Jeju Air

How Jeju Air handles pet travel

Traveling with a companion animal on Jeju Air (7C) is possible, but the airline’s service is designed for small pets only and must be arranged in advance. Jeju Air offers a pet-in-cabin option on eligible flights with limited space per aircraft, and acceptance is strictly first-come, first-served. Animals must remain inside an approved carrier for the entire journey, including boarding, taxi, take‑off, landing, and whenever the seatbelt sign is on. Because rules and route eligibility can change, it’s wise to confirm the latest policy for your specific flight during booking and again 48–72 hours before departure.

Cabin vs. hold: where pets can travel

Jeju Air accepts small pets in the cabin on most domestic routes and select international services, subject to local regulations. At this time, the airline does not transport pets in the aircraft hold as checked baggage or cargo; if your animal is too large for the cabin, you’ll need to explore specialized pet transport or another carrier. Only healthy, non-aggressive pets that can travel calmly in a closed carrier are accepted, and airline staff may refuse carriage if an animal appears distressed or unfit to fly. Service dogs that are individually trained to assist a person with a disability are handled under a different policy and are carried in the cabin without a pet fee when documentation is in order.

What kinds of animals are allowed

Jeju Air typically accepts small dogs, cats, and—on certain routes—small birds as in‑cabin pets. Animals that are ill, very young (unweaned or under the minimum age), in heat, or pregnant are usually not accepted for welfare reasons. Some species and breeds can be restricted by destination health rules; birds are often limited or prohibited on international flights due to quarantine requirements. Emotional support animals are not classified as service animals and must meet all standard pet-in-cabin rules and fees.

Carrier size, weight, and seating rules

Your pet must travel in a secure, leak‑proof, well‑ventilated carrier that can fit completely under the seat in front of you. Jeju Air publishes a maximum in‑cabin weight that commonly sits at up to 7 kg (pet + carrier), and a carrier footprint that matches the under‑seat space; soft‑sided carriers are often preferred because they flex slightly. As a practical guide, aim for external dimensions in the neighborhood of 40 × 30 × 20–26 cm (about 16 × 12 × 8–10 in), keeping the sum near 115 cm, and ensure your pet can stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. One carrier per passenger is the norm, and the carrier must remain closed on your lap or under‑seat; bulkhead and exit‑row seats are off‑limits, and crew may reassign seats to ensure proper stowage. Bring absorbent lining, a familiar blanket, and secure the zipper—double‑clip closures help prevent curious noses from pushing out.

Documents and health requirements

For domestic South Korea flights, Jeju Air may conduct a basic visual check; however, you should carry recent veterinary proof of good health and current rabies vaccination just in case. For international travel, requirements are set by both Korea and the destination: an ISO‑compliant microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and—depending on the country—rabies antibody titer test and quarantine/import permits. Japan and Taiwan, for example, require advance import approval and strict timelines, while some countries mandate cargo‑only entry for pets regardless of airline policy. Keep originals and copies of certificates in your cabin bag and make sure names, microchip numbers, and dates match your booking details.

Fees, booking, and route restrictions

A pet-in-cabin service fee is charged per flight segment, separate from your baggage allowance, and is usually collected during booking or at the airport. Space is limited per flight; reserve early via Manage Booking or the call center and reconfirm close to departure. Some destinations or flights are not pet‑eligible (for example, places with strict quarantine or where in‑cabin pet arrivals are prohibited, such as the United Kingdom and Australia; island territories like Guam/Saipan also impose stringent entry rules). Seasonal, aircraft, or operational restrictions can apply, and Jeju Air may decline carriage if capacity is reached or if documents are incomplete. Pet fees are generally non‑refundable and non‑transferable once issued, so double‑check your dates before paying.

Preparing your pet for a smooth flight

Acclimate your pet to the carrier well ahead of travel—short, positive practice sessions at home reduce stress on the day. Offer a light meal 3–4 hours before departure and water in small amounts; avoid sedatives unless your vet specifically recommends them, as sedation can increase in‑flight risks. Attach ID to both pet and carrier, pack spare pads, wipes, a collapsible bowl, and a small bag of food for delays. Arrive early—plan extra time for document checks at the check‑in counter—and take a calm walk before security so your pet can relieve itself.

Pre‑flight checklist (quick recap)

• Pre‑book pet space and confirm route eligibility; review Jeju Air’s latest policy for your flight.
• Veterinary check: microchip (if required), vaccinations, health certificate, and permits for international trips.
• Carrier trial runs; verify weight and dimensions fit under the seat; label with your contact details.
• Pack essentials: absorbent mat, wipes, leash/harness, water bowl, and snacks.
• Check seat assignment; avoid bulkhead/exit rows; expect to keep the carrier closed and under the seat.

