JAL now allows pets in the cabin! Japan’s first pet-only flight takes off

▲A few weeks ago, Japan Airlines' first pet charter flight took off from Narita Airport bound for Kagoshima in the southwest. (Photo / Screenshot from YouTube)

By Rita

Japan has now allowed pets to fly in the cabin, so owners no longer need to worry about childcare for their furry friends when traveling, nor about their anxiety in the cargo hold. Because now, owners and pets can fly together in the same space.

According to the UK’s Daily Mail, Japan Airlines' first "doggy" charter flight took off a few weeks ago from Narita Airport, heading southwest to Kagoshima. On this tour, owners and their dogs flew together on a roughly two-hour flight.

The airline stated that flying with pets on domestic routes will be an important market in the future. The pet market in Japan has great potential — there are approximately over 12 million pet dogs in Japan alone. Following the announcement of animal-friendly flights last December, 60 people and 30 dogs have already made reservations.

However, flying with dogs doesn’t mean they can roam freely in the cabin. Instead, they are kept in cages secured to window seats, with a veterinarian accompanying them throughout the flight.