Japan Airlines baggage policy offers a generous allowance of 2 checked bags for Economy/Premium Economy passengers and 3 checked bags for Business and First Class passengers. The extra baggage fees may appear a little expensive at first glance but turn out to be pretty average if you consider the generous baggage allowance and baggage limits for each passenger.
Japan Airlines Baggage—Overview
What are Japan Airlines baggage limits?
The important highlights of Japan Airlines baggage policy and baggage limits are as follows:
- Carry-on baggage allowance 1 personal item plus 1 standard bag
- For international flights 22lb/10kg (combined)
Standard bag size limits 115cm/45in (Width + Height + Depth)
Within 55cm/22in (W) x 40cm/16in (H) x 25cm/10in (D)
- For domestic flights 22lb/10kg (combined)
Standard bag size limits
- 100-plus seat aircraft 115cm/45in (Width + Height + Depth)
Within 55cm/22in (W) x 40cm/16in (H) x 25cm/10in (D) - Less than 100-seat aircraft 100cm/37in (Width + Height + Depth)
Within 45cm/17in (W) x 35cm/13in (H) x 20cm/7in (D)
- Checked baggage allowance
- For international flights
- Economy/Premium Economy 2 bags x 50lb/23kg each
- Business/First Class 3 bags x 70lb/32kg each
The maximum combined dimensions (L + W + H) of a checked bag must not exceed 203cm/80in.
- For domestic flights
- Economy/Premium Economy 44lb/20kg
- First Class 99lb/45kg
The maximum dimensions of a checked bag should not exceed 50cm/20in (Width) x 60cm/23in (Height) x 120cm/47in (Depth), but will vary by aircraft. The maximum weight per bag must not exceed 70lb/32kg.
- JMB Fly On & JGC members are entitled to an additional baggage allowance of 1 checked bag of up to 70lb/32kg in all travel classes—Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class. JMB Crystal members without JGC status are entitled to an additional baggage allowance of 1 extra checked bag of up to 50lb/23kg on Economy and Premium Economy Class fares.
- Japan Airlines baggage rules allow you to carry up to 7 additional bags per passenger.
- Bags weighing more than 99lb/45kg per piece will not be accepted.
- On London, Paris, Australia, Helsinki, and Dubai routes, checked bags weighing more than 70lb/32kg per piece will not be accepted.
- At Seoul (Gimpo) airport, checked bags measuring more than 200cm × 90cm × 90cm per bag will not be accepted.
Japan Airlines Baggage Allowance—Carry-on Baggage
What is the carry-on baggage allowance on Japan Airlines?
Japan Airlines carry-on baggage allowance for international and domestic flights is 22lb/10kg per passenger on both international and domestic flights, but the domestic size limits can vary by aircraft, as explained.
Carry-on Baggage Allowance for International Flights
What is Japan Airlines international baggage allowance?
If you’re travelling on an international Japan Airlines flight, the free carry-on baggage allowance is 1 personal item (handbag/shopping bag) and 1 standard baggage item. You must be able to stow the items either under your front seat or overhead bin.
- The total weight of both items combined must not exceed 22lb/10kg.
- The combined dimensions of the standard baggage item (Width + Height + Depth) should be within 55cm/22in in width, 40cm/16in in height, and 25cm/10in in depth.
- Valuables (jewelry, cash, metals, documents, electronic data, etc.) should be brought as carry-on items.
- Items that could be used as weapons (knives, sharply pointed items, blunt/heavy items) will not be allowed as carry-on items; they must be packed in checked baggage.
Carry-on Baggage Allowance for Domestic Flights
The free carry-on baggage allowance for domestic Japan Airlines flights is 1 personal item (handbag/shopping bag) and 1 standard baggage item.
- The total weight of both items combined must not exceed 22lb/10kg.
- The size limits for carry-on baggage will depend on your aircraft:
- On 100-plus seater aircraft, the combined dimensions of your standard baggage item (Width + Height + Depth) cannot be more than 115cm/45in, and the size limits must be within 55cm/22in in width, 40cm/16in in height, and 25cm/10in in depth.
- On less than 100-seater aircraft, the combined dimensions of your standard bag must not exceed 100cm/37in (Width + Height + Depth), and the size limits must be within 45cm/17in in width, 35cm/13in in height, and 20cm/7in in depth.
Note. If your carry-on baggage is overweight or oversized, or cannot be stored properly in the cabin, it may have to be checked in the cargo compartment at the boarding gate or inside the cabin.
Japan Airlines Baggage Allowance—Checked Baggage
What is Japan Airlines checked baggage allowance?
