Don't worry if it's your first time. We'll show you how to board a JAL domestic flight.

According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's Air Transport Statistics Flash Report, the number of passengers on domestic scheduled air transport in 2022 will be 79.51 million. With so many customers using the service, it shouldn't be difficult to use. Let's take a step-by-step guide on how to use domestic flights, including some of the services unique to JAL.

STEP 0 Before boarding: Book your flight

When traveling by plane, it is common to reserve your flight ticket in advance. You can make reservations on the JAL website, or by phone. You can also purchase tickets through travel agencies. By the way, tickets can be purchased from 9:30 am (※) 330 days before the departure date. Since it is expected to be busy during summer vacation, the end-of-year homecoming season, Golden Week, and other consecutive holiday periods, we recommend that you make your reservation early if your itinerary is confirmed.

*Excluding some fares such as "Dokokani Miles". Reservations and sales for code-share flights will begin after the schedule is finalized. Click here for details

JAL website

STEP 1: Please arrive at the airport with plenty of time

On the day of your flight, please arrive at the airport as early as possible. Please check in your baggage at least 30 minutes before departure time and pass through security at least 20 minutes before departure time. Congestion is expected during peak seasons such as Golden Week, summer vacation, and the New Year holidays. Congestion levels also vary depending on the airport.

Estimated times and deadlines for procedures at the airport

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Introducing the features and usage of Fukuoka Airport lounges. Enjoy a comfortable stay before and after your trip.

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STEP 2 When you arrive at the airport, complete the boarding procedures.

Now, when you arrive at the airport, you will need to complete the boarding procedure. There are two procedures to follow:

Available boarding methods are displayed in the "Boarding Method" section of the reservation details screen on the JAL website, and also in the flight information email (if you have pre-registered in the "Contact Information for Boarding Information" section).

Tip 1: If you board using JAL Touch & Go

In the past, it was common to check in (check in) at the airport, but for JAL domestic flights, if you have already booked, purchased tickets, and assigned seats in advance and have no checked baggage, you can use the "JAL Touch & Go Service." If you want to check in baggage, please see STEP 3.

JAL Touch & Go

Option 2: If you check in at a self-service check-in machine or counter

If you do not wish to use the "JAL Touch & Go Service", please use the automated check-in system. If this is difficult or you require assistance, you can also use the manned check-in counters.

Many airports have self-service check-in machines in the departure lobby. If the airport does not have self-service check-in machines, you will check in at the counter. Please bring one of the following items with you to complete the check-in procedure.

Follow the instructions on the device and enter your ticket number and mileage number to complete the check-in procedure. You can also change your seat, register your mileage, and complete other procedures.

You can also request assistance at our manned check-in counters, so please feel free to use them if you need assistance.

Check-in procedure at the airport

STEP 3 Check in your baggage

For general airplanes with 100 or more seats, you can bring on board one piece of baggage weighing less than 10kg and measuring less than 115cm (55 x 40 x 25cm) in total across all three sides, plus one personal item. There are other conditions stipulated by the Aviation Act, so please check the details below.

Baggage Rules and Precautions

If you want to check in your baggage, you can do so in advance at the Self Baggage Drop (automatic baggage drop machine). Self Baggage Drop is part of JAL's new service called "JAL SMART AIRPORT", and as of June 2023, it has been introduced at five airports: Haneda, New Chitose, Itami, Fukuoka, and Naha. At airports where Self Baggage Drop is not available, you will need to check in your baggage at the counter.

Self Baggage Drop is very convenient as you can often use it without lining up even during busy periods. First, issue a baggage tag at the self-service check-in machine, attach the baggage tag to your baggage, and proceed to the Self Baggage Drop. Follow the instructions on the display to hold your IC or 2D barcode or other authentication code over the machine, and place your baggage one by one on the belt. Finally, a baggage claim tag will be printed, and once you receive it, the procedure is complete.

JAL SMART AIRPORT

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STEP 4 Go through security

You will pass through security 20 minutes before departure. Here, your carry-on baggage and personal belongings will be checked to make sure they are safe.

It can get crowded during peak seasons, so we recommend getting there as early as possible.

There is a ticket gate at the entrance to the security checkpoint, where you first scan your 2D barcode, JMB/JAL card with IC function, or JAL mobile phone with IC function.

Next, check that the personal items and clothing you will be bringing on board are safe. Remove any metal objects (cell phones, keys, coins, etc.), laptops, tablets, and open plastic bottles from your carry-on luggage and place them on a tray. Also, remove any jackets or boots that cover your ankles and place them on the tray as well. Please note that there are detailed regulations regarding what items can be brought on board, so we recommend checking in advance.

Restricted baggage

In addition, at two airports, Haneda and Kumamoto, which have introduced X-ray CT inspection equipment as of May 2023, it will be possible to inspect luggage such as laptops and liquids without removing them from the bag.

Passengers will be required to pass their personal belongings and baggage through the machine, and then empty-handed passengers will be required to pass through a metal detector, after which they will be able to collect their baggage.

STEP 5: Board the plane

Next, proceed to the boarding gate to board the plane. Large airports such as Haneda have many boarding gates. You will be handed a boarding receipt with the boarding gate number printed on it at the security checkpoint, so please check it and proceed to the boarding gate 10 minutes before departure.

There are shops and restrooms near the boarding gate, and at some airports there are smoking areas. It's a good idea to leave plenty of time to do your business there.

At the boarding gate, JAL staff will inform you of the boarding time and boarding order. Passengers who require assistance, such as those using wheelchairs or those with small children under the age of 2, can use the pre-boarding service. After that, passengers will be divided into groups from 1 to 5 based on their membership and seat order and board in order.

When boarding, please prepare your 2D barcode, JMB/JAL card with IC function, or JAL mobile phone with IC function. Pass through the ticket gate at the boarding gate and use the ramp or bus to board the plane.

STEP 6: Take a seat on the plane

After boarding, please proceed to your reserved seat. If you have baggage that cannot be stored under the seat in front of you, it will be stored in the overhead storage space. If the storage space is already full or you need assistance, please speak to a flight attendant nearby.

After that, please take a seat. Please fasten your seat belt. You can recline your seat and use the table only after the aircraft has stabilized after takeoff. Please fix it in the original position before landing.

STEP 7 Enjoy your flight

Once all passengers have boarded, the plane heads to the runway and takes off, literally flying to your destination in a single bound. Among the many forms of public transportation, airplanes boast the fastest travel speed. From Haneda, it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to get to New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido. It may seem like a quick journey compared to traveling on the ground, but there are many ways to spend your time on board.

For example, there are drink service and in-flight magazines, and if the plane has an in-flight entertainment display, you can enjoy movies and TV programs. Also, on domestic flights, some aircraft have free in-flight Wi-Fi, so you can use the Internet on your laptop or smartphone.

Domestic flight in-flight services

Enjoy your time however you like on a comfortable flight that only JAL can provide.

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