Service dogs and special cases

Guide, hearing, and other trained service dogs are accepted without a pet fee when documentation meets Jeju Air and destination rules. The dog must remain harnessed, under control at all times, and be able to lie at your feet without blocking aisles; advance notice is strongly recommended. If your animal is too large for the cabin and Jeju Air cannot carry pets as checked baggage, speak with a pet‑relocation specialist well in advance to explore compliant alternatives.

Final notes

Policies, size limits, and eligible routes can change as health and quarantine rules evolve. Before you purchase tickets, review Jeju Air’s current pet page for exact weight/dimension limits and route exceptions, and verify destination import rules with the relevant authority. A little extra preparation—plus the right carrier and documents—goes a long way toward a safe, comfortable flight for both of you.

Age categories and what they mean

On Jeju Air (7C), the most important starting point is how your child’s age is defined on the day of travel. In general, an infant is a child under 2 years old, a child is 2–11 years old, and an adult is 12 years and above. These definitions shape everything from fares and seating to baggage. Because fares and inclusions can vary by route and ticket type, keep a copy of your booking and your child’s proof of age handy at the airport. Policies can change—always check your e‑ticket conditions or Jeju Air’s site before you fly.

Seats and tickets for infants

You may travel with an infant on your lap, or purchase a separate seat if you prefer to use an approved car seat. A lap‑held infant typically pays a fixed infant fee or a discounted fare and does not occupy a seat; taxes and charges still apply. Only one infant is allowed per accompanying adult—if you’re traveling with two infants, the second must have their own seat and an approved child restraint. For safety, infants and children cannot be placed in exit rows, and crew may reseat families to ensure there are enough oxygen masks in a row. If extra space matters to you, consider selecting seats together in advance (often for a fee) or purchasing an adjacent seat for the infant.

Baggage allowances for little travelers

Children aged 2 and above with their own seat usually follow the same cabin and checked baggage rules as the adult fare they’re booked on. Lap infants generally have a more limited allowance: a small supply of essentials (like diapers, formula, and wipes) is usually fine in addition to the adult’s carry‑on, while checked baggage for a lap infant may not be included unless specified by your fare. Most airlines—including Jeju Air in typical practice—accept a collapsible stroller/buggy and a child car seat free of charge when traveling with a child; these items are often checked at the counter or tagged for gate‑check. Liquids for babies (formula, sterilized water, baby food) are usually permitted in reasonable quantities through security—present them separately and allow extra time for screening. Pack medications, a change of clothes, and favorite comfort items in your carry‑on in case of delays.

Strollers, bassinets, and car seats

Strollers can be used in the terminal and checked at the counter or gate; at arrival, they’re returned at the jet bridge or oversized belt depending on the airport. Jeju Air primarily operates single‑aisle aircraft, so onboard ; if a bassinet is essential for your journey, confirm with customer service before booking. If you purchase a seat for your infant, a car seat may be used provided it fits the aircraft seat and carries an approval label. For reference, look for one of these markings on the restraint:

A simple program built for frequent 7C flyers

If you fly Jeju Air (IATA: 7C) around Korea and across Northeast and Southeast Asia, the airline’s loyalty program is refreshingly straightforward. You earn points when you buy tickets and add-ons, then spend those points toward future trips or extras at checkout. Rather than complicated award charts, value is usually tied to the cash price you see, which keeps redemptions predictable and easy to compare. It’s a low‑cost carrier program at heart, so perks are practical: think priority services, seat and baggage benefits, and bonus earn — not lavish lounges.

Membership and tiers: how you qualify

Enrollment is free and instant online, and your account starts at a base tier as soon as you sign up. Status is assessed over a rolling or annual period (commonly 12 months), using either flights taken or eligible spend/points earned; move up a tier when you pass the published threshold, and your benefits apply on your next trips. Tiers are typically structured from a base level to one or two higher levels, each adding a larger points bonus and more fee savings or priority services. Points themselves usually expire after a fixed window from the accrual date (often about 36 months), so it’s smart to redeem regularly. Because thresholds and names can change, always check the qualification counters in your online profile for the current rules before planning a status run.

