As the coronavirus outbreak continues, JAL continues to take measures to ensure the safety of our customers and give them peace of mind. In October 2020, we began offering PCR testing services. In December of the same year, we also began offering the "JAL Corona Cover" to prepare for the coronavirus outbreak when traveling abroad.
JAL's PCR testing service available to everyone from 14,850 yen
Tada: "From the beginning of the Go To Travel campaign, many customers wanted to go on vacations or business trips, but were worried that they might infect people at their destinations. That's why we wanted to offer PCR tests at a special price exclusively for JAL, so that customers traveling domestically can easily use them."
Naoto Tada of the Web Sales Department explains: At the time, PCR tests generally cost between 30,000 and 40,000 yen, but some medical institutions began offering the service at an affordable price.
Tada: "We started this business in collaboration with Nitan Clinic, which offers PCR testing services at reasonable prices. PCR testing is a licensed business, and the testing process is thorough. You can use the service with peace of mind."
Regardless of whether you use JAL or not, the plan is available from 14,850 yen (tax included). If you use JALPAK's Dynamic Package, which includes a domestic flight and accommodation, the plan is available for 11,000 yen (tax included).
*For details on current measures, please check the JAL website.
We also offer package plans with travel and plans for overseas travel.
Tada: "When you apply for a dynamic package that can be purchased through the JAL website, a dedicated URL will be included in the reservation completion email that you will receive. If you apply from there, a test kit will be sent to you immediately. If you are in Tokyo, the test results will be available in as little as two to three days."
Many customers used the service during the New Year period.
Tada: "In addition to travel, I get the impression that it has been used quite a bit for people returning home. There also seems to be a lot of demand for business use, such as for business trips to local areas. Furthermore, we are also introducing medical institutions that can perform PCR tests for customers who are planning to travel overseas. Even in this situation, there are a certain number of people who absolutely have to leave the country."
Currently, most countries require a negative PCR test certificate to be presented upon entry. Therefore, on our website we introduce multiple medical institutions that can issue negative certificates in accordance with the regulations of each country.
Tada: "Entry conditions and the format of the negative certificate differ from country to country. We want to keep an eye on the situation, which is changing day by day, and keep up with it to improve the quality of our services."
"JAL Corona Cover" to prepare for the "what if" of coronavirus
However, traveling abroad can be a cause for concern. That's why JAL has prepared a complimentary service called "JAL Coronavirus Cover" to prepare for the worst case scenario. For all customers using international flights, if you test positive for COVID-19 while traveling, we will cover the costs of medical care, testing, quarantine, etc., and also provide a 24-hour consultation service.
Yamamoto: "Currently, our customers have no choice but to travel, and they are feeling great anxiety about the trip itself. We have taken various measures in areas that JAL can directly cover, such as on board the aircraft and at airports. From summer to autumn last year, we considered various proposals to take it a step further and continue to provide safety and security at their destinations."
These are the words of Tomonori Yamamoto from the Global Sales Department. Kayo Ishida from the same department adds:
"When we actually spoke to customers, we found that they were worried about what expenses would be covered and who they should inquire about if they were to become infected with COVID-19 at their travel destination. So we wondered if we could provide a service to reduce expenses and set up a contact point for inquiries, and we began preparing to introduce the service."
Preparations were made at a rapid pace in order to be ready in time for the New Year holiday, a time when many people return home for a short visit.
In addition to being automatically included and provided free of charge, we also have a 24-hour service desk available.
"We were in an uncertain environment with the number of infected people in each country and entry and quarantine conditions changing from moment to moment, but after much discussion with Allianz Travel, our partner for this service, we decided to launch the service with a 'let's give it a try' spirit."
There is no procedure required to sign up for the service, and it is provided free of charge to all customers using JAL international flights.
Yamamoto: "To be honest, there were various opinions within the company about making it free of charge. We considered having customers cover the cost, but we felt that customers who are currently forced to travel need to make more travel preparations than usual, and that we should not bother them with enrollment and purchase procedures, so we decided to provide it to all customers free of charge for a limited time (until the end of June 2021)."
In addition, our inquiry desk is available 24 hours a day.
Yamamoto: "If you become infected in your country of residence, you will have knowledge of medical institutions and can expect support from family and acquaintances. On the other hand, if you develop symptoms at your travel destination, you will be extremely anxious and in great trouble. We thought that having a 24-hour consultation hotline in such an emergency would be of great value. We opened the service on December 23, 2020, and have already received a considerable number of calls. However, there may be customers who are in trouble overseas who are unaware of this service. We feel that it is important to make sure that people are fully aware of it."
We will provide services needed quickly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Yamamoto: "Because airlines have a mission to serve as transportation infrastructure, they tend to think too conservatively and are often unable to provide the services that customers want in a timely manner. However, now, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to think outside the box and come up with new services one after another."
Tada: "A big issue is how far we should go in areas other than flight. However, we need to be proactive in areas that lead to customer safety and security. JAL tends to hesitate to release services that are not perfect, but these are not normal times. If we can provide something as quickly as possible, it is better to do so even if it is not perfect. I think that speed is the attitude that is needed now."
JAL is planning to provide various services during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it goes without saying that it would be ideal if we could "no longer have to use" any of these initiatives as soon as possible. If you plan to fly with JAL, please check the official website in advance. The wide range of services will surely ease your anxiety about flying.
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*This article was partially updated on October 13, 2021.
The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
