Japan Airlines (JAL) Baggage and Carry-on

What is Japan Airlines’ policy on carry-on allowance?

On flights operated by Japan Airlines, passengers are allowed to carry in the cabin, without charge, a quantity of unchecked baggage, which is limited by quantity, weight and size depending on which route you’re traveling and the type of aircraft.

What is the Japan Airlines’ policy on checked baggage allowance?

Each passenger traveling on a Japan Airlines flight is entitled to a free checked baggage allowance that corresponds to carriage in the hold, at no extra charge, of quantity baggage limited by weight, dimensions and number. The free baggage allowance is determined based on the destination and fare paid.

Carry-on – International Flights

When traveling on an international Japan Airlines’ flight, the carry on allowance includes one standard baggage item and one personal item (such as a shopping bag or handbag), which together should weigh no more than 10 kg (22 lbs). The sum of three dimensions (width + height + depth) can’t be more than 115 cm (45 in), also the width has to be shorter than 55 cm (22 in); height 40 cm (16 in); depth 25 cm (10 in).

It is recommended to carry with you any expensive items (such as cash, jewelry, precious metals, etc.) and valuables (documents, electronic data, mobile phones, etc.). As on domestic flights, it’s prohibited to carry any item that could be used as a weapon in the cabin; these should be checked in with the baggage: knives, sharply pointed items, blunt and/or heavy items, or any other item that could be used as a weapon.

Carry-on – Domestic Flights

When traveling on a domestic Japan Airlines’ flight, the carry on allowance includes one standard baggage item and one personal item, which together should weigh no more than 10 kg (22 lbs) and are limited by size as follows:

• If the airplane has 100 seats or more (aircraft 359/788/773/772(777)/767/734/738), the sum of three dimensions (width + height + depth) can’t be more than 115 cm (45 in), also the width has to be shorter than 55 cm (22 in); height 40 cm (16 in); depth 25 cm (10 in).
• If the airplane has less than 100 seats (aircraft E70/E90/CRJ/SF3/DH4/DH3/DH1/ATR), the sum of three dimensions (width + height + depth) can’t be more than 100 cm, also the width has to be shorter than 45 cm (17 in); height 35 cm (13 in); depth 20 cm (7 in).

Checked Baggage – International Flights

Baggage must be checked in at the Japan Airlines counters before the check-in deadline for the flight. The allowance varies depending on the class you’re traveling in. The following allowance may vary if your itinerary includes flights operated by other airline – including codeshare flights – in that case, you must check each carrier’s baggage allowance.

Free Baggage Allowance

The following free baggage allowances apply to all passengers (who are not JMB FLY ON or JGC members):

Excess Baggage Fees

If your baggage doesn’t comply with these limits, the following extra charges may be applied, according to your destination and type of excess:

The maximum additional pieces per passenger are 7. Any baggage heavier than 45 kg (99 lbs) will not be accepted. On Paris, London, Helsinki, Australia, and Dubai routes, checked baggage exceeding 32 kg (70 lbs) per piece cannot be accepted. At Seoul (Gimpo) airport,  checked baggage exceeding 200 ×90 ×90 cm per piece cannot be accepted.

Checked Baggage – Domestic Flights

Baggage must be checked in at the Japan Airlines counter before the check-in deadline for the flight. You have to check them in at the counter and proceed through the security checkpoint. At Fukuoka, Haneda, Itami, Naha, and New Chitose airports, the new JAL Express-Tag Service allows passengers to print baggage tags the baggage tag printing machines located in front of the counter. Passengers can then attach baggage tags to their baggage themselves and complete baggage check-in at the Express-Tag counter.

Free Baggage Allowance

You may check in a total of 20 kg (44 lb), regardless of the number of bags checked in. However, there’s a limit to the bag’s size: up to 50 cm wide x 60 cm high x 120 cm deep (20 x 23 x 47 in). However, if you’re traveling in First Class, your baggage has to weigh a maximum of 45 kg (99 lbs), with a limit of 32 kg (71 lbs) for any one item.

With an additional fee between 200 and 400 yen per kilogram (depending on location), you can check in a total of 100 kg (220 lbs) (45 kg for Saab 340B, DHC8 Q400, and  ATR aircraft), but no item may exceed 32 kg.

Depending on the aircraft type, the total length of your baggage should have different limits:

Baggage Service

When your baggage is not delivered upon arrival, you must notify a company representative (in the case of code shares you should contact the operating company), and they will assist you in tracking and confirming the whereabouts of your baggage. In the event your baggage is found, they will inform you, pass it through customs and send it to you. In the event your baggage isn’t found, the airline will assist you in claiming compensation.

In case of damaged baggage, you must inform JAL within 7 days of receiving your baggage, and they will deal with it according to their Conditions for Carriage (if the damage is not covered, you should contact the airport at which you landed, 7 days of retrieving your baggage). The airline doesn’t take responsibility in the damage done to fragile items (musical instruments, sports equipment, pottery, etc.), for any piece of baggage that has overweight or oversized, or any damage caused by safety inspections carried out by the Transport Security Administration (TSA) or any other national authority. Your baggage may be repaired, or  the airline may apply any other remedy that it sees fit.

More information here >>