Is Japan Airlines (JAL) Family Friendly? A Complete Guide for Travelling Parents

Travelling internationally with kids can be stressful, especially when you’re facing a long-haul flight to Japan. From keeping little ones entertained to getting everyone comfortable enough to sleep, choosing the right airline can make a big difference to your family travel experience.

So, is Japan Airlines (JAL) family-friendly?

In our experience, absolutely. We’ve flown Japan Airlines with our kids several times, and we’ve consistently appreciated the attentive cabin crew, comfortable and quiet cabin, and the way our children have been treated throughout the flight. We’ve also found that our kids tend to sleep surprisingly well on JAL’s long-haul flights, which makes a big difference when travelling across the Pacific.

Of course, no airline is perfect for every family. Ticket prices, seat availability and the amenities offered on your particular flight are all worth considering before booking.

In this Japan Airlines family review, we’ll share our firsthand experience flying JAL with kids, covering family seating, infant and bassinet options, children’s meals, in-flight entertainment, onboard service and the potential downsides. If you’re planning a family trip to Japan, here’s what to know before deciding whether JAL is the right airline for you.

Why We Like Flying Japan Airlines With Kids

When you’re travelling internationally with children, the little things can make a big difference. A helpful flight attendant, a comfortable cabin and feeling that your kids are welcome can make a long flight much less stressful for the whole family.

That’s one of the reasons we’ve enjoyed flying Japan Airlines (JAL) with our kids. We’ve had a consistently positive experience with the cabin crew, and we’ve never felt that bringing children onboard was an inconvenience. Instead, we’ve appreciated the helpful, attentive service we’ve received throughout our flights.

Another thing we like about JAL is the overall atmosphere onboard. The cabins have generally felt quiet and comfortable, which is especially valuable when you’re trying to get young children settled down for a long-haul flight. Our kids have also tended to sleep really well on JAL, making those long journeys to Japan a little easier for everyone.

We also appreciate the small touches that help keep children occupied and comfortable during a flight. While the exact amenities and services can vary depending on the aircraft and route, our experience has been that JAL is a strong option for families looking for a comfortable, relaxed journey to Japan.

Of course, a good family flight experience depends on more than friendly service. Seat assignments, children’s meals, entertainment and infant amenities all matter when you’re travelling with kids. Let’s look at what families should know before booking. 

Flying Japan Airlines With Babies and Toddlers

Flying long-haul with a baby or toddler comes with a different set of challenges. Between feeding times, naps, nappy changes and keeping little ones comfortable, knowing what an airline offers families can make planning your trip much easier.

Japan Airlines provides several services for families travelling with infants and young children, including bassinets on eligible flights, child seats and baby food options. However, some services require advance reservations, and availability can vary depending on your flight.

Can Babies Sit on Your Lap on Japan Airlines?

Yes. On JAL-operated international flights, infants under two can generally travel on a parent’s lap or occupy their own reserved seat, subject to the airline’s requirements.

If your baby travels on your lap, an infant fare generally applies. If you want your child to have their own seat, you’ll need to purchase a ticket at the applicable child fare and follow JAL’s child-seat requirements.

Infants must be at least eight days old to fly on JAL-operated international flights. If you’re travelling with a baby, check the applicable rules when booking, particularly if you’re connecting with another airline, as its policies may differ.

Does Japan Airlines Have Baby Bassinets?

Yes, and a bassinet can be a particularly useful option on a long-haul flight to Japan.

JAL offers bassinets for babies under two who weigh up to 10.5 kg. The bassinet measures approximately 72 cm long, 30 cm wide and 15 cm deep, so it’s worth checking whether your baby will fit comfortably before relying on one for your journey.

There are a few important things to know:

• Reserve in advance: Contact JAL to request a bassinet after booking your flight.
• Availability is limited: A bassinet cannot be guaranteed on every flight, even if you request one.
• Check your aircraft and route: The available services depend on the operating airline and flight.

If you think you’ll need a bassinet, I recommend contacting JAL as early as possible rather than waiting until check-in. Even if your baby is small enough to use one, availability is limited.

