Japan Airlines

Service Animals (In-Cabin & Support)

Customers traveling with service dogs may bring them in the passenger cabin.

• Dogs from high-risk rabies countries are prohibited from entering the United States.
• From August 1, 2024, additional CDC requirements apply for dog import into the U.S.:
• The dog must be at least 6 months old.
• All required documents must be provided.
• Dogs not meeting these requirements will be denied entry and must be returned to the departure country at the customer's expense.
• These rules apply to assistance dogs and service dogs alike.
• A service dog must be individually trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability.
• The service dog must be harnessed, leashed, and under the handler's control at all times in the airport and onboard the aircraft.
• For overseas travelers with service dogs, it is recommended to check guidance from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.
• At Japanese airports, walking with a service dog (except guide, hearing, or mobility assistance dogs) inside terminals is prohibited.
• Passengers should have a container or cage ready to carry the dog through the terminal from the cabin door.

In-Cabin Carrier Details

Precautions at check-in:

• You may place your pet's watertight and durable water dispenser inside the crate.
• Our agent will not provide food or water to your pet after check-in.
• If your itinerary exceeds 12 hours, please ensure a water dispenser is included.
• If you forget a water dispenser, ask airport staff for assistance.
• For itineraries with transfers or long layovers, you may provide food and drink; inform the agent at check-in.

Health and safety notes:

• Transportation conditions may affect your pet's health.
• Cargo space may be unavailable, possibly requiring a different flight.
• Arrive at least 40 minutes before departure to help your pet adjust to local temperature.
• Sudden temperature changes may impact your pet.
• In emergencies, local veterinarians and pet hotels may assist, but services vary by airport.
• Facilities may have restrictions due to business hours or vaccination proof.

Terms and conditions of acceptance:

• Venomous animals are not accepted in checked or carry-on baggage.
• Pets must meet size and weight requirements.
• Pregnant pets are not accepted.
• Pets must be at least 8 weeks old.
• Only personal pets are accepted.
• Dogs must be vaccinated for rabies according to local laws.

Carry-on pet conditions:

• Container size limit: max 20 cm (W) × 20 cm (H) × 30 cm (L).
• Container must prevent escape and water leakage.
• No risk of discomfort or inconvenience to other passengers.
• Container must be placed inside a bag or cover to conceal contents.
• Only personal pets allowed.

Weight limits and baggage:

• Total weight of pets and checked baggage limited to 100 kg per passenger.
• Pet and crate combined weight limit: 32 kg; excess requires cargo check.
• Checked baggage free allowance: up to 20 kg × 2 pieces.
• Excess baggage charges apply for baggage over 20 kg.
• Weight limit is 45 kg on flights operated by JAC, HAC, and RAC.

Pet crate preparation:

• You may use your own crate or rent a JAL pet crate.
• Unsatisfactory crates or unavailable rentals may require flight changes.
• All rental crates are disinfected before use.
• One dog, cat, rabbit, or hamster per crate to minimize injury risk.
• Up to two small birds of the same species allowed per crate.
• Your own crate must comply with IATA standards:
• Large enough for the pet to stand, lie down, and turn around.
• Made of durable plastic, fiberglass, wood, or similar leak-proof materials.
• Soft, folding, or wire mesh crates (except bottom surface) are not suitable.
• Proper ventilation required.
• Lockable and escape-proof with locking pin protruding at least 1.6 cm.
• Container fasteners must be secure.
• Wheels can be removed or secured.

Crate sizes and examples:

• S size (dogs and cats): 39–43 cm (W) × 40 cm (H) × 54–59 cm (D)
  Examples: Small dogs like Chihuahua or Maltese
  Crate weight: 3 kg
  Reservation: Not required
  Pet Charge Advance Pay Service: Available
• M size (dogs): 51 cm (W) × 48 cm (H) × 69 cm (D)
  Examples: Medium dogs like Beagle or Corgi
  Crate weight: 5 kg
  Reservation: Not required
  Pet Charge Advance Pay Service: Available
• S size (rodents): 25 cm (W) × 25 cm (H) × 35 cm (D)
  Examples: Hamsters, rabbits
  Crate weight: 4.6 kg
  Reservation: Not required
  Pet Charge Advance Pay Service: Available
• M size (rodents): 32 cm (W) × 32 cm (H) × 39 cm (D)
  Examples: Ferrets, large rabbits
  Crate weight: 7.4 kg
  Reservation: Not required
  Pet Charge Advance Pay Service: Available

In Cargo Carrier Details

The pet cargo area on Japan Airlines aircraft is air-conditioned with controlled temperature and humidity inside the bulk cargo room. However, outside air and heat may cause temperatures to be higher than normal during transport, loading, and unloading.

Temperature and Humidity

• Pets are kept in shaded, air-conditioned areas until flights depart.
• Temperature and humidity may vary depending on the season.

Precautions in Summer (May 1 – Oct 31)

• Avoid traveling with pets during daytime due to hot and humid conditions.
• Pay special attention to puppies, elderly dogs, and brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds sensitive to heat.

Precautions in Winter

• Exercise caution if your pet is sensitive to cold due to potentially severe outside temperatures.

Lighting and Air Pressure

• Lighting inside the bulk cargo room is turned off during flight.
• Air pressure is set to 0.8 bar, similar to the pressure at 2000m altitude, which may cause "airplane ear" or other reactions.
• Temperature and humidity are maintained similar to the passenger cabin.

Sounds and Noises

• Pets may hear wind and mechanical noises during takeoff, flight, and landing.
• Noise from other aircraft and ground vehicles may be heard during loading and unloading.

Precautions at Check-in

• You may place a watertight, durable water dispenser inside the crate; food and water will not be provided after check-in.
• For itineraries longer than 12 hours, a water dispenser is required.
• If you forget a water dispenser, ask airport staff for assistance.
• To reduce stress, familiar items like towels may be placed inside the crate (subject to approval).
• Arrive at least 120 minutes before departure to allow your pet to adjust to local temperature.

Reservation and Conditions

• Contact JAL International Information and Reservation for details and to make reservations.
• Provide crate size (length/width/height), total weight of pet and crate, and pet type and age.
• Notification of accommodation availability may take several days.

Animals Allowed for Transport

• Dogs, cats, small birds (seed, fruit, insect eaters), rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, marmots, squirrels, chinchillas.
• French Bulldogs and Bulldogs are not accepted.
• Dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old.
• Pregnant pets are not accepted.
• Pets must be healthy, non-aggressive, and odor-free.

Documents Required

• Passengers are responsible for obtaining all necessary import/export quarantine documents.
• Sign required documents at the departure airport.
• Additional entry requirements apply for pets traveling to the United States.

Pet Crate Requirements

• Crates must comply with IATA standards.
• Crates must be large enough for the pet to stand, lie down, and turn around.
• Constructed of durable plastic, fiberglass, wood, or similar leak-proof materials.
• Soft, folding, or wire mesh crates (except bottom surface) are not suitable.
• Proper ventilation and secure, escape-proof locks required.
• Locking pin must protrude at least 1.6 cm when inserted.
• Container fasteners must be securely fastened; wheels can be removed or secured.
• Rodent crates for rabbits, hamsters, and similar animals must be fully covered with wire mesh inside.
• Only one pet per crate is allowed.

Rodent Crate Sizes and Reservation Deadlines

• L-Size: 45×45×41 cm, 11.5 kg, reserve up to 4 days before departure.
• M-Size: 32×32×39 cm, 7.4 kg, reserve up to 4 days before departure.