Japan Airlines (JAL) Review, Baggage Rules and Services
Everything you need to know about Japan Airlines (JAL) — baggage allowances, cabin classes, routes, and what makes it one of Asia's most respected carriers.

Japan Airlines Boeing 767 at Tokyo Haneda
Quick Facts
Key information about this airline at a glance
| Airline Name | Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (JAL) |
| Founded | 1951 |
| Headquarters | Tokyo, Japan |
| Alliance | Star Alliance |
| Fleet Size | ~170 aircraft |
| Destinations | 90+ worldwide |
| Airline Type | Full-Service (Luxury) |
| Annual Passengers | ~35 million |
| Hub Airport | Tokyo Haneda (HND), Tokyo Narita (NRT) |
| Explorelio Rating | ⭐ 4.7 / 5 |
Airline Rating Breakdown
Explorelio scores based on passenger experience and industry data
Baggage Allowance
Japan Airlines (JAL) offers generous baggage allowances included in every fare. See our full airline comparison for a side-by-side view.
| Carry-on bag (all fares) | 55 × 40 × 25 cm |
| Weight limit | 10 kg |
| Personal item | Laptop bag / handbag |
| Economy — 2 × 23 kg | Included |
| Premium Economy — 2 × 23 kg | Included |
| Business Class — 2 × 32 kg | Included |
| First Class — 3 × 32 kg | Included |
💡 Tip: JAL includes 2 checked bags in Economy — more generous than most airlines. Use Expedia to compare fares across travel dates. Planning a Japan trip? See our Tokyo itinerary.
Cabin Classes
Japan Airlines (JAL) offers four cabin classes — from Economy to First Class with Japanese omotenashi hospitality
- 2 × 23 kg checked bags included
- Seat pitch: 81–86 cm
- In-flight entertainment included
- Meals and drinks on long-haul
- 2 × 23 kg bags included
- 96 cm seat pitch
- Enhanced Japanese meal service
- Priority boarding and check-in
- 2 × 32 kg bags included
- Lie-flat bed, direct aisle access
- Premium Japanese and Western dining
- Lounge access included
Fleet Overview
JAL operates a modern mixed Boeing and Airbus fleet across domestic and international routes. Compare with other carriers on our airline comparison page.
| Aircraft | Seats | Used for | Fleet Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner | 186–246 | Long-haul international routes | ~40 |
| Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner | 215 | Long-haul flagship routes | ~30 |
| Boeing 777-200ER | 244–375 | High-density long-haul | ~15 |
| Airbus A350-900 | 369 | Domestic and short-haul routes | ~13 |

JAL Airbus A350 at gate during sunset
Route Network
JAL connects Japan with 90+ destinations across Asia, Europe and the Americas. Check our destination guides and travel itineraries for trip ideas.
- Tokyo Haneda, Narita
- Osaka, Sapporo
- Okinawa, Fukuoka
- Nagoya, Hiroshima
- Beijing, Shanghai
- Seoul, Hong Kong
- Bangkok, Singapore
- Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta
- London, Paris
- Frankfurt, Helsinki
- Moscow, Madrid
- Rome (seasonal)
- New York (JFK), Los Angeles
- San Francisco, Chicago
- Dallas, Boston
- Vancouver, Honolulu
Pros and Cons
- ⭐ 5-star Skytrax rating, top-5 airline globally
- 🍱 Exceptional Japanese omotenashi service
- ⏰ Outstanding punctuality — best in industry
- 🎒 2 checked bags included in Economy
- 🛏️ Award-winning JAL Sky Suite Business Class
- 💰 Premium pricing compared to budget carriers
- 🔄 Connections usually required via Tokyo
- 🌍 Smaller network than Gulf carriers — check our airline comparison for alternatives
- 🏙️ Fewer direct European routes than some rivals
- 📱 App and website can be less intuitive

Japan Airlines Boeing 767 climbing after takeoff
Compare Japan Airlines (JAL) With Other Airlines
See how JAL stacks up against other premium carriers
How to Book Japan Airlines (JAL) Flights
Find the Cheapest Fares
JAL fares include baggage and meals — compare prices across travel dates to find the best deal. Use Expedia to search alongside other premium carriers. Also check our airline comparison page.