Japan Airlines check-in baggage allowance on international Japan Airlines flights will depend on your travel class and route (international or domestic). Your baggage allowance may vary if your itinerary includes codeshare flights or flights operated by other airlines. For flights operated by other airlines, you must check your baggage allowance with the airline carrier.
Checked Baggage Allowance for International Flights
What is Japan Airlines check-in baggage allowance for international flights?
Japan Airlines checked baggage allowance for international routes will depend on your travel class. The free baggage allowance in the table below applies to all passengers except JMB Fly On and JGC members.
| Travel Class | Free Checked Baggage Allowance—International | ||
| No. of Bags | Weight/Bag | Total Dimensions | |
| Economy Class Premium Economy Class | 2 | 50lb/23kg each | 203cm |
| Business Class First Class | 3 | 70lb/32kg each | 203cm |
| Notes • The additional baggage allowance for: ◦ JMB Fly On and JGC members is 1 checked bag of up to 70lb/32kg in all travel classes—Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class. ◦ JMB Crystal members without JGC status is 1 checked bag of up to 50lb/23kg on Economy and Premium Economy Class. • Each passenger can carry up to 7 additional bags. • Bags exceeding 99lb/45kg per bag are prohibited. ◦ Bags exceeding 70lb/32kg per bag will not be accepted on London, Paris, Australia, Helsinki, and Dubai routes. ◦ Bags measuring more than 200cm × 90cm × 90cm per bag will not be accepted at Seoul (Gimpo) airport. | |||
Checked Baggage Allowance for Domestic Flights
What is Japan Airlines baggage allowance for domestic flights within Japan?
Japan Airlines baggage allowance for domestic flights within Japan is:
- 44lb/20kg (as many bags as you like) for Economy and Premium Economy Class.
- 99lb/45kg (as many bags as you like) for First Class.
There’s size limit for checked bags on domestic flights is:
- 50cm/20in in width
- 60cm/23in in height
- 120cm/47in in depth
You’re allowed to check in a total of 220lb/100kg (99lb/45kg on Saab 340B, ATR, and DHC8 Q400) for additional baggage fees of ¥ 200-400 per kg., depending on your route (within Japan). However, the maximum weight per bag cannot exceed 70lb/32kg.
The maximum length of a checked bag will depend on the aircraft, and is subject to the following limits:
| Aircraft Type | Maximum Length |
| Boeing 777-300ER and 777-200ER International Boeing 777-300 and 777-200 Domestic | 400cm |
| Boeing 767ER International and Boeing 767 Domestic Boeing 787 and 789 International | 300cm |
| Boeing 737-800 Domestic Boeing 737-800 International | 320cm |
| Bombardier CRJ200 Domestic | 205cm |
| EMBRAER 170/190 Domestic | 250cm |
| Bombardier DHC8 Q400 Domestic | 220cm |
| SAAB34B Domestic | 200cm |
| ATR 42 600 | 210cm |
Japan Airlines Baggage Fees
What are the excess baggage fees on Japan Airlines?
If your baggage exceeds your free baggage allowance or doesn’t comply with the size limits, you will have to pay extra charges, depending on your destination (see below). The excess baggage fees for an extra bag are:
- USD 50/bag on flights within Japan.
- USD 100/bag on flights between Japan and Asia, Guam, and Oceania.
- USD 200/bag on other routes.
The excess baggage fees for overweight bags 50-70lb and 70-99lb are:
- USD 10 and USD 150 per bag weighing 50-70lb and 70-99lb respectively on flights within Japan.
- USD 60 and USD 300 per bag weighing 50-70lb and 70-99lb respectively on flights between Japan and Asia, Guam, and Oceania.
- USD 100 and USD 600 per bag weighing 50-70lb and 70-99lb respectively on other routes.
The excess baggage fees for oversized bags are:
- USD 50/bag on flights within Japan.
- USD 100/bag on flights between Japan and Asia, Guam, and Oceania.
- USD 200/bag on other routes.
| Japan Airlines Baggage Fees by Route (Excess Baggage) | ||||
| Route | Excess Baggage Type | |||
| Extra Bag | Overweight Bag | Oversize Bag (>203cm) | ||
| 50-70lb (23-32kg) | 70-99lb (32-45kg) | |||
| Between Japan, Asia, India, Europe, the Americas, Hawaii, Oceania, Africa, Middle East | USD 200 ¥ 20,000 | USD 100 ¥ 10,000 | USD 600 ¥ 60,000 | USD 200 ¥ 20,000 |
| Between Japan and Asia, Guam, Russia (Vladivostok), and Oceania | USD 100 ¥ 10,000 | USD 60 ¥ 6,000 | USD 300 ¥ 30,000 | USD 100 ¥ 10,000 |
| Within Japan (When International Conditions of Carriage apply; excl. consumption tax) | USD 50 ¥ 5,000 | USD 10 ¥ 1,000 | USD 150 ¥ 15,000 | USD 50 ¥ 5,000 |
Japan Airlines Sports Baggage Policy
Japan Airlines baggage policy for sporting equipment allows you to sports equipment (other than surfboards) as part of your normal baggage allowance. If the weight and/or size of your sporting equipment exceeds your free baggage allowance, you will be charged an excess baggage fee.
