What is Japan Airlines Mileage Bank?

Japan Airlines Mileage Bank is the airline’s frequent flyer program, where you earn miles on JAL and Oneworld partner flights and redeem them for award tickets and upgrades.

Does Japan Airlines include checked baggage?

On most international flights, JAL includes 2 checked bags for economy and premium economy passengers. Passengers in business and first class typically receive 3 complimentary checked bags.

Is there free Wi-Fi on Japan Airlines flights?

Yes, JAL offers free inflight Wi-Fi on all international flights, providing unlimited connection time for passengers in first and business class, though other passengers will have to pay after the first hour. There’s also free Wi-Fi on domestic flights.

Does Japan Airlines fly daily between the U.S. and Japan?

Yes, JAL operates daily services on major U.S. to Japan routes such as Tokyo to Los Angeles, Tokyo to San Francisco, and others, contributing to its 150 daily international departures.

How do I avoid fees on Japan Airlines?

Using premium credit cards with travel credits, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, can help offset baggage or preferred seat fees. Alternatively, use miles from Capital One credit cards to cover travel purchases made in the last 90 days on your card. Lastly, if you fly with JAL often, its U.S.-issued credit card can help you cover some fees and even get a rebate on inflight purchases.

Japan Airlines Review: Seats, Amenities, Customer Service, Baggage Fees, and More

Updated: January 31, 2026, 8:00am CST

Edited by:

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Table of Contents

Key Takeaways
Basic Information
Frequent Flyer Program
Ticketing Options
Japan Airlines Baggage and Other Fees and Add-Ons
How To Avoid Paying Excess Fees and Expenses
Japan Airlines Lounges
Inflight Inclusions, Amenities, and Seat Specs
Japan Airlines Customer Satisfaction
Final Thoughts

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Key Takeaways

Japan Airlines (JAL) has a robust flight network spanning multiple continents, along with a strong domestic network, and is ranked among the top 10 airlines in the world by Skytrax.
The airline offers much-lauded business and first classes, though economy passenger experiences can vary widely across routes and aircraft types.
JAL is regarded for great onboard service in its premium cabins, and its Mileage Bank loyalty program has several positives.
Skytrax ranks Japan Airlines as a 5-star airline (out of 5).

Japan Airlines (JAL) is Japan’s largest international airline and one of the world’s most respected carriers. A founding member of the Oneworld alliance, JAL connects Japan to North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and beyond while offering strong domestic connectivity throughout Japan. The airline’s premium service reputation — especially in business and first class — is widely praised, and its Oneworld partnerships make it easy for travelers to earn and redeem miles across a global network.

That said, customer feedback is mixed in some areas. The hard product, when flying in economy, and service consistency can vary by route. Additionally, fees such as award taxes and fuel surcharges on certain routes (especially those to or from the U.S.) can diminish the value of award redemptions when compared to competitors.

Still, for travelers focused on comfort, reliability, and alliance connectivity, JAL often delivers strong experiences.

Basic Information

Airline: Japan Airlines (JAL)
Alliance: Oneworld
Category: Legacy international airline
Frequent flyer program: JAL Mileage Bank
Tagline: “Fly for it.”
Daily flights: 900 to 1,000 daily flights, including roughly 600 domestic flights in Japan
Fleet: 145 aircraft
Main hubs: Tokyo Haneda (HND), Tokyo Narita (NRT), and Osaka (KIX)
Destinations: Over 90 destinations in more than 20 countries

Frequent Flyer Program

Japan Airlines Mileage Bank (JMB) is JAL’s loyalty program, offering the opportunity to earn miles on partner and Oneworld flights, including American Airlines, British Airways, and Cathay Pacific. Members earn miles based on fare class and distance, which can be redeemed for award flights, upgrades, and travel extras like baggage and inflight services. Elite status tiers (Crystal, Sapphire, JGC, and Diamond) offer tier bonuses on earning, priority services, and lounge access when flying with JAL or its alliance partners.

One of JMB’s strengths is its partner connectivity, especially within Oneworld, which allows members to build award trips across multiple carriers. However, JAL’s award pricing can be expensive for U.S. to Asia or U.S. to Europe routes when fuel surcharges and carrier-imposed fees are factored in.

A downside for U.S. travelers: Mileage Bank partners with fewer transferable rewards programs than some of its competitors. However, the addition of transfers from Bilt Rewards and Capital One Miles is good news.

These additions have greatly improved Mileage Bank accessibility, as we once ranked these among the most difficult airline miles to earn.

