Japan Airlines (JAL) is tackling Tokyo’s notoriously crowded public transport system with a new luggage delivery service, offering travelers a more convenient and less stressful arrival experience, CNN reports.
For a fee of 4,500 yen ($30) per bag, passengers arriving at Haneda Airport’s Terminal 3 can have their luggage delivered directly to their hotel within Tokyo.
The “Baggage-Free” service, available daily between 4 a.m. and 6 p.m., aims to alleviate congestion on Tokyo’s trains, buses, and subways, a growing concern as tourism surges following the pandemic. The service isn’t limited to JAL passengers; it’s open to all travelers and Japanese residents. However, delivery is currently restricted to hotels within 14 of Tokyo’s 23 wards, including popular tourist areas such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Chuo. JAL plans to expand the service area in the future.
“The service aims to address social issues such as congestion in public transportation and the shortage of storage lockers,” JAL stated in a press release. JAL flyers will receive an additional 50 frequent flyer points as a bonus for using the service.
The initiative comes at a time when Japan is grappling with the impact of overtourism. July 2024 saw a record-breaking 3.3 million foreign tourists visit the country, according to the Japanese National Tourism Organization (JNTO). Authorities are actively encouraging visitors to explore less-visited regions to distribute tourism more evenly.
This new luggage service isn’t JAL’s only recent effort to improve the travel experience. Earlier this year, the airline announced free connecting flights within Japan for passengers arriving from North America.
The latest news in your social feeds
Subscribe to our social media platforms to stay tuned