The baggage fee must be paid in USD when paying in the United States and in CAD when paying in Canada, and will be converted to the local currency if paying outside of Japan.
| Route | Sporting Equipment Fees |
| Surfboards/bag Windsurfing equipment/set | |
| Between Japan, Asia, India, Europe, the Americas, Hawaii, Oceania, Africa, and the Middle East | USD 200 ¥ 20,000 |
| Between Japan and Asia, Guam, Russia (Vladivostok), and Oceania | USD 100 ¥ 10,000 |
| Within Japan (With International Contract of Carriage) | USD 50 ¥ 5,000 |
| Notes • You can place up to 2 surfboards in one surfboard bag. • Windsurfing gear includes 1 board, 1 boom, 1 sail, and 1 mast. • JAL may not be able to check in surfboards/windsurfing gear due to space limitations in the cargo hold. For information or assistance, call Japan Airlines at 1-866-399-0587 or the JAL office in your city/country (or your travel agency). | |
Japan Airlines Musical Instruments Policy
You can travel with musical instruments as part of your carry-on or checked baggage, or purchase a seat for it. Japan Airlines also provides instrument cases free of charge on loan via its Loaner Instrument Cases service (on select flights).
- Musical instruments not exceeding 115cm
If the combined linear dimensions of your musical instrument (incl. case) do not exceed 115cm (or 100cm on aircraft with less than 100 seats on domestic flights), you can carry your musical instrument as part of your carry-on baggage.
You must inform Japan Airlines in advance if the length of any of the three dimensions exceeds 55cm, 40cm, or 25cm (45cm, 35cm, or 20cm for aircraft with less than 100 seats).
Musical instruments as carry-on baggage can be stored in the overhead compartment.
- Musical instruments exceeding 115cm
If the combined linear dimensions of your musical instrument (incl. case) exceed 115cm (or 100cm on aircraft with less than 100 seats on domestic flights), you can either bring it as checked baggage or hand-carried on board the aircraft for a fee.
- Musical instruments hand-carried on board (separate seat)
You can also carry your musical instrument by purchasing a separate seat for it. A special fee will apply, depending on your route.
Musical instruments carried on board must be secured on a seat. If you’re carrying several small instruments (violas, violins, flutes, etc.), you’re allowed to secure them on a single seat as long as their combined width does not exceed 43cm.
Reservations. To reserve a seat for your musical instrument, call Japan Airlines at or the JAL Office/Call Center in your city/country.
Loaner Instrument Cases (Free Service)
- Carry-on violin cases
JAL’s carry-on violin cases can accommodate full-size (4/4) violins on board and are available on loan on select flights. You can carry your violin (incl. bows) even if it exceeds the carry-on size restrictions, as long as it fits inside the case. You’ll need to stow the case in the overhead compartment after checking in your personal violin case.
Availability. The carry-on violin cases are available on all domestic flights departing from Osaka (Itami / Kansai), Tokyo (Haneda/Narita), Nagoya (Chubu), Sapporo (New Chitose), Okinawa (Naha), and Fukuoka.
The outer dimensions of the carry-on violin cases are as follows: Width: 25cm; Length: 76cm; Height: 13.5cm
To request a loaner violin case, speak to a counter agent at the airport on the day of travel. These cases cannot be reserved in advance.
- Instrument containers for guitars and small instruments
JAL provides special shock-absorbent containers for transporting guitars and other small musical instruments as part of your checked baggage.
The inner dimensions of JAL’s guitar cases are:
Length: 137cm; Depth: 21cm; Width: 44cm
These cases are available in all domestic airports served by Japan Airlines. To request a loaner case for guitars and small instruments, speak to a counter agent at the departure airport on the day of your flight. Such cases cannot be reserved in advance.
The inner dimensions of small instrument cases are
Length: 90cm; Depth: 30cm; Width: 40cm
- Large instrument cases
JAL’s large instrument cases can be used for packing bass fiddles and double basses. They must be checked in as they cannot be carried onboard. If you’re travelling with a large instrument case, you must reach the check-in counter early as loading such cases takes extra care and time.