Can You Use a Child Car Seat on Japan Airlines?

If you’d prefer your young child to have their own seat, JAL has options for using an approved child safety seat onboard.

You may be able to bring your own child seat, provided it meets JAL’s requirements and is approved for use on the aircraft. JAL also offers child-seat rental on eligible flights, subject to availability and advance arrangements.

Don’t assume that every car seat can be used onboard simply because it’s approved for use in a car. Check JAL’s requirements and contact the airline before your departure to confirm that your particular seat can be used.

What Baby Supplies Does JAL Provide?

JAL also offers some practical services for families travelling with babies and toddlers. Depending on the flight and availability, these can include baby food, disposable diapers and small children’s giveaway toys.

These extras can be helpful, but I wouldn’t rely on the airline to supply everything your child needs. Bring enough of your usual essentials, including formula or milk, familiar snacks, nappies, wipes, spare clothing and anything your baby needs to settle down for a nap.

Our family tip: If you’re travelling to Japan with a baby or toddler, sort out any special seating requests well before departure. Having a plan for sleeping, feeding and changing your child can make a long-haul journey feel much more manageable.ively check on families using bassinets, helping with setup and ensuring babies are comfortable. Feel free to ask for extra blankets if you think your infant will be cold on the flight. 

Family Seating on Japan Airlines

One of the biggest concerns when booking flights with children is whether your family will be seated together. When you’re facing a long-haul flight to Japan, having your kids beside you can make the journey much less stressful.

In our experience, Japan Airlines has been a comfortable airline to fly with our family. However, it’s important to understand how seat selection works before booking, especially if you’re travelling with young children.

Does Japan Airlines Seat Families Together?

JAL allows passengers to select seats in advance on eligible flights, which is the best way to try to secure seats together. However, advance seat selection depends on your fare, flight and the seats available, so you shouldn’t assume that every seat will be available when you book.

If sitting together is important to your family, I recommend checking the seat map as soon as you make your reservation and selecting adjacent seats where possible. If you can’t find suitable seats, contact JAL to ask about your options.

JAL also has specific seating requirements for infants travelling in their own seats. For example, an infant occupying a separate seat must sit next to an accompanying adult, rather than across the aisle. These rules are particularly important to check when travelling with babies.

Keep in mind that flights operated by partner airlines may have different seating policies, even if you’ve booked through JAL.

Are Bulkhead Seats Worth It When Flying With Kids?

Bulkhead seats can be worth considering when travelling with a baby or toddler. Depending on the aircraft layout, these seats may offer additional space in front of you and may be the designated locations for bassinets.

However, bulkhead seats aren’t automatically the best choice for every family. Bassinet positions are limited, some seats may have different storage arrangements, and availability depends on the aircraft and booking conditions.

If you’re hoping to use a bassinet, contact JAL after booking to request one and confirm the seating arrangements for your flight.

Is Economy Class Comfortable for Families?

For our family, comfort is about more than legroom. It’s also about having a cabin where the kids can settle down, enjoy their entertainment and hopefully get some sleep.

We’ve found JAL’s long-haul flights comfortable for our family, and our kids tend to sleep particularly well onboard. That makes a real difference when you’re flying across the Pacific and want everyone to arrive in Japan ready to start exploring.

If you’re comparing flights, take a look at the aircraft and seating configuration for your specific route rather than assuming every JAL plane offers exactly the same experience.

Our family tip: Don’t leave seat selection until the last minute. Check your options when you book, review them again before departure and contact JAL directly if you have concerns about sitting with your children.

Family Seating on Japan Airlines

One of the biggest concerns when booking flights with children is whether your family will be seated together. When you’re facing a long-haul flight to Japan, having your kids beside you can make the journey much less stressful.

In our experience, Japan Airlines has been a comfortable airline to fly with our family. However, it’s important to understand how seat selection works before booking, especially if you’re travelling with young children.

Does Japan Airlines Seat Families Together?

JAL allows passengers to select seats in advance on eligible flights, which is the best way to try to secure seats together. However, advance seat selection depends on your fare, flight and the seats available, so you shouldn’t assume that every seat will be available when you book.

