Japan Airline Pet Policy – Everything You Need To Know
The national carrier of Japan, it is the national airline and flag bearer of Japan. Thus it holds a huge responsibility on its shoulders. That’s why they outrun the name of Japan and brings in one of the most luxurious and best Airline service in the world. Japan Airlines has established its empire in 1951. It has its headquarters in Shinagawa, Tokyo, and its hub at Haneda Airport and Narita International Airport. Its fleet size is 175 fleets, and it has successfully transported 92 domestic and international destinations around the world.
Speaking of service, they have given the best and top in class treatment and facilities to their customers and passengers. If you are at the airport, you will have full cooperation with the staff of Japan Airlines, if you are on board the plane, you will get full rest along with the attentive cabin crew. Their service doesn’t end here if in case you have any issue and if you call their helpline number about your problem, you will get a possible solution to it.
They are also a substituent of JAL Maylag Bank and JAL Global Club for their frequent flyer plan. If you are a member of a JAL Group or Club, you can redeem many of these facilities as a member of the Loyalty Program. As a traveler, you will be ranked with a club based on the amount of travel or travel in the year. They have 4 types of this club memberships – Crystal, Sapphire, JGC Premier and Diamond.
Different ways of carrying pets in Flight
- Traveling in the passenger compartment.
- Checked as luggage in a pressurized and temperature-controlled area in your plane.
- Shipped as cargo in a temperature-controlled, pressure-controlled area.
Pet Travelling in Cabin
If the owner is also traveling on the same plane and is completely dependent on the assistance of their pet which also includes service-dogs. In such a case only, the certified service animals can enter the cabin (free of charge). Only certified service animals are permitted in the passenger cabin, in cases where the owner is also traveling on the same aircraft and completely relying on the assistance dog to move around. But, remember the following:
- Provide a training certificate to ensure that your dog has received special training.
- That the dog in a carrier which should be kept at the feet of his master throughout the journey.
- Wearing a jacket or robe indicates that it is a helper dog
- The passenger should have a muzzle for the dog and use it when necessary.
- Not to feed the dog – except for water.
- Pets must be healthy, not ready to harm other animals, humans, or things, and must not have an unpleasant odor. Pregnant pets will not be accepted, because they are on the pink of their health and traveling can be harmful to them.
- Japan Airlines allows only one pet per container. Also, remember that they have the policy of one container per cabin, and container passengers must meet Japan Airlines carry-on baggage requirements. (Animals that are traveling as luggage are not included as part of the free baggage allowance.)
- Before traveling you need to know that the passenger or in this case you being the owner is responsible for confirming and preparing all sorts of documentation work that is required for travel (import/export papers and other documents required) and for making arrangements with the appropriate quarantine offices. Make sure to contact the appropriate consulate, embassy, and quarantine offices regarding import/export regulations well in advance of travel. At the time of check-in, you have to present all the documents that must include import/export paperwork onto the Japan Airlines check-in counter on the day of travel.
Pet Travelling in Cargo
If your pet is flying by JAL, or is an animal other than cats and dogs, or flying for a long time, JAL can transport your pet in the cargo department of the aircraft in accordance with its regulations. This part of the cargo section has the same temperature and pressure as the passenger compartment. Japan Airlines manage booking is another helpful tool that you can rely on in case things don’t go right.
If your pet travels through the shipping department or as checked baggage in the shipping department, it must be placed in a pet box that complies with IATA regulations. We also recommend that you consider using crate equipment for your pet bag, as more airlines need them. After receiving the crate, you need to adapt your dog or cat to the environment before traveling. Crate train your pet, keep them in the pet for adequate time too so that they must not panic when the travel day comes.
Crate measurements and more
Upon transportation, shippers and forwarders are responsible for arranging crates which ensures the satisfaction of your pet, their safety and also ensures your pet’s requirements. But there are few things that you have to keep in mind for your pet as well, thus you have to keep an eye on the following requirements.
- The container should be large enough so that the animal will change direction while standing, standing, and sitting with its legs spread. Please meet the following criteria. (Conforms to Chapter VIII of the IATA Live Animals Regulations, container requirements)
- The pet crate is mainly made for carrying and made of strong material
- Structured to allow adequate ventilation
- Containers with a door (cover) must be arranged so that they can be closed from the outside.
