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Japan Airlines (JAL)

Japan's flag carrier, flying from Tokyo Haneda and Narita

  • JapanCountry
  • JLIATA Code
  • JALICAO Code
  • oneworldAlliance
  • Full-ServiceAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About Japan Airlines (JAL)

Japan Airlines (JAL) is Japan’s flag carrier and a oneworld member, flying from Tokyo Haneda and Narita across Japan and to Asia, North America, Europe and Oceania. Economy includes a 10 kg carry-on and usually two 23 kg checked bags. This guide covers baggage, Japan’s new power bank rules from April 2026, Haneda terminals, Mileage Bank and how JAL compares with ANA and Cathay Pacific.

Japan Airlines was founded in 1951 and is based in Tokyo. Its red crane logo, the tsurumaru, is one of the best-known airline symbols in the world. JAL joined oneworld in 2007, and the group also runs the low-cost airlines ZIPAIR and Spring Japan.

Japan Airlines flights to Tokyo Haneda
Photo: Louie Martinez / Unsplash

Power Bank Rules on Japanese Flights

Japan’s transport ministry (MLIT) tightened power bank rules from 24 April 2026, and JAL applies them:

  • A maximum of two power banks per passenger, each 160 Wh or less, in cabin baggage only.
  • You cannot use a power bank to charge your phone or other devices during the flight.
  • You cannot charge a power bank from the seat power outlet or USB port.

The limit may fall to 100 Wh from January 2027, so check before you buy a new power bank.

Check-In and Haneda Terminals

Online check-in is available on the website and app, and many domestic airports offer QR-code boarding.

At Haneda, JAL’s international flights use Terminal 3 and domestic flights Terminal 1. Free shuttle buses link the terminals, but allow time when connecting.

Families and Special Assistance

Families can request bassinets and children’s meals, and airport staff are very helpful. Request wheelchairs and other special assistance in advance. Pets travel in the hold.

How to Find Cheap JAL Flights

Japan Airlines flights to Tokyo Narita
Photo: Takashi Miyazaki / Unsplash
  • Avoid Japanese peaks: Golden Week (late April–early May), Obon (mid-August) and New Year.
  • Compare Haneda and Narita: fares and journey times can differ a lot.
  • Try ZIPAIR: JAL’s low-cost long-haul airline can be much cheaper if you travel light.
  • Book cherry blossom season early: late March and early April sell out.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see JAL next to ANA, Cathay Pacific and others.

Japan Airlines vs ANA vs Cathay Pacific

JAL and ANA are Japan’s two big airlines; Cathay Pacific is a popular alternative via Hong Kong.

Japan AirlinesANACathay Pacific
HubTokyoTokyoHong Kong
AllianceoneworldStar Allianceoneworld
Economy carry-on10 kg10 kg7 kg
Economy checked bagsUsually 2 × 23 kg0–2 × 23 kg by fareFrom 1 × 23 kg
Low-cost sisterZIPAIR, Spring JapanPeachHK Express

See our ANA guide and Cathay Pacific guide to compare.

Arriving in Tokyo

From Haneda, trains and the monorail reach central Tokyo in about 30 minutes. From Narita, the Narita Express and Skyliner take about an hour, so Haneda flights save time on arrival.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is Japan Airlines a Good Airline?

Yes. JAL is one of the world’s best airlines, with excellent punctuality, generous baggage, roomy Economy seats and outstanding service. Note Japan’s new power bank rules before you pack.

For more options, see our Korean Air guide, our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against the JAL notice on Japan’s 2026 power bank rules, the ANA checked baggage page and published baggage rules. Rules change, so check the official Japan Airlines website before you travel.

oneworld & Airline Partnerships

Japan Airlines joined oneworld in 2007. You can connect in Tokyo onto partners such as American, British Airways, Qantas and Cathay Pacific on one ticket and earn JAL miles across the alliance.

Learn more about oneworld

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

JAL runs a trans-Pacific joint business with American Airlines and a Europe joint business with British Airways, Iberia and Finnair, and codeshares widely with other partners.

Hubs & Focus Cities

JAL has two hubs in Tokyo: Haneda (HND), close to the city centre, for domestic and many international flights, and Narita (NRT) for international connections. Osaka (ITM and KIX) is another major base.

