Japan Airlines
Japan’s flag carrier, operating full-service domestic and international flights with an extensive Tokyo-centered network and Oneworld connectivity.
About Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines, commonly known as JAL, is Japan’s flag carrier and a scheduled full-service airline. It was founded in 1951 and developed into one of the country’s principal aviation groups. The airline operates under Japan Airlines Co., Ltd., a publicly traded company whose activities include passenger services, cargo operations and related aviation businesses. Its red crane emblem, known as the tsurumaru, is a longstanding part of its identity.
Tokyo is the airline’s primary hub city, with major operations at both Haneda and Narita airports. Osaka, Shanghai, Sapporo and Nagoya are also important departure points within its wider schedule. Japan Airlines serves 86 destinations across 26 countries through 447 routes, combining a dense Japanese domestic network with services to East and Southeast Asia, Europe, North America and other international markets.
The mainline fleet includes modern Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 aircraft, alongside Boeing 737-800 and other Boeing types used across domestic and international services. The Boeing 787-8, sometimes identified by the equipment code 788, is prominent on long-haul and medium-haul routes. Cabin options vary by aircraft and route, ranging from Economy and Premium Economy to Business Class and, on selected long-haul services, First Class.
Japan Airlines has been a member of the Oneworld alliance since 2007. Membership supports connecting journeys and reciprocal benefits with carriers including American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Qantas, subject to fare and status rules. Its loyalty programme is JAL Mileage Bank, through which members can earn and redeem miles on JAL, eligible group airlines, Oneworld members and other participating partners.
A major strength is the breadth of JAL’s domestic network, which makes it useful for itineraries combining international travel with destinations across Japan. Service is generally structured around a full-service model, although inclusions depend on the fare, cabin and operating carrier. Tokyo connections require particular attention because flights may use Haneda or Narita, and transferring between those airports involves a substantial ground journey rather than an airside connection.
Good to know
Flying with Japan Airlines — what to expect
Check Your Tokyo Airport
Japan Airlines uses both Haneda and Narita in Tokyo. Confirm the airport carefully, especially when connecting, because transfers between them require ground transportation and ample time.
Fare Rules Vary
Checked baggage, ticket changes and mileage eligibility depend on the route, cabin and fare type. Review the conditions attached to the specific ticket before purchase.
Domestic Connections
JAL’s extensive Japanese network can support through itineraries beyond Tokyo and Osaka. Separate tickets provide less protection during disruptions, so a single booking is generally simpler when available.
Cabins Differ by Aircraft
Seat design and cabin availability vary across the fleet, particularly between domestic and international aircraft. Check the scheduled equipment and seat map before selecting a seat.
Oneworld Benefits
Eligible Oneworld frequent flyers may receive lounge access, priority services or additional baggage. Benefits depend on status, itinerary and the operating airline.
Codeshares Need Attention
Some flights sold with a JL flight number are operated by partner airlines. Check the operating carrier because aircraft, check-in procedures, baggage rules and onboard service can differ.
Network overview
Where Japan Airlines flies
Japan Airlines operates 447 routes to 86 destinations across 26 countries, its longest sector reaching Tokyo to New York (10,875 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities Japan Airlines flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Tokyo → New York
10,875 km · HND → JFK
The longest sector in the Japan Airlines network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by Japan Airlines
Notable destinations on Japan Airlines's network.
JLTokyodirectJLOsakadirectJLShanghaidirectJLSapporodirectJLFukuokadirectJLNagoyadirectJLSeouldirectJLTaipeidirectJLHong KongdirectJLBangkokdirectJLOkinawadirectJLHanoidirectDestination list is indicative of Japan Airlines's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
More from Japan
Other airlines based in Japan
FAQ
Japan Airlines — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- The busiest departure areas are Tokyo, Osaka, Shanghai, Sapporo and Nagoya. Key airports include Tokyo Haneda and Narita, Osaka Itami and Kansai, Shanghai Pudong, New Chitose near Sapporo, and Chubu Centrair near Nagoya.
- Japan Airlines’s longest route is Tokyo to New York, about 10,875 km nonstop. The operating Tokyo airport and schedule can vary, so confirm the flight details when booking.
- Lower fares are often easier to find when booking early, traveling outside Japanese holiday peaks and choosing midweek departures. Compare flexible dates and nearby Tokyo or Osaka airports, while accounting for ground-transfer costs.
- Carry-on limits depend on the aircraft and itinerary, but passengers are generally permitted one main cabin bag plus a small personal item within the airline’s combined weight and size rules. Check the allowance shown for the specific flight, particularly on smaller domestic aircraft or partner-operated services.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee.
- Tokyo is Japan Airlines’s primary hub city, with major operations at Haneda Airport and Narita International Airport. Osaka, Shanghai, Sapporo and Nagoya are also significant departure points in its network.
- Japan Airlines flies throughout Japan and to international destinations across Asia, Europe, North America and other regions. Notable cities include Tokyo, Osaka, Shanghai, Sapporo, Fukuoka, Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Hanoi.
- Japan Airlines serves 86 destinations across 26 countries. Its network comprises 447 routes.