If sitting together is important to your family, I recommend checking the seat map as soon as you make your reservation and selecting adjacent seats where possible. If you can’t find suitable seats, contact JAL to ask about your options.

JAL also has specific seating requirements for infants travelling in their own seats. For example, an infant occupying a separate seat must sit next to an accompanying adult, rather than across the aisle. These rules are particularly important to check when travelling with babies.

Keep in mind that flights operated by partner airlines may have different seating policies, even if you’ve booked through JAL.

Are Bulkhead Seats Worth It When Flying With Kids?

Bulkhead seats can be worth considering when travelling with a baby or toddler. Depending on the aircraft layout, these seats may offer additional space in front of you and may be the designated locations for bassinets.

However, bulkhead seats aren’t automatically the best choice for every family. Bassinet positions are limited, some seats may have different storage arrangements, and availability depends on the aircraft and booking conditions.

If you’re hoping to use a bassinet, contact JAL after booking to request one and confirm the seating arrangements for your flight.

Is Economy Class Comfortable for Families?

For our family, comfort is about more than legroom. It’s also about having a cabin where the kids can settle down, enjoy their entertainment and hopefully get some sleep.

We’ve found JAL’s long-haul flights comfortable for our family, and our kids tend to sleep particularly well onboard. That makes a real difference when you’re flying across the Pacific and want everyone to arrive in Japan ready to start exploring.

If you’re comparing flights, take a look at the aircraft and seating configuration for your specific route rather than assuming every JAL plane offers exactly the same experience.

Our family tip: Don’t leave seat selection until the last minute. Check your options when you book, review them again before departure and contact JAL directly if you have concerns about sitting with your children.

Japan Airlines’ Onboard Service: A Big Plus for Families

For us, one of the biggest positives of flying Japan Airlines with kids has been the onboard service. When you’re travelling with young children, having a helpful cabin crew can make a noticeable difference, particularly on a long-haul flight when everyone is getting tired.

We’ve had positive experiences with JAL’s cabin crew on our family trips. We’ve never felt that having children onboard was an inconvenience, and we’ve appreciated the helpful attitude of the staff throughout our journeys. That reassurance matters when you’re juggling bags, snacks, entertainment and the many little things that come with travelling as a family.

What Is JAL’s Service Like for Families?

One thing we appreciate about JAL is the attentive service. Flight attendants have been helpful when we’ve needed assistance, and we’ve found the overall experience comfortable and welcoming for our family.

Of course, the exact service you receive will depend on your flight and the crew working that day. However, our own experiences have been consistently positive, which is one reason we’d be happy to fly JAL with our kids again.

Small gestures can go a long way when you’re travelling with children. Whether it’s getting settled into your seats, sorting out something you need during the flight or simply feeling comfortable asking for help, a considerate crew can make the journey feel less daunting.

Does Japan Airlines Provide Toys for Children?

JAL offers children’s amenities on some flights, which may include small giveaway toys. These can be a welcome surprise for younger passengers, although the items available can vary by route and flight.

I wouldn’t count on airline-provided toys to keep your kids entertained for the entire journey, so it’s still worth packing a few familiar activities, books or small toys in your carry-on luggage.

Why Good Service Matters on a Long-Haul Flight

When you’re flying from Vancouver to Japan with children, you’re looking at many hours onboard. Even when everything goes smoothly, kids can get restless, tired or uncomfortable, and parents have plenty to think about.

For our family, having a positive experience with the cabin crew has been an important part of making those flights manageable. We’ve felt comfortable travelling with our children on JAL, and that contributes to why the airline remains one of our preferred options for getting to Japan.

Our family takeaway: Friendly, helpful service won’t eliminate every challenge of flying with kids, but it can make a long journey feel much easier. Based on our experience, JAL has done a good job of making our family feel welcome onboard.

Japan Airlines Kids’ Meals and Food Options

Food is another important consideration when flying with children, especially on a long-haul journey to Japan. If your kids are fussy eaters or aren’t quite ready to try unfamiliar dishes, having a meal they’ll enjoy can make the flight a little easier.