However, there’s also a mixed bag with Mileage Bank. While it’s a positive that the airline tends to announce devaluations to its loyalty program in advance, devaluations are an overall negative. A clear example is the advance notice for the June 2025 increase in award ticket costs.

Hot Tip:

Learn more about the best ways to earn Mileage Bank miles and redeem Mileage Bank miles at top value.

Ticketing Options

Here’s what you can expect with your Japan Airlines ticket, depending on the cabin you’re booked in.

Economy Class

Standard seat with personal item and carry-on included
Checked luggage is typically included on most international tickets (2 bags up to 23 kilograms or 50 pounds each)
Complimentary meals and drinks on long-haul international flights
Buy-on-board snacks on select short domestic routes in Japan

Premium Economy Class

More legroom and recline than standard economy
Priority boarding
Dedicated cabin with enhanced meal service on international routes
2 checked bags are typically included (depending on route)

Business Class

Lie-flat or premium recliner seats on most long-haul aircraft
Lounge access and priority services
Multiple checked bags (up to 3 bags of 32 kilograms or 70 pounds each)
Premium cuisine and beverages

Hot Tip:

Curious about the JAL business class flight experience? Read our JAL business class review from Los Angeles to Tokyo, from San Francisco to Tokyo, and another from New York City to Tokyo.

First Class

Exclusive suites with full privacy on select international routes
Elevated dining, luxury amenities, and ultra-generous baggage allowances
Unlimited Wi-Fi and priority services

Hot Tip:

Want to know what it’s like flying in this cabin? Check out this JAL first class review from Tokyo to New York City and another from Tokyo to Los Angeles.

Japan Airlines Baggage and Other Fees and Add-Ons

Your inclusions will vary depending on the route and class of travel. We haven’t included all possible routes here, only a selection to help you get an idea of JAL’s baggage policy.

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Route	Cabin	Included	Extra Bag Fee	Overweight Bag Fee	Oversize Bag Fee
Between U.S. and Japan	Economy and premium economy	2 bags up to 23 kilograms (50 pounds) each	¥20,000 (roughly $200)	¥10,000 ($100) up to 32 kilograms (70 pounds) or ¥60,000 ($600) up to 45 kilograms (100 pounds)	¥20,000 ($200)
Between U.S. and Japan	Business or first class	3 bags up to 32 kilograms (70 pounds) each	¥20,000 ($200)	¥10,000 ($100) up to 32 kilograms (70 pounds) or ¥60,000 ($600) up to 45 kilograms (100 pounds)	¥20,000 ($200)
Domestic in Japan	All	2 bags up to 23 kilograms (50 pounds) each for most fares	¥5,000 ($32) per extra bag	¥1,000 to ¥15,000 ($6.50 to $96)	¥5,000 ($32)

JAL uses a piece system for international flights (2 bags for most economy/premium passengers, 3 for business/first). Excess bags and overweight charges are paid locally at the airport.

Other Fees and Add-Ons

Change and Cancellation Fees (U.S.)

JAL eliminated change fees for many U.S./Canada adult fares (e.g., Saver/Classic/Extra) on standard tickets, so no change fee applies when modifying online, though fare differences still apply. If changes are made through a call center after the online window closes, a Ticket Service Fee typically applies. This varies by region, but the typical range is $25 to $60.

Refunds on refundable fares incur no penalty beyond taxes; nonrefundable bookings are subject to applicable fare penalties if canceled. The amounts vary, but expect a significant loss in fees before your refund hits your bank account.

Hot Tip:

We’re discussing the fees for changing or canceling paid tickets. If you booked with points, check out our guide to change and cancellation fees on award tickets.

Reservation Service Fees

Online reservations via JAL.com: $0 service charge
Call center/agent: Additional $25 to $60, depending on market

Extra Legroom Seats

JAL sells seat upgrades for more legroom in economy or standard premium seats ahead of departure:

Economy extra legroom or bulkhead seats cost $30 to $120 per flight segment, depending on route and aircraft
Premium or exit row seats may fall in similar ranges
JMB elite members may receive complimentary or reduced pricing on preferred seats, depending on tier

Onboard Wi-Fi

JAL introduced expanded Wi-Fi service in 2024. International flights offer free Wi-Fi access — unlimited for first and business class passengers, and 1 hour free for premium economy and economy passengers (with paid extensions available). Domestic flights include free Wi-Fi and streaming on most aircraft.

Onboard Food and Drinks

Long-haul international: Complimentary meals, snacks, and beverages across all cabins; refined dining in business and first class
Short domestic flights: Light snacks and beverages included; premium food/upsell options may be available depending on route

Unaccompanied Minor

JAL’s official policy requires that children under 12 flying alone be booked with special assistance. You’ll need to contact reservations for exact pricing.

