Skip to flight searchSkip to main content
Airline banner image
Japan Airlines logo

Search & book flights with Japan Airlines

Instant booking confirmation
Cancellation Protection available
Expert customer service

Buy Japan Airlines Flights with Alternative Airlines

Japan Airlines (JAL) is the flag carrier of Japan and is the second-largest airline in Japan. The airline is headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo and its main hubs are Tokyo Narita International Airport and Tokyo Haneda Airport. Japan Airlines, which is also known as Nikkō, was established in 1951 and became the national airline of Japan in 1953.

Japan Airlines and its partners have been operating international and domestic passenger and cargo flights to over 220 destinations across the globe.

Japan Airlines has codeshare agreements with a number of airlines including Air Berlin, American Airlines, Aeromexico, Air France, Alitalia, Bangkok Airways, China Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, WestJet and many others.

The airline has a number of subsidiaries, including J-AirZIPAIR Tokyo, Japan Air Commuter, Hokkaido Air System and Japan Transocean Air.

Baggage Policy

Carry-on Baggage

Each passenger is permitted one carry-on bag. This must measure no more than 55 x 40 x 25cm (21 x 16 x 10in), and weigh no more than 10kg / 22lbs.

However, passengers who are flying on planes with less than 100 seats, their item of cabin baggage must measure no more than 45 x 35 x 20cm (18 x 14 x 8in).

In addition, passengers are permitted one personal item, which are small items such as a shopping bag, a handbag, coat or reading material.

Checked Baggage

For domestic flights, checked Baggage should fit within the dimensions of 50 x 60 x 120cm. Every economy passenger gets 20kg / 44lbs of free checked baggage, and those with First Class tickets are allowed up to 45kg / 99lbs of baggage.

On international flights, passengers in economy or premium economy are permitted 2 x 23kg / 51lbs of checked baggage, and those in first or business class are permitted 3 x 32kg / 70lbs. The maximum dimensions of each item must not exceed 203 cm for the total combined linear dimensions (length + width + height).

Cabin Classes

Economy Class

JAL Economy Class, also known as a coach, provides passengers with quality and affordability throughout their journey.

Facilities

JAL Airlines offers in-flight meals in Economy Class which serve 1 hour after takeoff. Alcoholic beverages are provided such as wine and beer.

Inflight entertainment is available with a range of games, music and movies. Passengers also receive a kit comprised of earplugs, an eye mask and a toothbrush - please note that this kit is on select routes.

Seating

Economy Class seating has been renovated with Sky Wider seating where passengers can enjoy an increased recline and comfortable seatback. Other seating in Economy Class has been made with race car technologies. This airline was ranked as one of our best airlines for their economy class seats, you can check out the other rankings here.

Premium Economy

JAL's Premium Economy Class, or comfort class, help passengers enjoy a more relaxing journey with greater comfort throughout their flight.

Facilities

Slippers are provided on all Premium Economy Class routes. Amenity kits are available for passengers flying to Chicago, Boston, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles a San Diego, Dallas, Vancouver, Honolulu, Kona, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Helsinki, Sydney, Melbourne, Moscow, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Delhi, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok.

What are the Premium Economy Class Seats Like?

The airline's seats emphasize functionality and privacy. The seats in front of you don't recline backwards so they won't encroach on your personal space. All seats have personal power outlets as well as access to a range of in-flight entertainment services with a personal screen built into the seat in front of you.

Business Class

Business Class offers an excellent service for passengers both at the airport and in the air.

Facilities

Business Class passengers have access to One world Alliance lounges where they can enjoy banquette-style meals and drinks. Once onboard, passengers will be treated to an unforgettable dining experience created by dedicated chefs. Passengers will also be provided with amenity kits including toothbrush, moisture mask, earplugs, and pocket tissues.

What are the Business Class seats like?

Your seat will vary according to the aircraft you are flying on. Passengers in JAL Sky Suite seats are treated to fully-flat beds wth large amounts of legroom. Jal's Shell Flat seats surround you in a cocoon of privacy and relaxation with infinite seat adjustment for your comfort. Jal Skyrecliner seats offer seat adjustment and comfort but do not lie fully flat.

First Class

First Class passengers are provided with a world-class space to unwind onboard their flight. Relax and enjoy your time with expert customer service and Japanese hospitality.

What does First Class include?

Onboard your Japan Airlines flight you'll receive a luxurious amenity kit with toothbrush set, mouth wash, earplugs, eye mask, hand & body cream, perfume, lip balm, brush, moisture mask and tissues. You'll also be provided with organic cotton sleepwear and slippers. You'll enjoy your flight with the utmost privacy in your own deluxe suite with woodgrain furnishings, fully flatbed and retractable privacy partition.

