Japan Airlines (JAL) Baggage Policy: Los Angeles to Tokyo
Japan Airlines offers a generous baggage policy, including 2 free checked bags (up to 23 kg each) for Economy passengers. Carry-on allowance includes 1 standard bag and 1 personal item with a strict combined weight limit of 10 kg (22 lbs).
Baggage Allowance Summary
| Airline | Japan Airlines (JL) |
|---|---|
| Route | Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo (TYO) |
| Nonstop | Yes |
| Carry-On | 1 carry-on bag (55x40x25 cm) and 1 personal item, combined weight max 10 kg (22 lbs) |
| Personal Item | 1 personal item (handbag, laptop bag, etc.) that must fit under the seat in front of you. Combined weight with carry-on must not exceed 10 kg. |
| Checked Bag Allowance | Economy/Premium Economy: 2 bags (23 kg each). Business/First: 3 bags (32 kg each). |
| First Bag Fee | Free (2 bags included in Economy) |
| Second Bag Fee | Free (2 bags included in Economy) |
| Overweight Fee | $100 USD (¥10,000) for bags 23-32 kg, $600 USD (¥60,000) for bags 32-45 kg on long-haul flights |
| Oversized Fee | $200 USD (¥20,000) for bags over 203 cm linear dimensions on long-haul flights |
| Max Weight | 23 kg |
| Max Dimensions | 203 cm linear (L+W+H) |
| Free Bag in Economy | Yes |
Route-Specific Tips: Los Angeles to Tokyo
- JAL includes 2 free checked bags (23kg each) in Economy on LAX-NRT/HND — matching ANA's generosity.
- Premium Economy and Business get 2 bags at 32kg each.
- JAL First Class passengers get 3 bags (32kg each) — ideal for extended Japan trips.
- JAL uses a piece-based system on transpacific routes, not weight-based.
International Rules
Standard international allowance is 2 free bags (23 kg) in Economy. Flights between Japan and Asia/Oceania have lower excess baggage fees than flights to North America/Europe.
Tips to Avoid Fees
1. Pack a foldable bag inside your luggage to use your 2-bag allowance for souvenirs on the return trip. 2. Use Yamato Transport (Takkyubin) to forward luggage affordably within Japan. 3. Ensure your carry-on and personal item combined weigh under 10 kg, as JAL frequently weighs them. 4. Leverage Oneworld Sapphire or Emerald status for extra baggage allowance.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Japan Airlines include free checked bags Los Angeles to Tokyo?
- Yes. JAL includes 2 free checked bags (23kg each) in Economy on all transpacific flights. Business gets 2 bags (32kg), First gets 3 bags (32kg each).
- What is JAL's carry-on size for LAX to Narita/Haneda?
- JAL allows 1 carry-on (55x40x25cm, max 10kg) plus 1 personal item in Economy. Business/First get 2 carry-on bags.
- How strict is JAL about baggage weight at Tokyo airports?
- JAL is moderately strict. They check bag weight at check-in and may weigh carry-ons at the gate, especially at Narita and Haneda. Stay within limits to avoid fees.
- Can I bring ski equipment on JAL to Tokyo?
- Yes. Skis/snowboards count as 1 piece of checked baggage if within size limits (total dimensions under 203cm). They're included in your free allowance if you haven't used both bags.