Popular Japan Airlines (JAL) Routes

JAL's busiest routes link Tokyo Haneda with Sapporo, Fukuoka, Okinawa and Osaka, and fly to Singapore, London, New York and Bangkok. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

Japan Airlines (JAL) Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

JAL sells international Economy in several fare types, from discounted fares with the strictest rules to flexible fares with free changes, plus Premium Economy, Business and First. Domestic fares range from advance-purchase discounts to fully flexible tickets.

When you change, you pay any difference in fare plus any fee for your fare type. For flights to or from the USA, the US 24-hour cancellation rule applies.

  • Discounted Economy Lowest prices and the strictest rules.
  • Flexible Economy Free or low-cost changes.
  • Premium Economy, Business and First More flexible conditions.
  • Domestic advance fares Cheaper but with cancellation fees.
  • Flights to or from the USA You can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund if you booked at least 7 days before departure.
  • How to change or cancel Use Manage booking on jal.co.jp or the JAL app.

Japan Airlines (JAL) Seat Selection & Additional Services

You can choose a seat when booking on most fares. JAL's long-haul Economy is known for generous legroom, and Premium Economy, Business and First Class are available on long-haul aircraft, with private suites in First and Business on the A350-1000.

JAL serves Japanese and Western meals on international flights, and its Sakura Lounges at Haneda and Narita are open to premium passengers and elite members.

  • Seat selection Free on most fares when booking.
  • Economy Generous legroom on long-haul aircraft.
  • Business and First Private suites on the A350-1000.
  • Sakura Lounges At Haneda and Narita for premium passengers and elites.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help in advance.

Japan Airlines (JAL) Baggage Allowance

On international flights, every passenger can bring one carry-on bag of up to 55 × 40 × 25 cm plus a personal item, with a combined weight of up to 10 kg.

JAL is generous with checked baggage: on most international routes, Economy includes two 23 kg bags, Premium Economy two 23 kg bags, and Business and First three 32 kg bags. Domestic flights include 20 kg in standard class.

  • Carry-on (international) 1 bag up to 55 × 40 × 25 cm plus a personal item, 10 kg combined.
  • Economy (most international routes) 2 bags of 23 kg each; some discounted fares may include less.
  • Premium Economy 2 bags of 23 kg each.
  • Business and First 3 bags of 32 kg each.
  • Domestic flights 20 kg in standard class.

JAL Mileage Bank: Japan Airlines (JAL) Loyalty Programme

JAL Mileage Bank is JAL's free loyalty programme. You earn miles on JAL and oneworld flights and with partners, and redeem them for award flights, upgrades and more.

Status is earned through JAL's status programme, with levels such as Crystal, Sapphire and Diamond recognised as oneworld Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald.

  • Member Free entry level for all members.
  • Crystal oneworld Ruby status.
  • Sapphire Lounge access and oneworld Sapphire status.
  • Diamond The highest benefits and oneworld Emerald status.
  • oneworld Earn and redeem miles across oneworld airlines.
Join or log in on the Japan Airlines (JAL) website

Japan Airlines (JAL): Frequently Asked Questions

01What are Japan Airlines (JAL)’s IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is JL. It appears in flight numbers (for example JL 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is JAL, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Which airline alliance is Japan Airlines (JAL) part of?

It is a member of oneworld. Alliance membership usually means easier connections, shared lounge access for eligible passengers and the option to earn and redeem miles across partner airlines.

03Where is Japan Airlines (JAL) headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

04When was Japan Airlines (JAL) founded?

The airline was founded in 1951.

05What are Japan Airlines (JAL)’s main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Tokyo Haneda (HND) – Main Hub; Tokyo Narita (NRT) – Hub.

06What is Japan Airlines (JAL)’s frequent flyer programme called?

The frequent flyer programme is called JAL Mileage Bank. Members earn points or miles on eligible flights and can redeem them for award tickets, upgrades and other benefits.

07How many checked bags does JAL Economy include?

On most international routes, JAL Economy includes two checked bags of up to 23 kg each. Some discounted fares may include less, so check your booking.

08What is JAL's carry-on allowance?

On international flights, one carry-on bag of up to 55 × 40 × 25 cm plus a personal item, with a combined weight of up to 10 kg.

09Does JAL fly from Haneda or Narita?

Both. Haneda (HND) is closer to central Tokyo and handles domestic and many international flights; Narita (NRT) handles other international routes.

10How much baggage is included on JAL domestic flights?

JAL domestic flights include 20 kg of checked baggage in standard class.

Japan Airlines (JAL), its logo and trademarks are the property of Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Japan Airlines (JAL) unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.