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FlightLogic is an independent, advertising-supported information service that lets you compare airlines, airports, hotels, and travel products. We do not provide financial advice and we do not recommend specific products or providers. Links marked * are advertising links and may earn us commission at no extra cost to you — always read the terms of any product before booking or applying. Learn more about how we make money.

Japan Airlines vs Korean Air

Side-by-side policy and rating comparison — baggage, Wi-Fi, legroom, lounges, and loyalty programmes.

Verdict

Japan Airlines scores higher on FlightLogic at 8.7/10 vs 8.4/10 for Korean Air. Policy comparison below covers cabin baggage, checked bags, Wi-Fi, and seat pitch.

Comparison data last updated 6 July 2026

Policy comparison

Structured operational tokens — verify current fare rules on each airline before booking.

Policy Japan Airlines Korean Air
Cabin baggage IncludedIncluded
Checked baggage 2×23 kg international economy1×23 kg international economy; 2×32 kg Prestige
In-flight Wi-Fi PaidPartial (messaging/select routes)
Economy seat pitch 33–34"32–34"
Loyalty programme JAL Mileage BankSKYPASS
Lounge access Sakura / First lounges; oneworld EmeraldKAL Prestige lounge ICN; SkyTeam Elite Plus
Changes & refunds Flex fares allow changesFlex fares allow changes; restricted fares charge fee

Individual profiles

Japan Airlines

JL · Japan

Expert Editorial Review

FlightLogic score: 8.7/10

Korean Air

KE · South Korea

Expert Editorial Review

FlightLogic score: 8.4/10

Editorial profiles

Japan · JL/JAL · #1 in this comparison

Japan Airlines

Fly into tomorrow

#15 Global 5-Star
8.7 / 10
Quick Answer

Japan Airlines scores 8.7/10 on FlightLogic (safety 9.7/10), ranking #15 globally. in-flight Wi-Fi is paid or partial on most long-haul routes. Special meals require pre-order on long-haul.

Is Japan Airlines a good airline?

Japan Airlines scores 8.7/10 (Excellent) on FlightLogic, ranking #15 globally with a safety score of 9.7/10. Japan Airlines delivers meticulous Japanese hospitality, strong on-time performance, and refreshed Sky Suite business class on long-haul routes across Asia, North America, and Europe. See full profile →

Overall 8.7 Excellent
Safety 9.7 Maximum Safety
Service 9.0 Cabin crew & ground
Value 8.0 Fare vs product
Star rating 5★ FlightLogic tier
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Customer Service
9.0
Seat Comfort
8.7
Food & Beverage
8.9
In-Flight Entertainment
8.2
On-Time Performance
9.1
Value for Money
8.0

Key facts

Hub
Tokyo Haneda & Narita
Alliance
oneworld
Founded
1951
Fleet
170 aircraft
Region
asia pacific
IATA / ICAO
JL / JAL

Passenger policies

Cabin baggage Included — standard carry-on allowance applies
Checked baggage 2×23 kg international economy
In-flight Wi-Fi Paid Wi-Fi or messaging packages
Economy seat pitch 33–34"
Lounge access Sakura / First lounges; oneworld Emerald
Changes & refunds Flex fares allow changes
Loyalty programme JAL Mileage Bank

Strengths

  • Sky Suite business class with direct aisle access
  • Exceptional Japanese dining
  • Strong Haneda hub access

Weaknesses

  • Narita vs Haneda confusion for transfers
  • Premium pricing on popular routes

Awards & recognition

  • World's Best Economy Class Asia
  • Oneworld founding member

South Korea · KE/KAL · #2 in this comparison

Korean Air

Excellence in Flight

#20 Global 5-Star
8.4 / 10
Quick Answer

Korean Air scores 8.4/10 on FlightLogic (safety 9.5/10), ranking #20 globally. in-flight Wi-Fi is paid or partial on most long-haul routes. Special meals require pre-order on long-haul.

Is Korean Air a good airline?

Korean Air scores 8.4/10 (Excellent) on FlightLogic, ranking #20 globally with a safety score of 9.5/10. Korean Air is South Korea's flag carrier operating from Incheon with Prestige Class business, exceptional Korean dining, and strong SkyTeam connectivity for UK–Asia routings. See full profile →

Overall 8.4 Excellent
Safety 9.5 Maximum Safety
Service 8.7 Cabin crew & ground
Value 8.0 Fare vs product
Star rating 5★ FlightLogic tier
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Customer Service
8.7
Seat Comfort
8.5
Food & Beverage
8.8
In-Flight Entertainment
8.0
On-Time Performance
8.6
Value for Money
8.0

Key facts

Hub
Seoul Incheon (ICN)
Alliance
skyteam
Founded
1969
Fleet
160 aircraft
Region
asia pacific
IATA / ICAO
KE / KAL

Passenger policies

Cabin baggage Included — standard carry-on allowance applies
Checked baggage 1×23 kg international economy; 2×32 kg Prestige
In-flight Wi-Fi Partial — free messaging or select routes/cabins only
Economy seat pitch 32–34"
Lounge access KAL Prestige lounge ICN; SkyTeam Elite Plus
Changes & refunds Flex fares allow changes; restricted fares charge fee
Loyalty programme SKYPASS

Strengths

  • KAL Prestige lounge at ICN
  • Incheon hub 9.3/10 airport score
  • Strong UK–Seoul and UK–Asia connections

Weaknesses

  • Asiana merger integration ongoing
  • Award space competitive on popular routes

Awards & recognition

  • SkyTeam member
  • Best Korean airline catering

FAQ

Which is better — Japan Airlines or Korean Air?

Japan Airlines scores higher on FlightLogic at 8.7/10 vs 8.4/10 for Korean Air. Policy comparison below covers cabin baggage, checked bags, Wi-Fi, and seat pitch.

Does Japan Airlines or Korean Air include a carry-on bag?

Japan Airlines: Included. Korean Air: Included.

Which has free Wi-Fi — Japan Airlines or Korean Air?

Japan Airlines: Paid. Korean Air: Partial (messaging/select routes).

Does Japan Airlines include checked baggage?

Japan Airlines checked baggage: 2×23 kg international economy.

Does Korean Air include checked baggage?

Korean Air checked baggage: 1×23 kg international economy; 2×32 kg Prestige.