Japan Airlines offers special meals for babies and children on eligible international flights. We’ve found it helpful to plan ahead rather than assume our kids will want to eat everything served onboard.

Does Japan Airlines Offer Kids’ Meals?

Yes. JAL offers child meals for children aged two and older, as well as separate baby meal options for younger passengers on eligible international flights.

The airline’s child meals are available to request in advance, but the exact food can vary depending on the route and departure airport. If your children have particular preferences, it’s worth checking the available menu before your trip.

How Do You Order a Child’s Meal on JAL?

You can request a child or baby meal when making your booking or through JAL’s booking management service.

One important tip: make your request at least 25 hours before your scheduled departure. JAL’s published deadline applies to eligible JAL-operated international flights. Special meals may not be available on codeshare flights operated by other airlines, so check the arrangements if your itinerary includes a connecting flight.

I’d recommend arranging your children’s meals as soon as you book rather than leaving it until the day before departure.

Should You Bring Your Own Snacks on a JAL Flight?

Even when you’ve ordered a child meal, I’d still recommend bringing a few familiar snacks in your carry-on luggage.

Kids can get hungry between meal services, and a long flight isn’t always the best time to introduce unfamiliar foods. Having some snacks they already enjoy can be reassuring, particularly if they’re tired or feeling a little unsettled.

We also find it useful to pack spill-proof water bottles, small treats and a few easy-to-eat snacks for the journey. Just remember to follow airport security rules and any applicable restrictions on bringing food into your destination.

What About Babies and Toddlers?

If you’re flying with a baby, JAL offers baby food and baby meal options on eligible international flights. The airline also has different options for younger babies and older infants, so check the menu and age guidance when arranging your booking.

Even if you request a baby meal, bring enough of your child’s usual food or formula for the journey. Having familiar supplies

Japan Airlines In-Flight Entertainment for Kids

Keeping children entertained on a long-haul flight can be a challenge, particularly when you’re travelling to Japan from North America. Even kids who are usually happy watching movies or playing games can get restless when they’re sitting in the same seat for hours.

Fortunately, Japan Airlines offers in-flight entertainment on many international flights, including movies, television programmes and other content suitable for younger passengers. The exact selection depends on the aircraft and route, so it’s worth checking the options available for your particular flight.

What Can Kids Watch on Japan Airlines?

JAL’s entertainment system offers a selection of movies and television programmes, with family-friendly options available on many flights. Depending on the current lineup, children may find animated films, children’s programmes and other shows to help pass the time.

One thing our kids enjoy about travelling to Japan is discovering Japanese cartoons. They’ve enjoyed watching familiar favourites such as Pokémon, Anpanman and Crayon Shin-Chan, which can make the flight feel like part of the adventure rather than simply a long journey to get there.

Of course, the available programmes change, and you shouldn’t assume a particular show will be offered on your flight. If your children have a favourite, it’s best to have a backup plan.

Should You Bring a Tablet on a JAL Flight?

Absolutely. Even when an airline has a good entertainment system, we recommend bringing a tablet loaded with your children’s favourite movies, shows and games.

We like having a few familiar options ready, particularly for moments when the kids have watched enough of the onboard selection or want something different. Downloading content before leaving home also means you won’t need an internet connection to keep the entertainment going.

A few things worth packing include:

• A tablet with downloaded shows and movies for offline viewing.
• Child-friendly headphones that fit comfortably and let kids hear their programmes without disturbing other passengers.
• Small toys, colouring books or activity books for a break from screens.
• A few new activities to bring out when boredom starts to set in.

It’s also worth checking your device’s battery life and bringing a suitable charging cable. Don’t assume that every aircraft has the same power outlets or charging options.

Our Family Tip for Keeping Kids Entertained

We find it’s best not to rely on screens alone. A mix of onboard entertainment, downloaded shows, snacks, small activities and opportunities to sleep gives children a few different ways to pass the time.

For our family, JAL’s entertainment is a useful part of the overall experience, but having our own backup options makes long-haul travel more predictable.

