Pet Policy Overview
Japan Airlines does not permit any pets in the passenger cabin on any flight — all animals travel as checked baggage in the cargo hold. JAL operates a well-organised pet handling system through its domestic and international network. The airline is essential for pet transport to and from Japan, one of the world's strictest countries for animal imports. JAL's domestic network within Japan is particularly valuable, as it allows pet owners to transport cats between Japanese cities after completing the import process at a major international airport.
Key Details
Pet Fee
¥3,300–¥6,600 (domestic) / Varies (international)
Pro Tip
JAL requires advance reservation for pet transport — contact the airline at least 48 hours before departure for domestic flights and at least 72 hours for international routes. The airline provides its own rental crates at the airport for domestic flights at no extra charge, which is a rare and welcome convenience. For international travel, you must provide your own IATA-compliant crate. JAL charges based on crate size rather than animal weight, with several size tiers available.
Restrictions
No cabin pets on any route. Brachycephalic breeds (French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and similar) are banned from cargo transport between May and October due to heat and breathing risks. JAL reserves the right to refuse pet transport during extreme weather conditions. Pets must be at least 8 weeks old. Japan's import requirements (microchip, two rabies vaccinations, FAVN titer test, 180-day wait) apply regardless of the airline used.