Does Japan Airlines have a First Class Lounge?

You'll find the JAL First Class Lounge in Tokyo's Narita Terminal 2, where you'll find a relaxing lounge equipped with private shower rooms, massage chairs as well as a self-service luggage room. If you're in need of refreshment before your trip, stop by the lounge's dedicated sushi bar which is open from 7:30am to 12:30pm and then from 3pm to 8pm daily. There's also a buffet and breakfast bar.

Check-In

Online Check-in

The airline offers online check-in for its flights, which is available via the Japan Airlines website. This service will open 24 hours before departure, and closes 60 minutes before scheduled departure time.

We recommend that you check in online 24 hours beforehand for a quick and easy airport journey. By completing online check-in you can skip the long check-in queues at the airport.

Airport Check-in

Passengers can choose to check-in at the airport either via the check-in counter or with a self-service kiosk. Ensure you arrive at the airport and check-in with plenty of time to spare, with enough time to check-in any bags you may have, pass through security and get to the boarding gate.

Frequent Flyer Programme

The Airlines offers regular passengers with the airline JMB Mileage as a frequent flyer program.

Members can earn miles through travel and everyday activities for award tickets, coupons, merchandise and other travel awards.

The program's airline partners also include JAL's Oneworld partners, as well as Air France, China Eastern Airlines and Emirates. For the airline's most frequent flyers, JMB offers Fly On Program, a frequent flyer service status program; and JAL Global Club (JGC), an exclusive club designed for experienced travellers. The JMB program has no membership fee, and mileage will be valid to the last day of the 36th month following the month of the flight or transaction date.

In addition, if a JMB member does not accumulate mileage within 36 months after becoming a member, or a JMB member's account remains inactive at zero mileage for a consecutive 36-month period, JAL may withdraw or cancel the membership of such member.

The Fly On Program is the frequent flyer service status program and is divided into four membership levels, Crystal, Sapphire, JGC Premier and Diamond, based on the member's travel in the last calendar year. Additionally, a minimum of four JAL Group flights on eligible fare classes is required. Members earn Fly On points on eligible fare classes on JAL Group and Oneworld member airlines. These are used to calculate the member's eligibility for membership renewal, upgrade or downgrade during the membership year. Higher-tiered members are provided with increased travel benefits such as bonus mileage, additional baggage allowance, priority boarding and airport lounge access.

There are two phases to the Fly On Program service benefits:

  • One begins after two months following qualification for membership
  • The other begins in April of the following year

Membership is valid until 31 March of the second year following membership qualification.

Airline Alliance

JAL is part of the Oneworld Airline Alliance, which it joined in April 2007.

OneWorld Alliance

OneWorld alliance is a leading global airline network, with 15 member airlines. OneWorld alliance was founded and now consists of member airline such as Cathay Pacific, Finnair, LAN, TAM, Malaysia, Qantas, Qatar, SriLankan Airlines, Iberia, British Airways, American Airlines and many others. OneWorld alliance covers more than a thousand destinations in 155 countries.

Special Services

JAL offers it's passengers a wide range of services onboard its flights:

Flying With Children

Japan Airlines provides a number of different services to help those travelling with children have a more comfortable flight. Services include things like baby beds on board, transportation of baby strollers and children's meals.

Flying Whilst Pregnant

Expectant mothers are allowed to travel up to a certain date of their pregnancy, providing they have checked with their doctor that they are fit to fly.

Unaccompanied Minors

Japan Airlines can transport children aged 5 to 11 on their unaccompanied minor scheme. This must be requested as soon as possible via the JAL reservation center.

Travelling With Pets

Japan Airlines accepts a range of animals on board its flights for a fee. This is providing the right documentation is filled out or provided. Contact the airline directly to book it, or discover more about flying with a pet or special service animal here.

In-Flight Entertainment

Japan Airlines offers the MAGIC in-flight entertainment system on international flights. Passengers can sit back and relax with movies, videos, audio programs, games and much more.

Find TV shows of all kinds on board your Japan Airlines flight. From American classics to Japanese hits, there's something for everyone with Japan Airlines.

Feeling competitive? Why not test your skills against Mahjong, Go and Shogi?

Wi-Fi

Japan Airlines offer passengers WiFi on most of their flights.

On domestic flights, all passengers will receive free WiFi, enabling them to stay connected on board. This allows passengers to browse the web, check emails, watch video streams, check the flight map and watch live TV.

On international flights, passengers can connect their personal devices to the onboard WiFi. This is charges by the duration that you wish to use it, with a 1-hour plan costing around $10 USD, or around $19 USD for a 24-hour plan.