- Latched containers must be tightly closed.
- Undamaged and organized such that the animal cannot escape from gaps or joints
- The containers in the following examples and unsuitable containers as determined by the staff cannot be accepted even if you have a reservation
Pets in the Hold
Except for approved service animals, all pets must travel on the reservation. For international flights, passengers who wish to travel with pets must contact Japan Airlines when booking the flight, as advance reservations are required. There are restrictions on the size and number of pet boxes for each aircraft. Due to the limited space on each aircraft, it may take several days to confirm your reservation. At the time of booking, JAL will ask you to provide the size of the cage, the total weight of the pet and the crate, and the type and age of the pet. Passengers must provide a crate or kennel that meet the following conditions:
- It should be large enough to allow freedom of movement, standing, lying down and turning around.
- It should be made of strong materials (wood, plastic, metal, etc.) and have wide vents covering the welded mesh and sealing the bottom.
- It must be lockable.
When traveling with pets on domestic flights, there is no need to book in advance, and pet rental companies from S to XL sizes can be provided. However, if your pet is large and you want to rent a kennel, you should book an L or XL kennel in advance, as availability may be limited. Your pet should be less than 32 kg; otherwise, your pet must be flown as cargo. The weight of pets and other checked luggage shall not exceed 100 kg per person.
If the passenger’s itinerary includes segments operated by other carriers, it is the responsibility of the passenger to confirm the arrangements for his pet. In some cases, Japan Airlines cannot accept pet transportation from other airlines. The arrival of pets must be recorded with all documents, and passengers must sign any forms regarding pet transportation on JAL. JAL cannot provide pets with any food or water (including transportation points) after check-in, so you must give pets enough food and water before check-in. A water bladder and a food container can be placed in the pet box to prevent leakage before check-in.
BREED RESTRICTIONS for Japan Airlines
JAL will not allow snub-nosed dogs on international flights including but not limited to the following breeds: Affenpinscher, Boston Terrier, Bordeaux Mastiff, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, French Bulldog, Chow Chow and Italian Corso, Japanese Chin, King Charles Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Mastiff, Peking, Peru de Brisa Canario, Pete Paul, Pug, Shar Bai, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tibet Spaniel.
HEALTH CERTIFICATE
Many airlines require a health certificate to show that the pet is healthy enough to travel, will not cause infectious diseases to humans, and has been properly vaccinated, especially when traveling in the cargo area of the aircraft. JAL requires you to provide a health certificate, when your pet travels as Manst cargo, your veterinarian must complete it within 10 days of travel.
International travel
If you are traveling to another country, Japan Airlines will want you to see the appropriate documents for bringing your pet into that country. Most states have their own version of the veterinary certificate. In addition, in some countries, they require an import license for you to take any pet into that country Find the pet passport form and instructions in the pet travel store.
HOT AND COLD WEATHER RESTRICTIONS
When runway temperatures are above 84 ° F (29 ° C) at the departure airport, Japan Airlines may refuse to take your pet as cargo or checked luggage. When the weather is extremely cold and the temperature is below 45°F (7°C) at the time of departure, Japan Airlines may request a so-called certificate of adaptation. Learn more about temperature limits for pets flying.
Documents for international transportation
Since different procedures are required, customers generally make reservations with an air freight forwarder. You can even check out Japan Airline customer service detail for more in-depth information.
The documents and procedures vary depending on the destination country, the reasons for quarantine, etc. You will be required to contact the animal quarantine office yourself in advance so that your pet must not suffer any sort of issues.
In general, the following documents are required.
- Shipper’s Certification for live animals
- Export Quarantine Certificate (issued by animal quarantine office)
- Rabies Shot Certification (issued by veterinary)
Animals allowed for transport
Dogs, cats, small birds (that eat seeds, fruit and insects), rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, marmots, squirrels, chinchillas.
- Japan Airlines only accept certain live animals that also mostly include domestic pets.
- French Bulldogs and Bulldogs are not accepted.
- If you have a dog or cat to travel then you must ensure that the dog or cat must be at least 8 weeks old to travel.
- Pets should be healthy, not cause harm to other animals or luggage, and must not smell bad.
- Please contact us (JAL International Information and Reservation) for more information on these terms
