Imagine that feeling of excitement as you finally disembark from the plane onto Japanese soil, on your family trip that you’ve probably been planning for months. You can hardly wait – nor do you have the time to dawdle with so many must-visit spots packed back-to-back on your week-long itinerary. All you have to do is get through immigration and drop off your luggage at your hotel – but then you realize how it’ll take hours to get to the city center from the airport, and just how crowded transportation would be with other travellers carrying bigger loads of luggage than yours. Plus by the time the fun can finally begin, it’s either too late into the day and/or you’re already exhausted from having to navigate the overcrowded stations to recover your enthusiasm. That’s where JAL’s (Japan Airlines) airport baggage delivery service swoops in to take the load off of you, regardless if you’re flying with JAL. Particularly, its newest offer of “same-day delivery service,” set up to reduce congestion on public transportation, might just be the most convenient option for those traveling to Tokyo.
JAL aircraft – Photo Credit: Japan Airlines official website
Why should you use this same-day delivery service?
Limited to those staying in a hotel and arriving at Haneda Airport’s Terminal 3, including Japanese residents, this service strives to deliver your bags to your accommodation by the end of the day. For a flat rate of 4,500 yen per suitcase, regardless of size, you can have it delivered to your hotel and enjoy your Japan journey straight away from day one. Ultimately skipping the burden of having to carry your things everywhere you go.
It’s especially recommended for big families and those carrying around multiple large, heavy suitcases, considering it’s far easier than having to ride a big taxi or two to central districts like Shinjuku. And much more affordable than having to pay eight hundred yen per station locker before you’re finally allowed to check in at your hotel.
Using this service, you can check in your luggage by 4 p.m. and have it delivered to your hotel by 8 p.m. For those arriving later, you can apply for the service at 6 p.m., the latest for a delivery time of 10 p.m. Not to mention, the service delivers to 14 out of Tokyo’s 23 wards, including the popular areas of Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Chuo (where Ginza is located).
Immigration at Haneda Airport Terminal 3 – Photo Credit: Haneda Airport official website
How do you use this service?
Simply head for the JAL ABC (airport baggage delivery service counter) at the arrival lobby of Terminal 3, located just past customs. Scan the 2D barcode on the poster in front of the counter and make your reservation and payment. Upon completing your application, issue a baggage sticker from the machine next to the poster and stick it onto your suitcase. Check your baggage in at the counter and feel free to head for the first destination on your bucket list.
What other luggage delivery services are available if you’re not arriving at Haneda?
JAL also offers a more inclusive “hands-free travel” service, with reasonable rates that change depending on the luggage size and desired delivery address. It’s available at 4 airports, including Haneda, Narita, Kansai International Airport, and Chubu International Airport. Moreover, it’s possible to send your luggage to lodging facilities other than a hotel such as inns, Airbnbs, and rented apartments as long as you can provide an address and phone number.
Same-day delivery is guaranteed for those staying in select hotels in the Tokyo Bay area (Odaiba, Ariake, Maihama, and Shin-Urayasu), and who’ve checked in their luggage by 1 p.m. For other areas and accommodations, you’re able to select a date and time frame but note that delivery might only be possible from the next day onwards.
Narita Airport Terminal 1 – Photo Credit: ©NARITA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CORPORATION
Where can you apply for this hands-free travel service?
You can find the JAL ABC counter at the arrival lobby of:
- Haneda’s Terminal 3
- Narita’s Terminal 1 and 2
- Kansai’s Terminal 1
- Chubu’s Terminal 1
Note that you can only apply for this service by going to the counter upon arrival if you’re looking to send luggage from the airport to a specified address. If you want to send luggage to the airport before you depart from Japan or apply for both-way delivery (from airport to hotel upon arrival, plus hotel to airport before departure), then you’ll have to call the Reservation Center beforehand using the following numbers:
Toll-Free: 0120-981-250
From cellular phone (TEL): 03-3545-1166
JAL ABC counter – Photo Credit: JAL ABC official website
How do you use this service?
In the case of sending luggage from the airport to your accommodation, simply go to the JAL ABC counter at the specified terminal and fill out the delivery form.
The important information you’ll have to provide includes:
- zip code
- delivery address
- telephone number of the delivery location
- name of the person picking up the luggage (presumably yourself)
If you’re staying at a hotel or other lodging facility, then you’ll also be expected to provide your check-in date. If you’re unsure about any of the specific details, the staff will be able to look up the above-required information. There will be English-speaking staff on hand to help you with your reservation. And don’t forget to show your JAL/JMB card for that mileage accumulation if you’re a member.
A person carrying multiple luggages – Photo Credit: JAL ABC official website
What are the luggage requirements?
The maximum size of a piece of luggage must be a total (sum of its height, width, and depth) of 260cm and have a maximum weight of 50kg. The exception for this is if you’re sending to Okinawa from any of the above airports, in which case a maximum of 160cm and 30kg are applied instead. In addition to regular luggage, you can use the service to deliver golf bags, skis, and snowboards, for which the size limit of 160cm is also applied.
How much is the delivery fee?
The fee varies depending on 3 factors:
- the size and weight of the luggage
- the airport where the luggage is going to be sent from
- the delivery/pick-up area (Kanto, Kansai, etc.)
JAL ABC’s website displays the full pricing chart, but users can expect to pay between 1,950-8,570 yen (again, depending on the luggage size) from either Narita or Haneda to a delivery address in the Kanto area (Tokyo, Chiba, Yokohama, etc.).
An aerial view of Tokyo Tower and surrounding buildings – Photo Credit: Japan Airlines official website
Time and money become especially valuable when you’re travelling abroad, so save yourself the hassle of lugging your baggage all the way to the hotel and get right into the fun part: sightseeing. With reasonable rates and a trustworthy delivery system, apply for either of JAL’s delivery services and make use of these airports’ close proximity to popular destinations. Drop off all your baggage and head directly for Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Disney Resort, or Universal Studios for a completely stress-free, fun-filled day. Thanks to JAL, travel has never been more easier than it is today!
Featured Photo Credit: Haneda Airport official website
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