Flying With Your Dog on Japan Airlines (JAL): Cabin, Hold, Fees (2026)

On Japan Airlines (JAL), Japan’s flag carrier flying worldwide from its Tokyo Haneda and Narita hubs, dogs are not allowed in the cabin (except service dogs): they travel in the hold, in an approved crate. Here are the conditions, the weight limit and the procedure to prepare your companion’s flight.

In the cabin: no

Japan Airlines (JAL) does not allow dogs in the cabin (except service dogs). No exceptions for pet dogs, whatever their size.

In the hold

Since the cabin is off-limits, your dog travels in a pressurized, heated hold, inside an IATA-compliant travel crate, with a combined dog + crate weight of up to 32 kg (70 lb).

Airline conditions: hold transport as checked baggage; fees not published.

Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds

Like most airlines, Japan Airlines (JAL) restricts flat-faced breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, etc.), which are generally banned from the hold because of the respiratory risk. If your dog is brachycephalic, opt for the cabin whenever their weight allows it, and confirm the rule before booking.

⚠️ Heat: seasonal embargoes may apply during periods of high temperatures. Check the dates of your trip. Our advice: heatstroke in dogs.

How to book

Pet spots on board are limited: book as early as possible.

1. Buy your ticket, then contact Japan Airlines (JAL) to add your dog to the reservation.
2. Prepare the health documents (microchip ID, rabies vaccination, health certificate or pet passport, sometimes a rabies titer test) — see our guide to international travel with a dog.
3. Choose the right container: an approved soft-sided carrier (cabin) or an IATA crate (hold). Size it with our IATA dog crate calculator.

🧰 Our tools to plan your trip

Can my dog fly? 62 airlines compared, by departure airport, destination and your dog's weight. Open the checker → IATA crate calculator The airline-approved crate size for your dog, using the official IATA formula. Calculate the size → Entry requirements checker Country-by-country entry rules: paperwork, vaccines, lead times and official sources. Check the rules →

Compare with other airlines

Pet rules vary widely from one airline to the next. To find the best option for your route and your dog’s weight, use our Can My Dog Fly? tool and browse our comparison of 62 airline pet policies. To prepare for the flight itself, also read our tips on dog travel anxiety.

🌍 Where can you fly with Japan Airlines (JAL)? Our entry-requirement guides for its destinations: Japan, European Union, Thailand, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates (Dubai), Germany.

Sources

Japan Airlines (JAL) — pet transport, accessed June 2026. Conditions and fees change regularly — double-check with Japan Airlines (JAL) before booking.