Pet Transportation

Japan domestic: Pet fees range from ¥3,000 to ¥6,000 ($19 to $39) per sector.
International: Fees range from ¥25,000 to ¥40,000 ($160 to $256) per crate per sector.

How To Avoid Paying Excess Fees and Expenses

If you hold the JAL USA CARD, it can help you avoid some fees by offering priority services, bonus mileage earning, discounts on baggage and seat selection, and rebates on inflight purchases. Earning miles through the card also helps you redeem award flights sooner, which can offset costs like checked bags or inflight extras when redeemed with miles instead of cash.

Japan Airlines offers 2 tiers of its new credit card, though both offer the same fee-saving perks. The differences are in the annual fee and earning rates.

LIMITED TIME OFFER

JAL USA CARD

U.P. Rating

The JAL USA card helps U.S.-based travelers earn more miles and qualify for elite status with Japan Airlines.

JAL USA CARD

The JAL USA card helps U.S.-based travelers earn more miles and qualify for elite status with Japan Airlines.

Welcome OfferEarn 10,000 Bonus Miles when you spend $7,000 in purchases within the first 3 billing cycles after opening your account (through March 2, 2026).
10,000 miles

Annual Fee

$85 for premium members; $35 for basic members

Why We Like This Card

The JAL USA card is a niche offering for U.S.-based travelers who frequently fly with Japan Airlines and want a card that will help them earn more miles and JAL Mileage Bank elite status.

Pros & Cons

Pros

2x miles on eligible JAL purchases and 1x miles on all other purchases for Premium Rewards members
1 mile per $2 spent on all purchases for Basic Rewards members
5,000 bonus miles on your first JAL international flight

Cons

Doesn’t earn transferable rewards
Bonus categories are limited

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Earn 10,000 bonus miles when you make $7,000 in purchases within the first three billing cycles after opening your account. Offer valid through March 2, 2026, for Premium Rewards members
2x miles on eligible JAL purchases and 1x miles on all other purchases for Premium Rewards members
1x miles per $2 spent on all purchases for Basic Rewards members
5,000 bonus miles on your first JAL international flight
10% sector bonus miles for every flight
Mastercard Rental Insurance
10% off JAL Group inflight shopping
5% savings on duty free shopping at Haneda and Narita airports
10% savings on JAL international Wi-Fi service
5 Life Status points for every 1500 shopping miles earned from JAL USA card purchases
No foreign transaction fees
Annual fee of $85 for premium members; $35 for basic members

Financial Snapshot

Foreign Transaction Fees:

Japan Airlines’ ticket extras (checked bags, seat fees, upgrades, etc.) are typically coded as travel purchases, allowing them to be offset directly with credit cards that offer annual travel credits. Using premium travel credit cards can also help to reduce your out-of-pocket costs. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® offers a $300 annual travel credit that automatically reimburses qualifying travel purchases, including baggage fees, seat selection charges, and change fees.

NEW OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome OfferEarn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
125,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:
$2,500

Annual Fee

$795

APR

19.49% - 27.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like worldwide airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options. Plus, it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to cover you at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the more than $2,000 in annual credits, which can offset the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

8x points on all Chase Travel purchases
5x points on Lyft rides
4x points on flights and hotels booked directly

Cons

$795 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
$300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge^® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^® every 4 years
Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 19.49% - 27.99% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

In a similar vein, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card allow cardholders to offset recent travel purchases from the past 90 days by using miles at a value of 1 cent each. That means you can cover your fees and extras with miles after the fact.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Welcome OfferEarn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:
$1,350

Annual Fee

$395

APR

Purchases: 19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
2x miles per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

$395 annual fee
Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®
Top rated mobile app

Financial Snapshot

APR: Purchases: 19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Japan Airlines Lounges

JAL operates well-appointed lounges for eligible flyers at major hubs, with access for business and first class passengers as well as travelers with elite status in Mileage Bank or Oneworld programs.

Major lounge locations include:

Tokyo Narita (NRT) Sakura Lounges — international departures
Tokyo Haneda (HND) Sakura Lounges
Osaka Kansai (KIX) Sakura Lounge

Lounges typically offer comfortable seating, showers, food and drink options, and Wi-Fi.

