Are there any Japanese airlines that allow pets to travel on board? Seemingly the answer to that question is no. There are a few news reports that Star Flyer will begin to allow pets to fly in cabin with certain restrictions. However, that’s not been confirmed by the airlines website. Most airlines, either International or Domestic seem pretty helpful in terms of transporting pets as checked baggage. In fact most seem to allow you to rent a crate from them included in the pet fee. The pet fees typically range from around 4,000 – 6,500 JPY each way, so pretty reasonable. However, we will still wait for news on any that may break tradition and allow pets to travel in cabin with their humans.
International & Domestic
Starflyer operate limited international flights and plenty of domestic flights within Japan. Their website states that pets can only be transported as checked in baggage. However, there are numerous news reports stating that they will soon be allowing pets to travel in the cabin with their owners. A fee of 50,000 JPY was mentioned in some articles which is pretty steep. But they do get their own seat (although have to remain in their carrier at all times and wear a nappy). I’ve written to them to ask them to confirm their position on this. If this were to happen they’d be the first airline in Japan to allow pets in cabin and would be amazing!
ANA only allow pets to travel in the hold on both domestic and international flights. Although they do have a pet store with pet accessories available to purchase. They only allow mammals and birds to be checked in. They also have a restriction on snub nosed breeds at all times. The cost will depend on where you are flying to and from.
Japan Airlines (JAL) only allow pets to travel in checked baggage (unless you are travelling with fish or insects). Pet fee is up to 6,600 JPY for domestic flights which includes crate rental if you wish to use one of theirs rather than your own. Bulldogs are not allowed to be transported. Goldfish, turtles and insects are allowed in cabin as long as they don’t disturb other passengers. They also have a pet mileage programme that you can accrue miles for your dog if you travel with them often.
Zipair don’t allow pets on board at all. Not even as checked baggage. Unless they are services dogs (psychiatric service dogs are also allowed on flights to and from the US).
Domestic
We’ve found that the International airlines don’t allow pets to fly in cabin. Are there domestic Japanese airlines that allow pets to fly in cabin?
Fuji Dream Airlines don’t mention anything about pets on their main website. But if you dig further, in their conditions it does state you are allowed to bring your pet as checked baggage in the hold (rule 35).
Oriental Air Bridge offer limited routes domestically. They only allow pets as checked baggage for a fee of between 4,500 – 6,500 JPY each way. You can borrow a crate as well if you like but must let them know in advance.
Skymark charges 5,000 JPY each way for checking in your pet as checked baggage. This includes free rental of a suitable crate. Max weight is 32kg including the crate. However, the maximum size for the crate can only be 51cm x 69cm x 48cm so good luck fitting a 32kg dog in that! You must also sign a release form when you check them in.
Solaseed only allow pets to be carried as checked baggage. The information on their website is very vague but it appears all airlines in Japan seem to operate on the same model unfortunately. Hopefully this will change in the future.
ANA Group
Air Do is part of the ANA group and only allow pets to fly in the hold of the plane. They allow dogs, cats, small birds, and other small animals (squirrels, hamsters, etc.) in the hold. You must complete a Consent and Release form at the airport at least 30 minutes before departure. The cost is JPY 6,000 per pet. There are restrictions on snub nosed dogs in summer. Insects, fish and turtles can be carried on board with maximum container size of 30 x 22 x 20cm and must be stored under the seat in front of you.
Ibex Airlines is part of the ANA group and is only allow pets as checked baggage. The pet fee is 6,500 JPY and includes the cost of crate rental which you can get at the airport. However, it’s only possible for small animals, although they don’t specify what classifies as small. Their largest crate they allow is 55 x 80 x 60cm so I guess as long as your pet fits within that you should be fine.
JAL Group
J-Air & Japan Transocean Air are part of Japan Airlines so follow their rules for pet transport ie only in the hold.
Airlines are constantly changing their policies so hopefully something will change soon. Please check directly with the airline before booking any tickets for their updated policies. This page tries to remain as up to date as possible but I can and do sometimes miss out important updates from various airlines.
So at the moment it appears there are no Japanese Airlines that allow pets to fly in cabin. Unless you want to fly with your pet fish, turtle or insect. If you want to know what it’s like to fly with your dog, come check out various videos of me enjoying flying on my Youtube channel. You can also check out my other posts with various tips for flying with your dog here.
Don’t forget to check out my Amazon store (affiliate link) which has all the details all of my recommended products I use then travelling. You can check it out here.
That’s all for now folks. Stay tuned for more travel updates coming soon. Woof woof, Wylie x
Don’t forget to check out my Amazon store (affiliate link) which has all the details all of my recommended products I use then travelling. You can check it out here. If any of my travel tips help, you can also leave a small donation which would be greatly appreciated 😊