Our family takeaway: JAL provides useful entertainment options for children on many international flights, but packing a tablet with familiar, downloaded content is still one of our best tips for flying to Japan with kids.

Cabin Cleanliness and Comfort on Japan Airlines

When you’re travelling with children, a clean and comfortable cabin is more than a nice bonus. Little ones touch everything, drop things on the floor and sometimes spend much of the flight moving between their seats and their parents’ laps. Having a cabin that feels clean and well-maintained can make the journey more comfortable for everyone.

On our JAL flights, we’ve generally found the cabin environment comfortable, which adds to our positive experience travelling with the kids. Combined with the attentive service and the fact that our children tend to sleep well onboard, it helps make long-haul flights feel more manageable.

A Few Practical Tips for Parents

Even when an aircraft looks clean, it’s worth bringing a few essentials to make travelling with young children easier:

• Pack sanitizing wipes for tray tables and other frequently touched surfaces.
• Bring a change of clothes for your child in your carry-on bag, especially on long-haul flights.
• Keep a small bag of essentials handy, including tissues, wipes and anything you might need during the flight.
• Bring a familiar comfort item, such as a small blanket or soft toy, to help your child settle down.

If your toddler likes to move around, remember that the cabin is a shared space. Keep them safely close to you and follow the crew’s instructions, particularly when the seat-belt sign is on.

Our family takeaway: JAL’s comfortable cabin environment is another positive in our experience flying with kids. A few simple items in your carry-on can also help you feel prepared for the messier moments of family travel.m clean!

Boarding, Strollers and Getting Settled on Japan Airlines

Getting everyone through the airport and settled on the plane is one of the less glamorous parts of travelling with kids. Between carry-on bags, snacks, jackets and keeping track of little ones, a little extra time can make a big difference.

Japan Airlines offers several services to help families travelling with young children, including priority boarding for families with small children and stroller assistance at selected airports.

Does Japan Airlines Offer Priority Boarding for Families?

Yes. JAL’s international boarding procedures include pre-boarding for passengers travelling with small children. If you’d like to board early, let a staff member at the boarding gate know.

This can give you more time to get everyone settled, organise your carry-on bags and make sure your children’s essentials are within reach before the rest of the passengers board.

I’d recommend having your boarding passes ready and keeping anything you’ll need during the flight in an easily accessible bag. Once you’re onboard, you don’t want to be searching through the overhead bin for snacks, headphones or a favourite toy.

Can You Bring a Stroller on Japan Airlines?

Yes. JAL allows families to check a baby stroller free of charge on its international flights. However, whether you can use your own stroller all the way to the boarding gate depends on the departure airport, so check with the airport staff when you check in.

JAL encourages passengers to check strollers because cabin storage space is limited. Checked strollers are returned as quickly as possible after arrival, although the exact arrangements can vary.

If you’d prefer to have a stroller available at the airport, JAL also offers a free airport stroller-lending service at selected locations, including Haneda, Narita, Kansai and Chubu Centrair international airports, as well as London Heathrow. Availability is limited, so don’t rely on this service without checking first.

Our Tips for a Smoother Boarding Experience

When travelling with kids, we find that a little preparation goes a long way. Here are a few things worth doing before boarding:

• Keep essentials handy: Pack snacks, wipes, headphones, entertainment and a change of clothes in a bag you can reach easily.
• Use family pre-boarding: Ask the gate staff about boarding early if you’re travelling with small children.
• Check stroller arrangements: Confirm whether your stroller can go to the gate or needs to be checked at the counter.
• Visit the washroom before boarding: It’s easier to take care of last-minute needs before everyone is seated.
• Allow extra time: Getting through the airport with children often takes longer than expected, so avoid cutting your arrival time too close.

Our family tip: Make boarding as straightforward as possible by preparing your bags before you reach the gate. Having everything you need close at hand makes those first few minutes onboard much less stressful.once you land, your stroller will be waiting for you as soon as you step off the plane. 

Is Japan Airlines Good for Long-Haul Flights With Kids?