Earning points on flights and beyond

You earn on Jeju Air–operated flights, with accrual tied to the fare you pay before taxes and government-imposed fees. Higher-priced fare bundles and ancillaries — like prepaid baggage, seat selection, and meals — often earn too when purchased online while logged in, and elite tiers add a bonus multiplier on top of the base earn. Points credit faster on direct bookings through Jeju Air’s website or app; third‑party channels may be ineligible or post differently. Beyond flights, Jeju Air periodically partners with local credit cards, travel retailers, and promo campaigns so you can convert bank rewards or earn on hotel/car bookings — useful if you’re based in Korea. Keep an eye on seasonal promos and transfer bonuses; they’re a reliable way to top up balances for a specific redemption.

Redeeming rewards: flights, seats, and extras

Redemption is pleasantly transparent: you typically apply points at checkout to reduce or cover the fare, and in many cases you can use points on extras such as extra‑legroom seats, baggage, and onboard meals. That means you’re not waiting for “award seat” releases — if a seat is for sale, you can usually use points, with value tracking close to the cash price. As a low‑cost carrier, Jeju Air isn’t part of a global alliance and does not commonly offer partner‑airline awards, so your points are best aimed at 7C flights and ancillaries. Traditional cabin upgrades aren’t a focus (there’s no long‑haul premium cabin), but redeeming for better seats and comfort add‑ons often delivers excellent day‑of‑travel value. If you’re a few points short, a Points+Cash option is frequently available, letting you zero out small leftovers before expiry.

A clear snapshot of the fleet

Jeju Air (IATA: 7C) operates an all‑Boeing narrowbody fleet tailored to dense domestic trunk routes and short‑ to medium‑haul Asia. As of late 2024, the airline flies roughly the mid‑40s number of aircraft, almost all Boeing 737‑800s with a growing number of new Boeing 737‑8s. Keeping to a single family gives 7C the simplicity of common pilot training, shared spare parts, and quick turnarounds that matter on the Jeju–Gimpo shuttle. The 737‑800 remains the backbone and is the aircraft you are most likely to board today. The newer 737‑8, sometimes called MAX 8, is steadily joining the lineup to add range, lower fuel burn, and a quieter ride.

The workhorses and how they’re set up

Jeju Air’s 737‑800s are arranged in a single‑class, all‑economy layout, typically around 189 seats in a 3‑3 configuration designed for fast boarding and reliable utilization. Standard seats run about 29–31 inches of pitch, while a small block of extra‑legroom rows—up front and at the exits—gives you a touch more breathing space for a modest fee. Most NGs carry blended or split‑scimitar winglets, and interiors vary between classic and newer Boeing Sky Interior depending on delivery and refurbishment. The 737‑8s also seat around 189 in single class, but add the latest Boeing Sky Interior, larger pivot bins, and the more efficient LEAP‑1B engines that keep cabin noise down. Whether you’re hopping to Busan or heading to Japan, the experience feels consistent by design—same aisle width, same 3‑3 layout, and a focus on straightforward, pay‑as‑you‑go extras.

Newest arrivals and the veterans

The youngest members of the fleet are the 737‑8s delivered from 2023 onward, easily recognized by their distinctive split winglets and chevron‑edged engine nacelles. Many of these jets roll straight in with fresh cabins and the latest avionics, and they tend to appear on longer stage lengths or high‑demand international rotations. At the other end, Jeju Air’s oldest 737‑800s date to the early‑to‑mid 2000s, with numerous airframes from the 2010s that form the core of daily operations. Average age across the fleet sits in the low‑teens, a typical profile for a mature low‑cost carrier with strong utilization and ongoing interior refresh cycles. You may notice subtle differences between aircraft—lighting, bins, or seats—but maintenance standards and operating procedures are aligned across the board for a familiar experience.

What’s next for the fleet

Jeju Air has a multi‑year plan to pivot its backbone from the 737‑800 to the 737‑8, anchored by a 2018 commitment for 40 aircraft with options for 10 more. Deliveries, delayed by the global MAX hiatus and the pandemic, have resumed and are slated to continue through the second half of the decade. As new jets arrive, the airline is expected to retire its oldest NGs and keep a balanced mix that supports both domestic frequency and international growth. Additional leased 737‑8s help bridge capacity needs while factory deliveries ramp, giving scheduling flexibility without adding a new aircraft type. Exact timelines can shift with market conditions and supply chains, but the direction is clear: more 737‑8s and a gently shrinking NG footprint.

