Japan Airlines (IATA: JL), commonly known as JAL, was founded in 1951 as Japan's original flag carrier and remains the country's second-largest airline after ANA. JAL filed for bankruptcy protection in January 2010 amid a heavy debt load, underwent a state-backed restructuring that trimmed routes and costs, and successfully relisted on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2012 as a leaner, consistently profitable carrier known for high safety and service standards.
JAL operates from its primary hub at Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND), with Tokyo Narita (NRT) serving as a major secondary international gateway and Osaka Kansai (KIX) anchoring western Japan. As a member of oneworld, JAL connects passengers to partner airlines including American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qatar Airways, complementing its long-standing domestic and international rivalry with ANA. FareOptic compares JAL fares across its network to find your best JL ticket price.
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*All above fares are one way/round trip. Fares incl. all fuel surcharges, taxes & fees and our service fees. Displayed fares are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed at the time of booking. See all booking terms and conditions.
Japan Airlines operates through 3 major hubs, offering connections across its domestic and international network.
Find the right JAL cabin for your journey and budget — from affordable Economy to flagship First Class.
JAL Mileage Bank (JMB) is Japan Airlines' frequent flyer program. Earn miles on JAL flights and oneworld partner airlines; redeem for award flights, upgrades, and travel benefits across the oneworld network.
JMB miles can be earned and redeemed on oneworld partner airlines — including American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qatar Airways.
JMB Crystal, Sapphire, and Diamond tiers unlock lounge access, priority check-in and boarding, extra baggage, and bonus mileage earning.
Business and First Class passengers, along with elite JMB members, access JAL Sakura Lounges at Haneda, Narita, and other major airports.
JMB members can use miles or cash upgrades to Class J, JAL's premium seating option on domestic Japan flights.
Fees and allowances vary by route and fare type. Always verify at time of booking.
| Bag / Policy | Economy | Premium Economy | Business | First Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on bag | 10 kg | 10 kg | 10 kg | 10 kg |
| 1st checked bag | 23 kg | 23 kg | 32 kg | 32 kg |
| 2nd checked bag | 23 kg | 23 kg | 32 kg | 32 kg |
| 3rd checked bag | Fee | Fee | 32 kg | 32 kg |
| Weight limit per bag | 23 kg | 23 kg | 32 kg | 32 kg |
JAL baggage allowances vary by route and fare. JMB elite members receive enhanced allowances. Verify at jal.com for your specific itinerary.
Opens 24 hours before departure for most flights at jal.com or the JAL app. Web check-in closes shortly before domestic and international departure — confirm exact timing for your route.
Download the JAL app on iOS or Android to check in, access your mobile boarding pass, and track JMB mileage and flight status.
Self-service kiosks and staffed counters are available at Haneda, Narita, and Kansai. Domestic gates typically close earlier than international gates — arrive with sufficient time.
JAL tickets purchased directly can typically be cancelled within 24 hours of purchase for a full refund, provided the flight departs at least 7 days away.
Flexible JAL fares allow free or low-cost changes, while restricted fares carry change fees plus any fare difference.
Cancelling a non-refundable JAL ticket after the 24-hour window typically results in a travel credit rather than a cash refund, subject to fare rules.
Fully refundable fare types are available at a premium and provide maximum flexibility for changing plans.
JAL is known for high-quality catering across all cabins, featuring Japanese and international cuisine, with multi-course kaiseki-style dining in premium cabins on long-haul routes.
Seatback entertainment systems on JAL's long-haul aircraft offer Japanese and international movies, TV shows, and music, with expanding content libraries on newer aircraft.
Wi-Fi is available on most JAL international long-haul aircraft and select domestic routes — check availability by aircraft type at booking.
Business and First Class passengers, along with elite JMB members, access JAL Sakura Lounges at Haneda and Narita, featuring Japanese dining and quiet workspaces.
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Everything you need to know about booking Japan Airlines flights on FareOptic
Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) are Japan's two major full-service carriers and longtime rivals. JAL, founded in 1951, is Japan's original flag carrier and a oneworld member, while ANA is a Star Alliance member and generally the larger of the two by fleet size. Both offer extensive domestic and international networks from Tokyo. ANA has its own dedicated page on FareOptic.
Yes. Japan Airlines filed for bankruptcy protection in January 2010 amid heavy debt and rising costs, one of the largest corporate bankruptcies in Japanese history at the time. Under a state-backed restructuring, JAL cut routes, aircraft, and staff, then successfully relisted on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2012 as a leaner, more profitable carrier.
JAL offers Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class (JAL Sky Suite), and First Class on select flagship international routes. Domestic flights within Japan typically offer Economy and Class J (a premium economy-style domestic product).
JAL Mileage Bank (JMB) is Japan Airlines' frequent flyer program. Members earn miles on JAL and oneworld partner flights, redeemable for award flights and upgrades. Elite status tiers unlock lounge access, priority services, and bonus mileage earning.
JAL's primary hub is Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND), with Tokyo Narita (NRT) serving as a major secondary international hub and Osaka Kansai (KIX) as its key western Japan gateway.
Yes. Japan Airlines is a founding-era member of oneworld, giving passengers connectivity with partner airlines including American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qatar Airways across North America, Europe, and Asia.