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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.

Korean Air vs Qatar Airways

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

Verdict

Qatar Airways scores higher on FlightLogic at 9.0/10 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 Korean Air Qatar Airways
Cabin baggage IncludedIncluded
Checked baggage 1×23 kg international economy; 2×32 kg Prestige23–32 kg by cabin (Economy 23 kg)
In-flight Wi-Fi Partial (messaging/select routes)Partial (messaging/select routes)
Economy seat pitch 32–34"32"
Loyalty programme SKYPASSPrivilege Club (Avios)
Lounge access KAL Prestige lounge ICN; SkyTeam Elite PlusAl Mourjan / Al Safwa at DOH; oneworld Emerald
Changes & refunds Flex fares allow changes; restricted fares charge feeFlexible on published fares; fee + difference on restricted tickets

Individual profiles

Korean Air

KE · South Korea

Expert Editorial Review

FlightLogic score: 8.4/10

Qatar Airways

QR · Qatar

Expert Editorial Review

FlightLogic score: 9.0/10

Editorial profiles

South Korea · KE/KAL · #1 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

Qatar · QR/QTR · #2 in this comparison

Qatar Airways

World's Best Airline 2025

#1 Global 5-Star
9.0 / 10
Quick Answer

Qatar Airways scores 9.0/10 on FlightLogic (safety 9.8/10), ranking #1 globally. verified in-flight Wi-Fi averages 8 Mbps on measured routes. Catering: Halal standard on all routes; vegan and no-pork bespoke menus pre-ordered 24h ahead with high success on LHR–DOH

Is Qatar Airways a good airline?

Qatar Airways scores 9.0/10 (Exceptional) on FlightLogic, ranking #1 globally with a safety score of 9.8/10. Qatar Airways leads global rankings with exceptional Qsuite business class, award-winning cabin crew, and a modern widebody fleet serving 170+ destinations. See full profile →

Overall 9.0 Exceptional
Safety 9.8 Maximum Safety
Service 9.4 Cabin crew & ground
Value 8.5 Fare vs product
Star rating 5★ FlightLogic tier
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Customer Service
9.4
Seat Comfort
9.2
Food & Beverage
9.0
In-Flight Entertainment
9.1
On-Time Performance
8.8
Value for Money
8.5

Key facts

Hub
Hamad International (DOH)
Alliance
oneworld
Founded
1993
Fleet
250 aircraft
Region
middle east
IATA / ICAO
QR / QTR

Passenger policies

Cabin baggage Included — standard carry-on allowance applies
Checked baggage 23–32 kg by cabin (Economy 23 kg)
In-flight Wi-Fi Partial — free messaging or select routes/cabins only
Economy seat pitch 32"
Lounge access Al Mourjan / Al Safwa at DOH; oneworld Emerald
Changes & refunds Flexible on published fares; fee + difference on restricted tickets
Loyalty programme Privilege Club (Avios)

Strengths

  • Qsuite business class with doors
  • Al Mourjan lounge at DOH
  • Excellent long-haul catering

Weaknesses

  • Economy density on some A320s
  • Occasional DOH connection delays

Awards & recognition

  • World's Best Airline 2025
  • Best Business Class
  • Best Airline in Middle East

FAQ

Which is better — Korean Air or Qatar Airways?

Qatar Airways scores higher on FlightLogic at 9.0/10 vs 8.4/10 for Korean Air. Policy comparison below covers cabin baggage, checked bags, Wi-Fi, and seat pitch.

Does Korean Air or Qatar Airways include a carry-on bag?

Korean Air: Included. Qatar Airways: Included.

Which has free Wi-Fi — Korean Air or Qatar Airways?

Korean Air: Partial (messaging/select routes). Qatar Airways: Partial (messaging/select routes).

Does Korean Air include checked baggage?

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

Does Qatar Airways include checked baggage?

Qatar Airways checked baggage: 23–32 kg by cabin (Economy 23 kg).