Japan Airlines Pet Policy and Fees

Table of Contents

• What is Japan Airlines' pet policy?
  • Japan Airlines Pet Policy—Pets in the Cabin
  • Japan Airlines Pet Policy—Pets as Checked Baggage
    • For international flights 
    • For domestic flights 
• What are Japan Airlines' pet fees? 
  • Japan Airlines Pet Policy—Pets as Cargo Baggage on International Flights 
  • Pet Documents
  • Pet Crate Requirements
• What are the restrictions for pets on Japan Airlines?
• How can I book a flight for my pet on Japan Airlines?
• FAQs

I understand how hard it is to leave your pet behind on vacation. And also, we know that you are concerned about your pet's health. Let's examine the Japan Airlines pet policy to clarify your concerns. And, of course, it is a must to know about the airline’s policy before traveling with them.

What is Japan Airlines' pet policy?

Pets such as dogs, cats, ferrets, hamsters, marmots, squirrels, rabbits, small birds, and chinchillas are accepted on Japan Airlines flights. However, a dog and cat shouldn't be younger than eight weeks. They have limited seating for pets. That is why you should make arrangements for your pet in advance.

According to Japan Airlines' pet policy, they don't allow pets in the cabin but allow it as checked baggage and in cargo hold. Although they have some limitations to that as well. Let's keep reading to know more!

Japan Airlines Pet Policy—Pets in the Cabin

Japan Airlines does not allow pets in-cabin. Only specially-abled passengers can bring service dogs in-cabin. The certified service animals are allowed in-cabin free of charge. But service dogs must be properly trained. As the service will not be in the carrier, it should not roam around in the aircraft. It should always be at the owner’s feet. 

Please make your service dog wear a cape or vest ensuring it is an assistance dog. Carry a muzzle to control your dog. And according to JAL's pet policy, don't let your service dog have anything other than water.

Japan Airlines Pet Policy—Pets as Checked Baggage

 There are somewhat different rules when you want to travel internationally than domestically. Moreover, the rules are the same except some points are additional to international flights, like import and export permission. Let's look into the rest!

For international flights 

If you are traveling internationally, you can bring your pet and transport them as checked baggage. Japan Airlines will transport your pet to the aircraft’s cargo room right before departure. Japan Airlines will fly them in cargo hold aircraft. After reaching the destination, they will hand over your pet to you at the baggage claim area.

 The total weight of your pet plus its crater should not be more than 32 kg. If it is more than that, then it will be transported as cargo and not as passenger baggage. If your baggage weighs more than 20 kg (one bag), then you will have to pay excess fees. 

For domestic flights 

According to Japan Airlines pet policy, the weight requirements for domestic flights are the same as for international flights. Japan Airlines allows pets such as cats and dogs (except bulldogs and French bulldogs). In addition to these turtles, insects, and goldfish, turtles and insects are also allowed.  

As per Japan Airlines pet policy, three things should be kept in mind when traveling domestically or internationally:  

• Check the import and export rules.
• Prepare the letter of consent.
• Check-in
• Pick up your pet at the baggage claim area after your arrival.

What are Japan Airlines' pet fees? 

The Japan Airlines pet fees for domestic flights (within Japan) as checked baggage will range from ¥ 3,000 to 6,000 per carrier per flight. It also depends on your route. For international flights, the pet fee for checked baggage varies depending on your route. As per Japan Airlines pet policy, the fees are as follows:

Japan Airlines Pet Policy—Pets as Cargo Baggage on International Flights 

By Japan Airlines pet policy, pets allowed on international flights are cats, dogs (except French Bulldogs and Bulldogs), small birds that feed on seeds and fruit, insects, ferrets, hamsters, rabbits, squirrels, chinchillas, and marmots. Japan Airlines also has age restrictions, which means your pet should be at least 8 weeks old to travel.  

Pet Documents

The kind of documents required depends on where you are going. Rules change as per destination. The air waybill is the document that says everything about the shipment that needs to be shipped via international air courier. The basic documents that are essential and should be attached to the air waybill are: 

• Shipper’s declaration for live animals
• Quarantine certificate
• Rabies certificate 

Pet Crate Requirements

 Your pet carrier should be ventilated and have enough room for your pet. The carrier should be IATA-approved. It should have proper food and water storage. You will need an extra-strong carrier if your pet is a rodent, hamster, or rabbit, as they have strong teeth. Japan Airlines only allows one pet per carrier.

 The crate should be leakproof, escape-proof, and lockable. Japan Airlines suggests not getting a cage made completely out of wire or welded mesh. It must be made of fiberglass, wood, plastic, or another material with similar strength.

What are the restrictions for pets on Japan Airlines?

Thinking about the safety of pets, Japan Airlines has some extra restrictions on pets. They don't allow pets on board during certain times of the year. That is when temperatures are above 84F (29C) degrees, Japan Airlines will not allow pets. 

 Also, when temperatures are low, below 45 °F (7 °C), these temperatures are harmful to your pets. According to Japan Airlines' pet policy, they will ask for an acclimation certificate for your pet. It says that your pet can tolerate low and high temperatures. 

Other restrictions include that they do not allow pregnant and sick pets or pets with offensive odors. Also, they do not allow snub-nosed dog breeds. Because their snub nose makes it harder to breathe when flight takes off. Breeds like 

• Tibetan prayer dog, 
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier, 
• Shih Tzu
• Shar Pei
• Pug
• Pit Bull Terriers are not allowed.

How can I book a flight for my pet on Japan Airlines?

As Japan Airlines has limited space for pets in aircraft, you should book your pet’s reservation in advance only. Contact JAL to know if space is available prior, as it will take some days to revert.

 According to Japan Airlines' pet policy, they will ask for some details about your pet and its crate. When you sit down to book the ticket, keep these things ready:

• The area of your pet’s crate, i.e., length, width, and height.
• The combined weight of pet and crate
• The crate’s material
• The pet’s age

FAQs

 Can my pet fly during the summer season on JAl?

According to Japan Airlines' pet policy, you should avoid taking your pets on flights in extreme temperatures. The temperature change affects the animal more severely.

 What precautions should I take before checking in if I have a pet?

According to Japan Airlines' pet policy, you should feed and water your pet, place a water bottle inside the crate, and also provide food.