Flying from Vancouver to Japan is a long journey, and when you’re travelling with children, getting some sleep can make a huge difference. Keeping kids comfortable and entertained for hours is one thing, but helping them settle down and rest is often the real challenge.

For our family, Japan Airlines has been a great option for long-haul travel. One thing we’ve noticed over our trips is that our kids tend to sleep really well on JAL flights. We can’t say exactly why, but we’ve found the overall cabin environment comfortable, and our children have generally settled down well during the journey.

What Makes JAL a Good Option for Long-Haul Family Travel?

There are a few things we appreciate when flying JAL with our kids:

• A comfortable cabin: Being comfortable in your seat matters when you’re spending many hours in the air, especially when children are trying to nap.
• Attentive onboard service: We’ve had positive experiences with the cabin crew, which helps us feel more relaxed when travelling as a family.
• In-flight entertainment: Movies and children’s programmes give kids something to enjoy when they’re awake.
• Food options for children: Requesting a child meal in advance can help make mealtimes more predictable.
• A generally relaxed experience: Our positive experiences onboard have made JAL an airline we’re happy to consider for future family trips to Japan.

Of course, every child is different. Some children sleep easily on planes, while others struggle with unfamiliar surroundings, cabin noise or time-zone changes. We wouldn’t assume that choosing a particular airline guarantees a good night’s sleep.

Our Tips for Helping Kids Sleep on a Long-Haul Flight

Even when you’re flying with an airline you like, a little preparation helps. We recommend packing familiar comfort items, comfortable layers of clothing and anything your children normally need to settle down at bedtime.

It can also help to bring a favourite soft toy, a small blanket if permitted, and headphones or entertainment for the periods when your kids aren’t ready to sleep. Try to keep essential items within easy reach rather than packed away in the overhead bin.

Our family verdict: We’ve had very positive experiences flying long-haul with JAL, and the fact that our kids tend to sleep well onboard is a major plus for us. If you’re planning a family trip from North America to Japan, JAL is certainly an airline we’d consider.

The Downsides of Flying Japan Airlines With Kids

Although we’ve had great experiences flying Japan Airlines with our kids, JAL isn’t necessarily the perfect choice for every family. Before booking, there are a few potential drawbacks worth considering, particularly if you’re trying to keep your travel budget under control or want the most convenient arrival airport in Tokyo.

Japan Airlines Can Be More Expensive

One of the biggest things to consider is the ticket price. Depending on your travel dates, route and fare type, JAL may cost more than some alternative airlines.

For a family of four, even a relatively small difference in the price of each ticket can add up quickly. If you’re travelling during school holidays or peak seasons, it’s worth comparing several airlines before committing to a booking.

That said, we believe the overall experience matters, too. We’ve enjoyed JAL’s onboard service, comfortable cabin and family-friendly experience, so we’d be happy to consider paying more for JAL if the price difference made sense for our trip.

Ultimately, whether it’s worth the extra cost comes down to your budget and priorities.

Bassinets and Family Seating Aren’t Guaranteed

Although JAL offers useful services for families, some amenities are limited. Bassinets must be requested in advance, and availability isn’t guaranteed. Likewise, selecting seats together depends on the seats available and the conditions of your booking.

If you’re travelling with a baby or young children, don’t assume that every family service will automatically be available on your flight. Contact JAL early if you have specific requirements, and check the details for your particular aircraft and route.

Narita or Haneda: Which Tokyo Airport Is Better for Families?

Another important consideration is where you’ll land in Tokyo.

JAL operates flights to both Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND), depending on your departure city, route and travel dates. It’s important to check the arrival airport before booking because the two airports offer different levels of convenience depending on where you’re staying.

Haneda is generally more convenient for reaching central Tokyo, while Narita is considerably farther away. If you’re arriving with tired children, luggage and possibly a stroller after a long-haul flight, the additional ground transportation can make a difference.

Narita is still perfectly manageable for families. You can travel into Tokyo by train or airport limousine bus, and the best option will depend on your hotel location, luggage and children’s ages.

If you’re flying into Narita, our Narita Express review explains what to expect when travelling into Tokyo by train.

