ago, I actually missed my original flight and had to repack, I was over the weight limit. The weight limit for me on NWA was 60lbs per bag, and you could check 2 bags.

[ttompatz]

Most INTERNATIONAL flights to and from North America allow 2 checked bags of 23 kilos each + 1 carry on + a laptop and/or a purse/briefcase.

International flights to/from other international destinations are usually 2 bags and a limit of 20 kilos TOTAL weight.

ALL airlines have the details on their respective websites. The charges for overweight are EXPENSIVE on transpac flights.

Golf bags are NOT classed as luggage, they are usually CHARGED as over size baggage unless you have "sport privileges" on your airline of choice (usually goes with your frequent flier card/miles).

Don't speculate or guess. Check your airline's website and be sure. You don't want surprises at the airport.

[mizmoxie]

Yeah, you're not kidding -- it really does vary from airline to airline. From the airport nearest where I live, I'd be practically "forced" to fly with Japan Airlines or Korean Air, which both seem to have ridiculously tight baggage allowances.
But, I checked out Delta and they DO allow 2 pieces of checked, 50 lbs each, so I'm feeling a lot better about the state of the universe
Delta's info... in case anyone else is curious:
http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/baggage/baggage_allowance/index.jsp#checked[/url]

[Zaria32]

I checked THREE bags, and Singapore Airlines charged $175 for the third bag.

[Binch Lover]

I'll say it again: why do you need that much stuff?? You're not coming into a 3rd world country... pretty much everything is available here, particularly in Seoul.

[Sleepy in Seoul]

[ttompatz]

[bogey666]

[BS.Dos.]

I flew in from Heathrow via Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific. My bag weighed in at 40kg, 20kg over the limit. I was stung for an additional �200 ($400).

I was not a happy bunny.

[OiGirl]

I will gladly pay for a third and even second bag so I can have the toiletries, shoes, books, and groceries that make my life comfortable in Korea. With the end of surface mail in the US, it's cheaper than post.

[icicle]

I flew recently Sydney to Seoul on Asiana and was overweight - which is not at all hard to do when you are coming for at least 12 months and maye more - My checked baggage weighed in the end more than I thought it did - I think it ended up being around 34kg in total - I was "lucky" because they only charged me for 10kg over weight - Which ended up costing me $300 at $30 a kg. But the truth of the matter is that it would have cost me more than that to replace some of the things which I included - And I did not include things like books I knew I could replace for less that the cost of that - Unlike last time I came I don't think I have packed anything that I won't get a lot of use out of - And even though that $300 would be very useful right now - before my first payday - I can cope - somehow - I am lucky that my new school has provided me with a lot of the basic essentials - including such wonders as washing powder - that I have managed not to have to buy upfront -

I think in packing it is important to include the things that are important to you and that you know will help you to settle in and be comfortable in a very different culture - And it often is the little things that make a big difference -