Food & Drink

The airline offers in-flight entertainment on international flights. Passengers can sit back and relax with movies, videos, audio programs, games and much more.

Meal Options

The airlines offer passengers to search their in-flight meal online, by entering your flight details on the ‘service’ section on their website. Inflight meals are only available on international flights unless otherwise stated.

The economy and premium economy class menu features many different meals, created by a number of different chefs including Masahiro Kasahara, Shinobu Namae and Six Young Chefs, which will depend on the route flying. Meal options include traditional Japanese cuisine, but also French, Italian and Chinese dishes.

Business Class passengers are offered Japanese cuisine, created by Jun Kurogi or Daisuke Hayashi, or Western cuisine created by Chikara Yamada. This is dependent on the route flying.

First Class meals are inspired by Japanese chefs including Naoki Uchiyama, Hideki Ishikawa and Kouji Koizumi. Alternatively, there are western-inspired meals created by Yosuke Suga. The type of meal offered will vary depending on the route travelling, but you can check your menu before flying.

There are selected flights which offer meals for passengers travelling domestically in first class, ranging from Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner, depending on the departure time of your flight.

Special Dietary Requirements

Passengers can reserve special inflight allergy-friendly meals in advance. Ask cabin attendants if you have any concerns about allergy information for in-flight meals. Passengers requesting a special meal must request this at least 72 or 24 hours before departure (depending on the meal required). The following are the current meals offered by Japan Airlines:

Drinks & Alcohol

Passengers travelling domestically in Economy or Class J are given complimentary soft drinks, with options for both hot and cold beverages.

Passengers travelling domestically in first, or internationally in all classes are offered a selection of hot and cold beverages, including alcoholic drinks such as traditional Japanese sake, but also champagne, beer, liquor and wine.

Country flags

Destinations that Japan Airlines flies to

Japan Airlines currently flies to over 200 destinations in 35 countries. The airline flies to domestic destinations in Japan (offering multi-city flights too) and around the world including Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, and Oceana, as per the tables below:

Alternatives to Japan Airlines

Please click on the logos below to find out more about airlines that fly similar routes to Japan Airlines:

Trusted globally

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

We’re super proud of our Trustpilot rating, but don’t just take it from us. See why millions of others love booking their flights through Alternative Airlines

Buy now, pay later

Buy your flights now and pay later

No way, really?! Yes! We’ve partnered with some amazing BNPL payment providers to allow you to pay for your flights over time, with ease.

Hub Airport

Tokyo Narita International Airport

Narita International Airport (NRT) also referred to as Tokyo-Narita is an international airport serving Tokyo, Japan. It lies between the city of Narita and Shibayama and is the main international airport in Japan. Narita serves as the main international hub of Japan Airlines, Air Japan, All Nippon Airways, Jetstar Japan, Peach and Vanilla Air.

The airport has two runways and can handle nearly 40 million passengers every year. Other airlines which fly to and from Narita International Airport include Aeroflot, Air Busan, Air Canada, Alitalia, All Nippon Airways, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Skymark Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines and many others.

Japan Airlines Flights on Finance

You can easily spread the cost of your Japan Airlines flights when you book with Alternative Airlines. We offer a wide range of payment plan options including Buy Now, Pay Later. With flights on finance you can break up the cost of your JAL flights in easy-to-pay instalments.To find out which finance options may be available on your next Japan Airlines booking please visit our 

Fleet

Correct of August 2022, Japan Airlines currently operates the following fleet, which totals 172 in service, with an additional 65 on order:

  • Airbus A350-900
  • Airbus A350-1000
  • Boeing 737-800
  • Boeing 767-300ER
  • Boeing 777-200ER
  • Boeing 777-300ER
  • Boeing 787-8
  • Boeing 787-9
  • Mitsubishi SpaceJet M90

Cancellation Policy

Choose your preferred seat with Alternative Airlines! When you make your Japan Airlines booking, we show you the remaining seats available as well as offer you the opportunity to book the seat of your choice. Make sure you have the best flight possible and book your seat with Alternative Airlines! Find out how to book seats.

Frequently asked questions

Can I Buy Japan Airlines flights on finance?

Of course! Here, at Alternative Airlines we offer 40+ different ways to pay including cryptocurrencies, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Buy Now Pay Later options. We have teamed up with a number of successful payment plan providers that let you split the cost of your Japan Airlines flight over weekly, bi-weekly and monthly instalments. To find out more, check out our Buy Now, Pay Later page or take a look at our Fly Now Pay Later with Japan Airlines page.

What Alliance is Japan Airlines a part of?

Japan Airlines also known as JAL has been an apart of the oneworld alliance since 2007. Other members of the alliance include Alaska Airlines, American Airlines British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair and more.