Korean Air Withdraws Additional Charges Amid Criticism of Price Hike Immediately After Integration

Korean Air withdrew its policy to charge extra fees for emergency exit seats and other seats in the economy class on domestic flights just one day before its implementation. This appears to be in response to criticism that the airline raised prices immediately after acquiring Asiana Airlines for the first time in four years.

According to industry sources on the 13th, Korean Air canceled the pricing policy that would have converted some economy class seats, including emergency exit seats, on domestic flights to paid seats as of the previous day. The policy was withdrawn one day before its scheduled implementation after being first announced on the 9th.

Originally, Korean Air planned to assign 'Extra Legroom' seats, which offer more space than regular economy seats, and 'Front Preference Seats,' located in the very front row of economy class for easier boarding and deplaning, for an additional 15,000 KRW and 10,000 KRW respectively. Passengers purchasing these seats were also to receive benefits such as checked baggage handling.

Since this pricing policy has been in place for international flights since 2021, Korean Air intended to expand it to domestic flights as well. Domestic airlines such as Asiana Airlines, which became a subsidiary of Korean Air, Jeju Air, and Jin Air also operate similar systems. Foreign airlines like Delta Air Lines and Lufthansa have long offered such services.

However, facing criticism that this was effectively a fare increase, Korean Air abruptly withdrew the policy. Industry insiders expressed regret, noting that as a full-service carrier (FSC) that offers free in-flight meals and seat selection, Korean Air’s ticket prices are higher than those of low-cost carriers (LCCs). There were also suggestions that the airline was trying to generate additional revenue on domestic routes, which receive relatively less attention.

Korean Air decided to withdraw the policy the previous evening and deleted the announcement regarding the pricing policy implementation. A Korean Air representative stated, "This was intended to increase customer options by applying a service already offered on international flights to domestic flights," and added, "We quickly withdrew the policy due to excessive concerns."

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