Japan Airlines Baggage Allowance Policy

Overview of Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines first started operations in 1951 as Japan’s national airline, symbolised by the crane logo. Nowadays, it’s the second-largest carrier in Japan with 279 aircraft across its subsidiaries (J-Air, Japan Transocean Air, and others).

JAL offers flights to over 200 destinations from South America to Australia. They operate 132 and 79 routes for domestic and international flights, respectively.

Japan Airlines has received multiple awards, including World’s Best Economy Class in 2021. Cabin space, in-flight entertainment, meals, and cleanliness are often advertised as their best features.

Japan Airlines Baggage Allowance Policy

As international tourism starts to reopen in Japan, many travellers have already made plans to visit the country. Japan Airlines (JAL), one of Japan’s two main carriers, is a popular choice with flights across Asia, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas.

In-flight service and comfort are often named as some of JAL’s biggest strengths, alongside value for money and food quality. The company ranks third on the list of Skytrax’s Best Airlines in Asia 2022.

Below you’ll find Japan Airlines’ regulations for check-in, carry-on, overweight and special baggage. Be sure to read them thoroughly before packing your stuff!

Japan Airlines Carry-On Baggage Policy

On all JAL flights and for all flight classes, you are only allowed a single piece of carry-on along with a personal bag (e.g. handbag or laptop bag). The combined weight of these bags can’t be more than 10 kg (22 lbs). Both must conform to all the regulations below. 

Size Limits And Storage Instructions

You can only carry your bags in the cabin if they meet the size restrictions. A bag’s dimensions can’t be larger than 55 x 40 x 25 cm (22 x 16 x 10 in). That means the combined total dimensions can only be 115 cm (45 in) at most.

During the flight, you must keep your baggage in the overhead compartment or under your seat. Otherwise, the bag may obstruct you and others in emergency situations, or even harm other passengers.

Any bag that doesn’t follow the size, weight or storage restrictions may be denied transport, so make sure you have a cabin-ready bag or backpack to keep your belongings in check.

Note: The rules and regulations may change depending on your starting point and destination, remember to consult the airlines for more detailed information.

Dangerous Items To Not Bring On Board

Japan Airlines’ website states rather strict rules for carry-on baggage, especially concerning dangerous items, which are detailed below.

  • Knives, bats, stun guns or any similar items are strictly prohibited.
  • Containers of liquids must be under 100ml and must be put in a transparent and re-sealable plastic bag. The total volume of liquids can’t be more than 1 litre.
  • Passengers can only bring one lighter or matchbox each (some types of lighters aren’t allowed).
  • Electronics and items with a heating unit must have removable batteries. 
  • Batteries or battery-operated devices must have less than 2g of lithium and a working capacity of less than 160 Wh.

Japan Airlines Checked Baggage Policy

As a general rule when flying, you should never leave electronics in your checked baggage, or any valuables or dangerous items whatsoever. Your baggage must also be properly packed into suitcases or sturdy boxes.

The same size limits are imposed on all check-in baggage: each piece of your baggage can’t have combined dimensions of more than 203 cm (79.92 in). As for the pieces and weights restriction, it is as follows:

  • All Economy tiers are subject to the same weight allowance for two pieces of baggage, weighing 23 kg (50 lbs) each.
  • Business and First class flyers can register three pieces of checked baggage at 32 kg (70 lbs) each.

For 2022, Japan Airlines has offered European passengers some advice for ensuring the safe transport of baggage. As Europe’s outbound tourism heats up, anyone flying from or to European airports, including for layovers, should attach easily identifiable name tags on their suitcases or boxes to avoid any confusion. Mistaken belongings are common around the world, but crowded airports are where this is most prevalent.

If you’re travelling with a baby, JAL offers two options with different baggage allowances:

  • Infants in their own seats receive the same amount of baggage as adults with the same ticket calls
  • Infants travelling without a separate seat are allowed a single piece of baggage (following the weight and size restrictions of your ticket).

Japan Airlines Excess Baggage Policy

Passengers on Japan Airlines can buy more baggage in addition to their free allowance. However, you aren’t able to bring more than a total of 9 bags for Economy classes, or 10 bags for Business and First classes.

If your baggage exceeds 203 cm (80 in) in total outside dimensions, you have to pay a fee. The rates for extra and excess baggage depend entirely on the distance of your flight. Certain taxes may apply, which are not included in the rates below.

Domestic destinations in Japan

One bag costs ¥5,000. Fees for overweight baggage between 23 kg and 32 kg (50 lbs and 70 lbs) are ¥1,000, and heavier bags are ¥15,000. Oversized bags cost ¥5,500.

Select international destinations in Asia, Russia, and Oceania

One bag costs ¥10,000. Fees for overweight baggage between 23 kg and 32 kg (50 lbs and 70 lbs) are ¥6,000, and heavier bags are ¥30,000. Oversized bags cost ¥10,000.

International destinations in Asia, Europe, and the Americas

One bag costs ¥20,000. Fees for overweight baggage between 23 kg and 32 (50 lbs and 70 lbs) kg are ¥10,000, and heavier bags are ¥60,000. Oversized bags cost ¥20,000.

FAQs about Japan Airlines Baggage Allowance

How Much Does Extra Baggage Cost On Japan Airlines?

You can buy up to a maximum of 7 extra pieces of baggage, with rates depending on your flight distance. Domestic flights charge ¥5,000 for each piece while international flights can charge between ¥10,000 and ¥20,000.

I Want To Bring My Surfboard With Me, Do I Have To Pay Any Extra Fees? 

As a surfboard isn’t included in Japan Airlines’ free check baggage allowance, you are required to pay some extra charges for it as additional baggage. You can scroll up to the Checked baggage section for more information. 

 


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