The inner dimensions of a large instrument case are:
Length: Top—58cm; Bottom—87cm
Depth: 201cm; Width: 75cm
Large instrument cases are available at all airports served by domestic JAL/JTA flights, but not JAC/RAC/J-AIR/HAC flights.
Unlike other cases, large instrument cases have to be reserved in advance. To reserve a case, contact the JAL Domestic Call Center at least 48 hours before your flight’s departure.
Damaged and Lost Baggage
What should I do if my baggage is damaged or lost on Japan Airlines?
Damaged baggage. If your baggage on Japan Airlines or a codeshare flight operated by JAL arrives damaged, you must contact JAL at the arrival airport within 7 days of receiving your baggage. Claims submitted 8 or more days after baggage receipt will not be accepted.
Notes
- Fragile items such as musical instruments, sporting equipment such as golf clubs, bicycles, diving gear, windsurfing gear, surfboards, etc.), and other items such glass products, pottery, bottled alcohol, etc., must be securely packed for carriage.
- Damages covered for compensation will be repaired in most cases, but other remedies may be implemented depending on the extent of damage and time involved.
Lost baggage. If your baggage does not arrive on a Japan Airlines flight (or a codeshare flight operated by JAL), you must contact Japan Airlines staff at the arrival airport.
If your baggage is found, you will be notified immediately and the baggage will be delivered to your address. The customs clearance will be arranged by JAL on your behalf.
If your baggage is not found, you will receive a daily update on the status of your missing baggage, right from the day you submit a request. If your baggage cannot be found even after about one month, JAL will help you to claim compensation.
Lost Baggage Compensation
If your baggage cannot be found within 30 – 45 days after your arrival (extendable to 100 days on request), you will be provided compensation per Japan Airlines International Conditions of Carriage. JAL’s liability for trips covered under the Montreal Convention is SDR 17/kg for checked baggage and SDR 332 for unchecked baggage, subject to a limit of SDR 1,288 per passenger (unless you insured your baggage for a higher amount and paid for it before your trip).
Baggage Tracer. You can check the status of your missing/lost baggage online through Baggage Tracer.
How to Pay for Baggage
If you’re travelling with extra, overweight, or oversize baggage, you will need to pay for it at the airport’s check-in counter. Unfortunately, Japan Airlines does not allow passengers to pre-pay for baggage.
Frequently Asked Questions on Japan Airlines Baggage Policy
Yes, Japan Airlines allows free baggage for all its travel classes. The baggage allowance for Economy and Premium Economy fares is 2 checked bags of 50lb/23kg each. Business and First Class fares include a free checked baggage allowance of 3 checked bags of 70lb/32kg each. The combined linear dimensions of a checked bag must not exceed 203cm/80in but may vary by aircraft on domestic flights.
If you’re flying with Japan Airlines, you’re allowed to bring one standard carry-on handbag of up to 55cm x 40cm x 25cm and one small personal item such as a small laptop bag/briefcase.
up to 22 x 16 x 10 inches and 22 pounds 10 kg) and one personal item such as a handbag or briefcase. If you’re flying on a domestic flight with less than 100 seats, the size of your standard carry-on bag must not exceed 45cm x 35cm x 20cm.
Unfortunately, you cannot pre-pay for extra baggage. This means you must pay your excess baggage fees at the airport when you’re checking in for your flight.
Japan Airlines Business Class baggage allowance is 3 checked bags of up to 70lb/32kg per bag. The combined linear dimensions of a bag must not exceed 203cm/80in.
The baggage weight allowed by Japan Airlines on international flights is:
1- 2 bags of up to 50lb/23kg each on Economy and Premium Economy Class.
2- 3 bags of up to 70lb/32kg each on Business and First Class.
On domestic flights within Japan, the baggage weight allowed is:
1- 44lb/20kg per passenger on Economy and Premium Economy Class.
2- 99lb/45kg per passenger on First Class.
The maximum weight per bag on domestic flights must not exceed 70lb/32kg.
JMB Fly On & JGC members can carry one additional checked bag of up to 70lb/32kg for free in all travel classes. JMB Crystal members without JGC status can carry one additional checked bag of up to 50lb/23kg on Economy and Premium Economy Class.
1- Japan Airlines baggage rules allow you to carry up to 7 additional bags per passenger.
2- Bags weighing more than 99lb/45kg per piece will not be accepted.
The extra baggage permitted by Japan Airlines is up to 7 additional bags per passenger.
Japan Airlines extra baggage fees for carrying an extra bag are:
1- USD 50/bag for domestic flights.
2- USD 100/bag for flights between Japan and Asia, Guam, and Oceania.
3- USD 200/bag for other routes.