Assistance dog
For customers traveling with Service Dogs such as the dogs can accompany them in the passenger cabin.
Restrictions on Accompanying Stronger Anti-Rabies Measures in the United States
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States of America released the “Notice of Temporary Suspension of Dogs Entering the United States from High-Risk Rabies Countries.” Japan Airlines will not accept dogs from countries listed as high-risk Rabies countries from July 14th, 2021.
Customers traveling with assistance / service dogs (e.g. psychiatric service dogs, alert dogs) on flights to and from the United States must get CDC’s advance written approval if their dogs are from high-risk countries or have been in high-risk countries during the previous 6 months.
CDC's approval must be submitted at least 30 business days (about 6weeks) before travel to the United States.
Even with CDC's approval, entry into the United States is limited to some airports**.
For more information on how to apply and which U.S. airports can be entered, please visit the CDC web site before you reserve flights.
Because the law is subject to change, please visit the U.S. CDC Web site for details on target dogs, how to apply, and which U.S. airports you can enter before making a reservation.
CDC websiteFor prior confirmation, the Japan Airlines reservations Center may contact customers who have reservations. We appreciate your understanding in advance.
At the time of the reservation
On flights to and from the United States (including to/from Guam and Hawaii) and Canada, Service Dogs besides Guide Dogs, Hearing Dogs and Mobility Assistance Dogs will also be accepted in the passenger cabin as long as they meet the requirements. (e.g. Psychiatric Service Dogs, Alert Dogs)
Customers traveling on flights to and from the United States (including to/from Guam)
U.S.Department of Transportation Service Animal Transportation Form（PDF Approx 179kB）
*For flight segments of eight hours or more, you will also be required to submit a Service Animal Relief Attestation Form.
Customers traveling on flights to and from Canada
Service Animal Air Transportation Form_CANADA（PDF Approx 728KB）*For flight segments of eight hours or more, you will also be required to submit a Service Animal Relief Attestation Form.
For reservations on and after February 9, 2021, Emotional Support Dogs will no longer be accepted in the passenger cabin on flights to and from the United States (including to/from Guam and Hawaii) and Canada in accordance with the U.S. Air Carrier Access Act (14 CFR Part 382) and Canada's Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Regulations (ATPDR). They will be carried in the cargo compartment as pets at an additional charge.
A Service Dog must be individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. The Service Dog must be harnessed and leashed and remain under the control of the handler at all times at the airport and while onboard the aircraft.
We will check the behavior and condition of your Service Dog on the day of travel, and if its behavior poses a threat to flight safety, we may take such measures as carrying the Service Dog in the cargo compartment.
About Traveling Companions
Customers who find it difficulties to take care of your personal things by themselves are requested to fly with someone accompanying in the same class.
Those people accompanying should please provide care and assistance at the airport, and in cabin, and should please give guidance and assistance at the time of an emergency.
About seat reservations
We will do our best to secure a seat according to your requests, such as a seat with a movable armrest, or a seat close to the restroom. Please consult with us at the time of the reservation.
With regards to the position of your seat in the cabin, please check the page with the cabin seat layouts for domestic and international flights.
- Domestic flights: Domestic aircraft and seat configurationsDomestic flights: Domestic aircraft and seat configurations
- International flights: International aircrafts and seat configurationsInternational flights: International aircrafts and seat configurations
*some seats might not be available.
About the animal quarantine international flight
Animal quarantines are applicable in the case of using international flights. For the entry conditions of each country, please contact the consulate of the country you will be visiting, and the nearest animal quarantine station in Japan.
When accompanied by an Service Dog from overseas, we recommend that you check "Information for those using Service Dog who have traveled from overseas" by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.
Information for those using assistance dog who have traveled from overseasFlow of Events at the Departure Airport
The Service Dog must be harnessed and leashed and remain under the control of the handler at all times at the airport and while onboard the aircraft.
At airports in Japan, it is prohibited to walk with a Service Dog(excluding Guide Dog, Hearing Dog, and Mobility Assistance Dog) inside the airport terminal under airport management regulations. Please have a container or cage ready for taking the dog through the terminal from the cabin door.
Check-In Procedures
Staff can guide you from the check-in counter to the cabin of the airplane if requested. Please consult with us at the time of the reservation.
About the approximate time for procedures
Please come to the check-in counter as early as possible.
We ask you to present a copy of the certificate issued by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (authorization certificate and training completion certificate, etc.)
About airport facilities and device
For facilities at the airport, such as barrier-free restrooms, please check domestic airport information and international airport information
- Domestic airport informationDomestic airport information (PC)
- International airport information International airport information
*For information about device and facilities at each airport, please check the device and facilities at the airport.
Security Check
It is done with the same details and in the same manner as other customers. (Simplification of the security check due to disabilities, or preferential treatment, are not possible.)
Be sure to go through the portal gate one by one. In some cases a pat-down screening may be necessary, but please be assured that the security check staff will tell you what to do.
Boarding
Pre-boarding service
For customers who require special assistance, as soon as the cabin is ready, we board them to the flight first.
For customers who request to use this service, please tell the boarding gate staff as soon as possible.
In-flight
After boarding, cabin crew will provide information about the emergency exits, lavatory, device and facilities around your seat. For moving within the cabin as well, the cabin crew will provide you support.
While on the airplane, besides water, please refrain from giving anything to the assistance dogs for the physically disabled.
We provide support so that you can safely board and go to your seat.
The Service Dog must be harnessed and leashed and remain under the control of the handler at all times at the airport and while onboard the aircraft.
On-board wheelchairs
On-board wheelchairs are available.
*These are not available on some small aircraft (SAAB - 340, DHC-8-400 Cargo Combi & ATR42-600).
In-flight Entertainment
Programs are available with subtitling guidance, or audio guidance.
In-flight Entertainment In-flight Entertainment (PC)Information in braille
The "Aircraft safety card" is available in braille.
Information in brailleStorage compartments
Please store white canes or auxiliary device at your feet or in the storage compartments.
Filling in immigration documents
We will support you fill in immigration documents on international flights.
When Arriving
At the airport where you arrive, staff will guide you to the arrival lobby and those who are meeting you if requested.
Please do not hesitate to ask.
Customers who request to be assisted, may have to wait a moment.
Inquiries
If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Assistance that requires advance notice
- Assistance dog
- Customers who bring and use medical device
- Customers who use a stretcher
- Customers who use an oxygen bottle
- Customers with sleep apnea syndrome
- Customers for whom it is difficult to stay in a sitting position
- Group tour customers
- Disabled sports athletes
- About medical certificates or consent forms