Eating Well on Jeju Air

Jeju Air is a South Korean low‑cost carrier, so meals aren’t built into the base fare. Instead, you can choose from the airline’s buy‑on‑board menu (often branded as the “7C Café”) or secure a hot dish by pre‑ordering before you fly. Because most routes are short‑haul, service is streamlined and happens quickly after takeoff. There’s no separate business cabin; what you receive depends on flight length and whether you’ve reserved food in advance. Menus, prices, and availability can change by route and season, so it pays to check the latest options in the app or during online check‑in.

How the Meal Service Usually Flows

On board, crew first deliver any pre‑ordered hot meals to the passengers who reserved them. A general sales round follows with snacks, instant noodles, and drinks; on very short sectors, this may be a single quick pass. Expect a condensed service on late‑night or turbulent flights, where safety takes priority. Payment is typically cashless (contactless cards and mobile wallets are widely accepted), while cash acceptance varies by route. If service must be reduced due to time or weather, pre‑orders are prioritized and substitutions or refunds may apply per Jeju Air policy.

Snacks vs. Full Meals by Route Length

On most domestic routes within Korea and short hops to nearby cities (often under 90 minutes), you’ll find a compact snack-and-drinks selection: packaged treats, cup noodles, and soft drinks, plus coffee or tea. Time can be tight on these sectors, so don’t be surprised if the cart reaches only part of the cabin before descent starts. If you’re hungry, plan to buy early—or better, pre‑order a meal when available.

For longer international flights—roughly two to three hours and beyond—Jeju Air offers pre‑order hot meals such as Korean‑style rice bowls, fried rice, noodles, or curry‑style dishes, alongside a broader paid snack menu. A small number of hot items may be sold on board, but they can sell out quickly. Expect one main service after takeoff and, on some routes, a second limited beverage pass. Portions are sized for short‑haul comfort: warm, filling, and easy to eat at your seat.

Dietary Needs and Special Meals

As a low‑cost carrier, Jeju Air does not routinely provide the full IATA catalogue of special meals (VGML, GFML, KSML, etc.). You will usually find a few vegetarian‑friendly items to pre‑order or buy on board, but strictly choices vary by season, and dishes may contain animal‑derived broths or sauces. options are not guaranteed, and soy sauce or wheat‑based thickeners are common in Korean cuisine. If you follow a strict diet (vegan, gluten‑free, halal, kosher), the most reliable approach is to bring your own cold, sealed meal through security. For safety reasons, crew typically cannot heat personal food, though they can provide hot water for instant items and baby formula.

What to expect on 7C

As a low‑cost carrier, Jeju Air keeps the onboard experience straightforward, which means in‑flight entertainment is leaner than what you may be used to on long‑haul, full‑service airlines. Most aircraft have no seatback screens, and you won’t find a vast on‑demand library built into the seats. On some jets and routes, a free, browser‑based portal may appear after take‑off, offering shopping, flight information, and a small batch of clips or casual games. Because availability varies by aircraft and route, it’s wise to assume the portal is a bonus rather than a guarantee. The ever‑present staple is the printed inflight magazine, which pairs route maps and destination pieces with onboard menus.

Movies, TV, Music, and Games

When a portal is offered, think snack‑size rather than feature‑length: short TV segments, destination vignettes, safety videos, and occasional music playlists. Full‑length movies are generally not provided, and the mix can rotate periodically, especially on Korean domestic services. Expect simple tap‑to‑play games that work without downloads and lightweight music selections tailored to regional tastes. If your flight doesn’t feature the portal, entertainment is entirely what you bring—so load up your own shows, podcasts, and reading. Families will want to pre‑download kid‑friendly episodes or offline apps to avoid in‑flight boredom.

How you access entertainment

When the service is available, you’ll connect with your own phone, tablet, or laptop rather than any built‑in system. Switch your device to airplane mode, turn on Wi‑Fi, and join the cabin network listed on the safety card or portal placard, then open a browser; the page usually redirects automatically. The connection is portal‑only, meaning it supports the onboard pages but not the wider internet. Bring your own wired or Bluetooth headphones, as there’s no airline‑provided headset distribution on most flights. If you prefer to read, the seat‑pocket magazine is there without any setup at all.

Variety and quality of content

Content skews regional, with Korean language dominating and a practical amount of English; you may also see Japanese or Chinese options on international routes. Subtitles and dubbing are not guaranteed, so check clip descriptions before you settle in. Video quality is optimized for mobile screens—usually standard definition for reliable playback—while audio streams in basic stereo. The portal, when active, tends to be responsive for simple browsing, but buffering can occur during peak use. Compared to legacy carriers, the selection is modest by design rather than a technical limitation.