Should You Choose JAL or ANA for a Family Trip to Japan?

JAL isn’t the only Japanese airline worth considering. All Nippon Airways (ANA) is another strong option, and we’ve found it useful to compare the two when planning our family trips.

Rather than assuming one airline is always better, compare the actual flights available for your dates. Look at the fare, arrival airport, flight schedule, seating options and amenities that matter most to your family.

You can also read our JAL vs ANA: Which Airline Is Better to Fly With Kids? comparison for a more detailed look at how the two airlines compare.

Our takeaway: The main drawbacks to consider are the price and the fact that some family amenities require advance arrangements. Neither has stopped us from enjoying our JAL flights, but they’re worth weighing up before you book. Flying with ANA (All Nippon Airways) is a good way to land at Haneda Airport. This airport is located right in central Tokyo, and you are minutes away from Shinjuku and Shibuya. 

Japan Airlines Free Domestic Flights

Final Verdict: Is Japan Airlines Family Friendly?

Absolutely, it is one of our preferred airlines whenever we fly to Japan. Not only is the service great, but JAL offers amazing food, a quiet, comfortable cabin, and free domestic flights to other Japanese destinations. 

While we love using our Japan Rail Pass and riding on the trains there, flying domestically for free was an incredible value. 

Who is JAL best suited for? 

• Families travelling with infants or toddlers
  
• Parents on long-haul international flights
  
• Travellers who want a quiet, comfortable flying experience
  
• Families visiting Japan for the first time and looking to see multiple cities and regions

Final Verdict: Is Japan Airlines Family Friendly?

After flying Japan Airlines with our kids several times, JAL remains one of our favourite options for travelling to Japan as a family.

What stands out most to us is the overall experience. We’ve appreciated the helpful cabin crew, comfortable cabin and the fact that our kids tend to sleep really well on JAL’s long-haul flights. We’ve never felt that having children onboard was a burden, and that goes a long way when you’re facing a long journey across the Pacific.

JAL also offers practical services for families, including children’s meals, infant bassinets on eligible flights and priority boarding for families with small children. Some services require advance reservations, so it’s worth checking the details before you travel.

Of course, JAL won’t be the right choice for every family. Ticket prices can be higher than some alternatives, and you’ll need to plan ahead if you want to select seats together or request a bassinet. It’s also worth checking whether your flight arrives at Haneda or Narita when planning the journey into Tokyo.

For our family, though, the combination of comfortable long-haul travel and attentive service makes JAL an airline we’d happily fly again.

So, is Japan Airlines good for families? Based on our experience, yes. If you’re planning a trip to Japan with children and find a flight that suits your budget and schedule, JAL is well worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flying Japan Airlines With Kids

Is Japan Airlines family friendly?

Yes. In our experience, JAL has been a great airline for family travel. We’ve appreciated the helpful cabin crew, comfortable cabin and the fact that our kids tend to sleep well on long-haul flights. JAL also offers family services such as children’s meals, bassinets on eligible flights and priority boarding for families with small children.

Does Japan Airlines seat families together?

JAL allows advance seat selection on eligible flights, subject to availability and fare conditions. If sitting together is important, select seats as early as possible and contact JAL if you can’t find suitable options. Adjacent seating isn’t guaranteed in every situation, so check your booking details before departure.

Does Japan Airlines offer kids’ meals?

Yes. JAL offers child meals and baby meals on eligible international flights. You must request these in advance, generally at least 25 hours before departure. Availability can vary by route, and meals may not be offered on flights operated by other airlines.

Does Japan Airlines provide bassinets for babies?

Yes. JAL offers bassinets on eligible international flights for babies weighing up to 10.5 kg. You must reserve them in advance, and availability is limited, so request one as early as possible. A request doesn’t guarantee that a bassinet will be available.

Is Japan Airlines worth the price for a family?

We think JAL is worth considering if comfort, onboard service and a positive long-haul experience are priorities for your family. However, whether it’s worth paying more depends on your budget, travel dates and the alternatives available. Compare the total cost, arrival airport, flight schedule and family amenities before booking.