From 24 hours to 60 minutes to the departure.

Japan Airlines (JAL) Check In: How Early You Can Check In and What to Expect

Japan Airlines (JAL), known for its world class service and efficiency, offers a variety of check in methods tailored to different passenger needs and travel preferences. Whether you're flying domestically within Japan or internationally to destinations across Asia, Europe, or North America, understanding the check in timing and process helps make your travel experience stress free and smooth.

How Early Can You Check in for Japan Airlines Flights?

The timing of check in for Japan Airlines depends on the flight type (domestic or international) and the method of check in (online, mobile app, airport counter, or kiosk). Here's a complete breakdown:

1. Online and Mobile Check In

Online check in is one of the most efficient ways to check in for your JAL flight. Available for most domestic and international flights, it allows travelers to complete check in from home, select or confirm their seats, and receive a mobile or printable boarding pass.

Opens: 24 hours before scheduled departure (for international flights)

Closes: 60 minutes before departure (for international); 20 minutes before departure (for domestic)

After checking in online, you can either print your boarding pass or save it on your mobile device. If you’re traveling with carry on baggage only, you may proceed directly to security. If you have checked luggage, head to the bag drop counter at the airport.

Note: Online check in is not available if:

Your flight is a code share operated by another airline.

You're traveling with infants, need special assistance, or have a complex itinerary.

Your ticket was issued manually (paper ticket or group booking).

2. Airport Counter Check In

JAL airport counters offer full service check in for both domestic and international flights. This option is best suited for passengers who:

Need to check in manually

Require help with visas or documentation

Are traveling with pets or special assistance

Are on itineraries involving multiple airlines or ticket complexities

International Flights:

Counter opens: 3 hours before scheduled departure

Counter closes: 60 minutes before departure (at most airports)

Domestic Flights within Japan:

Counter opens: Approximately 2 hours before departure

Counter closes: 30 minutes before flight (some rural airports may close earlier)

JAL recommends arriving at least 2.5 to 3 hours early for international flights and 90 minutes before domestic flights to avoid any last minute complications.

3. Self Service Kiosks

Available at major airports like Tokyo Haneda, Narita, Osaka Kansai, and others, Japan Airlines’ kiosks allow travelers to:

Check in

Select or change seats

Print boarding passes

Print baggage tags

Kiosks are typically available from the time the check in counters open (3 hours before departure) until 60 minutes prior to flight departure.

Best suited for:

Travelers with simple itineraries

Passengers who already checked in online but need to print documents

Those with checked baggage who want to speed up the bag drop process

4. Domestic Check In: Touch & Go Service

For flights within Japan, JAL offers a unique “Touch & Go” service. If you’ve checked in online and aren’t checking baggage, you can skip the check in counter entirely.

Simply head to security and scan your 2D barcode, mobile boarding pass, [1 86 655 111 86

or IC card (if you’re a JAL Mileage Bank member). This system is designed for ultimate speed and convenience.

Touch & Go Timeline:

Check in deadline: 20 minutes before departure

Gate arrival deadline: Be at your gate at least 10 minutes before departure

5. Baggage Drop: Know the Timing

Even if you check in online, if you have checked luggage, you must arrive early to use the baggage drop service.

International flights: Baggage must be checked in at least 60 minutes before departure

Domestic flights: Baggage cut off is typically 30 minutes prior to flight time

Summary of JAL Check In Timings

Flight Type Method Opens Closes

International Online / Mobile 24 hours before departure 60 minutes before departure

Airport Counter 3 hours before departure 60 minutes before departure

Kiosk 3 hours before departure 60 minutes before departure

Domestic (Japan) Online / Mobile 24 hours before departure 20 minutes before departure

Airport Counter 2 hours before departure 30 minutes before departure

Touch & Go N/A 20 minutes before departure

Travel Tips for a Smooth JAL Check In

Check Passport & Visa Requirements: Especially for international routes, ensure your travel documents are in order before you attempt online check in.

Download the JAL App: Offers easy access to your boarding pass, flight status, and last minute updates.

Arrive Early: Even if you’re checked in, reach the airport well in advance especially during holidays or peak seasons.

Use Touch & Go for Domestic Travel: It’s a highly efficient way to breeze through check in and reach your gate quickly.

Know Your Luggage Limits: Overweight or excess baggage could require additional time and payment at the counter.

Need Help? Contact JAL

If you encounter issues with check in, Japan Airlines offers customer support in multiple languages:

JAL International Reservations (English):

From Japan: [1 86 655 111 86

From overseas: check www.jal.co.jp for region specific numbers