Inflight Inclusions, Amenities, and Seat Specs

Economy Class

Seat with free Wi-Fi (1 hr on international trips)
Meals on long-haul international flights
Carry-on and complimentary checked luggage included on most international tickets

Premium Economy Class

Wider seat and more legroom
Priority boarding
Enhanced meal service
Free Wi-Fi access

Business Class

Lie-flat seat on long-haul aircraft
Lounge access
Premium meals and drinks
Unlimited Wi-Fi

First Class

Private suite on select aircraft
Fine dining, premium drinks, and luxury amenities
Extra baggage and services, including unlimited Wi-Fi

Seat Specs

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Cabin	Number	Lie-Flat Bed Length or Seat Pitch	Seat Width
Airbus A350-900 Layout 1
First	12	52.7 inches	20.1 inches
Business	94	38.1 inches	18.7 inches
Economy	263	31 inches	18 inches
Airbus A350-900 Layout 2
First	12	52.7 inches	20.1 inches
Business	56	38.1 inches	18.7 inches
Economy	323	31 inches	18 inches
Airbus A350-1000
First	6	80 inches	48 inches
Business	56	79 inches	21 inches
Premium Economy	24	42 inches	19 inches
Economy	155	33.1 to 33.8 inches	18 inches
Boeing 767-300ER Layout 1
First	5	51 inches	21 inches
Business	42	38 inches	19 inches
Economy	205	31 inches	18 inches
Boeing 767-300ER Layout 2
Business	24	78 inches	20.5 inches
Economy	175	33 to 34 inches	18 inches
Boeing 767-300ER Layout 3
Business	42	38 inches	19 inches
Economy	219	31 inches	18 inches
Boeing 777-300ER Layout 1
First	8	78.3 inches	23 inches
Business	49	74 inches	20.5 inches
Premium Economy	40	42 inches	18.9 inches
Economy	147	34 inches	18.5 inches
Boeing 787-8 Layout 1
Business	30	60 inches	19.2 inches
Economy	176	31 inches	17.7 inches
Boeing 787-8 Layout 2
Business	30	74 inches	20.5 inches
Economy	156	33 inches	18.5 inches
Boeing 787-8 Layout 3
First	6	52.7 inches	20.1 inches
Business	58	38.1 inches	18.7 inches
Economy	227	31 inches	17.1 inches
Boeing 787-9 Layout 1
Business	44	74 inches	20.5 inches
Premium Economy	35	42 inches	18.9 inches
Economy	116	33 inches	18.5 inches
Boeing 787-9 Layout 2
Business	52	78 inches	20 inches
Premium Economy	35	42 inches	18.9 inches
Economy	116	34 inches	18.5 inches
Boeing 787-9 Layout 3
Business	28	78 inches	20 inches
Premium Economy	21	42 inches	18.9 inches
Economy	190	34 inches	18.5 inches
Boeing 737-800 Layout 1
Business	20	38 inches	18.5 inches
Economy	145	31 inches	17.3 inches
Boeing 737-800 Layout 2
Business	12	47 inches	20 inches
Economy	132	34 inches	17 inches
Embraer E170
Economy	76	31 inches	18 inches
Embraer E190
Business	15	38 inches	18 inches
Economy	80	31 inches	17 inches
De Havilland Dash 8 Q400
Economy	50	31 inches	17 inches
ATR 42-600
Economy	48	30 inches	17 inches
ATR 72-600
Economy	70	30 inches	17 inches

Japan Airlines Customer Satisfaction

Most Common Complaints

Travelers frequently cite inconsistent service execution on board or at the airport, confusion around award taxes and fuel surcharges, and frustrating experiences with customer support when changes or refunds are needed. Economy experiences can vary widely by aircraft and flight length, though service quality generally improves in premium cabins.

Consumer Rankings and Ratings

Skytrax rating: 5-Star Airline (5 is the highest possible rating)
Tripadvisor airline review rating: 4 out of 5 (from 9,720 reviews)
Kayak customer rating: 8.3 out of 10 (from 1,660 verified reviews)

Safety and Performance

Japan Airlines has a strong safety record and high operational standards. While incidents are rare, the airline’s robust training, modern fleet, and frequent audits help sustain a safe operating environment.

Recent Awards

At the 2025 Skytrax awards, JAL took home several accolades:

Ninth best airline in the world
Best Economy Class Airline Seat
Best Premium Economy Class in Asia

These honors reflect the airline’s reputation for hospitality and service quality at many levels.

Final Thoughts

Japan Airlines remains one of Asia’s most respected carriers, known for its premium service, strong Oneworld ties, and reliable operations. Travelers who value comfort, service, and alliance connectivity will find JAL a compelling choice, especially in business and first class.

That said, economy travelers should be aware of ancillary costs and award taxes, especially on long-haul flights to/from the U.S., and plan accordingly. Using loyalty perks and premium travel cards can help passengers offset many of these fees.