Japan Airlines Pet Policy for Dogs
What dog owners need to know about JAL fees, crate rules, weight limits, breed restrictions, and booking steps for 2026.
Japan Airlines Pet Policy Overview
Japan Airlines does not transport pet dogs in the passenger cabin on standard flights. Dogs travel as checked pets in the cargo compartment on eligible domestic and international itineraries, subject to crate, route, and aircraft limits.
For domestic Japan flights, JAL accepts dogs as checked pets and offers rental crates in four sizes. If the combined weight of the dog and crate exceeds 32 kg, the animal is handled as cargo rather than passenger baggage. For international flights, space is limited and advance reservation is required; JAL asks for the crate dimensions, total pet-and-crate weight, and the pet's type and age when booking. JAL requires IATA-compliant hard-sided crates and generally allows one pet per crate.
Last updated: 2026-03-25
How to Book Your Dog on Japan Airlines
- Confirm whether your itinerary is domestic Japan or international, because JAL uses different booking rules and fees for each. 2. Check that your dog is eligible: JAL does not accept French Bulldogs or Bulldogs, and dogs must be at least 8 weeks old and in good health. Pregnant pets are not accepted. 3. Measure and weigh your dog with its crate before contacting the airline. For international bookings, JAL specifically asks for crate length, width, height, total pet-plus-crate weight, and the pet's type and age. 4. Choose an IATA-compliant hard-sided crate. On domestic flights, you may bring your own crate or rent a JAL crate; L and XL domestic rental crates require advance contact because aircraft space is limited. On international flights, rental crate reservations must be made up to 4 days before departure. 5. For domestic Japan flights, small and medium crate bookings generally do not require advance reservation, but JAL recommends contacting them in advance for large dogs or large crates. For international flights, call JAL International Reservation and Information in advance because space in the cargo compartment is limited and advance reservation is required. 6. Prepare required paperwork. International travelers must confirm import/export and quarantine rules with the relevant authorities and bring all required documents. JAL also requires a signed consent letter at the airport. Domestic travelers should also prepare the consent form in advance to speed up check-in. 7. Arrive early at the airport. For international flights, JAL says to arrive at least 120 minutes before departure. At check-in, present your documents, sign the required forms, and pay the applicable pet fee. 8. After arrival, pick up your dog in the baggage claim or designated handover area. On international trips, complete any quarantine or entry procedures required at the destination airport.
Japan Airlines vs Other Airlines
| Feature | Japan Airlines | ANA | Delta Air Lines |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Cabin Fee | Not available for standard pet dogs | Not available for standard pet dogs | One-way fee applies; amount varies by market and destination |
| Cargo Fee | Domestic: JPY 5,500-7,700; International: JPY 25,000 or JPY 40,000 per crate depending on route | Domestic: JPY 6,600 or JPY 4,400 on certain routes; International: JPY 25,000 or JPY 40,000 per cage depending on route | Checked pet fee generally $200 each way where accepted |
| Weight Limit | Domestic checked-pet handling up to 32 kg pet + crate; above that handled as cargo | Large pets accepted subject to cage/aircraft limits; no simple published pet+crate cap on the summary page | Pet must fit approved kennel; checked acceptance also depends on aircraft and route restrictions |
| Carrier Size | No in-cabin pet carrier option; domestic rental crates from S to XL, international rental crates M/L | No in-cabin pet carrier option; rental cages available in S/M/L and LL by request | Soft-sided in-cabin kennel recommended up to 18 x 11 x 11 in for many aircraft |
| Breeds Restricted | French Bulldogs and Bulldogs not accepted | Short-nosed breeds suspended May 1-Oct 31 on domestic handling | Snub-nosed dog restrictions apply for checked transport on some services |
| Booking Method | Domestic: airport check-in, advance contact for large crates; International: reserve in advance by phone | Domestic: online or advance arrangements available; International: phone/message service and advance contact | Contact Delta/Reservations for pet acceptance; in-cabin and checked rules vary by route and aircraft |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog fly in the cabin on Japan Airlines?
No. Japan Airlines does not accept standard pet dogs in the passenger cabin. Dogs travel as checked pets in the cargo compartment on eligible flights. Assistance dogs are handled under separate rules.
How much does Japan Airlines charge to fly with a dog?
On domestic Japan flights, JAL charges JPY 5,500 to JPY 7,700 per crate per sector depending on route and date. On international flights, JAL publishes route-based charges, commonly JPY 25,000 or JPY 40,000 per checked crate.
Does Japan Airlines have a weight limit for dogs?
Yes. On domestic flights, if the combined weight of the dog and crate exceeds 32 kg, JAL treats the animal as cargo rather than checked passenger baggage. JAL also states that the total of pets and checked baggage is limited to 100 kg per passenger on most domestic flights.
What dog breeds are not allowed on JAL?
JAL does not accept French Bulldogs or Bulldogs. The airline also requires dogs to be in good health, at least 8 weeks old, and not pregnant.
Do I need to reserve my dog's space in advance?
For international flights, yes—advance reservation is required because cargo-compartment space is limited. For domestic flights, reservation is generally not required for smaller crate sizes, but JAL asks customers with L or XL crates to contact the airline before booking.
Can I use my own dog crate on Japan Airlines?
Yes, as long as it meets IATA standards. JAL also offers rental crates on many routes, but the crate must be sturdy, ventilated, escape-proof, and large enough for your dog to stand, lie down, and turn around.
How early should I arrive at the airport with my dog?
For international flights, JAL says to arrive at least 120 minutes before departure. Domestic travelers should also arrive early because pet check-in takes longer than standard baggage check-in and requires a consent form.