3 New Airport Entry & Airline Changes for Japan

New Airport Entry & Airline Changes for Japan

Planning a trip to Japan soon? Traveling just got easier with three important airport and airline updates.

You can now clear immigration faster, enjoy free domestic flights, and experience a newly upgraded airport terminal.

Here’s exactly how these new changes will make your Japan trip smoother, cheaper, and more enjoyable. 😊

1. New Japan Airport Immigration System

a. What’s New

Tokyo International Airport

  • One-Stop Entry: You can now clear immigration and customs in one go at Haneda, Narita, and Kansai airports.
  • Automated Kiosks: Simply scan your passport and QR code at the kiosk. It will also take your photo and fingerprints (for foreign travelers).
  • Express Lane for Customs: After the kiosk, use a dedicated express lane for customs where you’ll only need to show your passport to an officer.
  • No Paper Forms Needed: Complete immigration and customs forms online through Visit Japan Web before your trip. No more paper forms.

b. Who Can Use It

Visitor Heading to Immigration Counter

  • Tourists & Short-term Visitors: You can use the new system if you’re visiting short-term (tourism or business) and register online before arrival.
  • Japanese Citizens: You can use this too, but you’ll only have your photo taken (no fingerprints).
  • Not Eligible Travelers: If you’re living in Japan with a long-term visa (such as work or study), you can’t use these kiosks and need to visit the regular immigration counters.

c. How to Prepare Before Your Flight

  • Visa Check: Check if you need a visa or if your country is visa-exempt. Popular visa-exempt countries include the United States, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, and most European countries. If your country requires a visa, apply online before traveling.
Register on Visit Japan Web
Photo Credit: Visit Japan Web
  • Register on Visit Japan Web: Sign up online, enter your passport details, flight info, hotel address, and answer a few immigration and customs questions.
  • Get Your QR Code: After completing registration, save your QR code to your phone (screenshot recommended). You’ll use this at the airport.

d. What to Do at the Airport (Step-by-Step)

Kiosk at Airport
Photo Credit: NEC Global
  • At the Kiosk: Scan your passport, then scan your QR code, take your photo, and provide fingerprints.
  • Express Lane for Customs: After using the kiosk, proceed to the custom’s express lane. Simply show your passport to the customs officer to clear this step.
  • Pick Up Bags: Go to baggage claim and collect your luggage.

e. Where Is It Available

Baggage

  • Kansai Airport (Osaka): Available in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 for all international flights.
  • Haneda Airport (Tokyo): Available in Terminals 2 and 3 (international flights).
  • Narita Airport (Tokyo): Currently only in Terminal 3 (used mostly by budget airlines); Terminals 1 and 2 don’t have it yet.
  • Expansion Plans: Japan plans to introduce this system at all other international airports in the future.

2. JAL Free Domestic Flight Deal for Tourists

Japan Airlines

a. What’s the Deal

  • Free Domestic Flights: When you book a round-trip international flight with Japan Airlines (JAL), you get a free domestic round-trip flight within Japan.
  • Many Cities Available: You can choose from many domestic cities served by JAL.
  • Current Availability: The deal is currently ongoing, with no confirmed end date.

b. Who Is Eligible

  • International Travelers: You must travel from outside Japan on a round-trip flight booked with JAL.
  • Eligible Countries: Currently includes the US, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, India, China, and Taiwan.
  • Stay Updated: JAL might add more countries later, so check their website regularly.
  • Easy Eligibility: You don’t need special memberships; just book from an eligible country on a round-trip JAL flight.

c. How to Qualify

  • Book Together: Book your domestic flight along with your international JAL flight in a single reservation through JAL’s official site.
  • Round-Trip Required: This offer only applies if your international booking with JAL is round-trip.
  • Stopover Option: You can take your domestic flight immediately or spend a few days at your arrival city, as long as it’s booked together.

d. Fees to Note

  • Stopover Fee: If you’re coming from the US, Canada, Mexico, or China and spend over 24 hours in your arrival city before flying domestically, you’ll pay around $100 USD. Travelers from other eligible countries don’t pay this fee.
  • Small Taxes and Fees: The flight itself is free, but you might pay small airport taxes or fees, usually just a few dollars.
  • No Hidden Costs: Apart from minor taxes, there are no extra airline fees or charges for your domestic flight.

e. Baggage Allowance

  • Economy & Premium Economy: You can check two bags free, each weighing up to 23 kg (50 lbs).
  • Business & First Class: You can check three bags free, each up to 32 kg (70 lbs).

3. Kansai Airport Terminal 1 Reopens After Renovation

a. What’s New in Upgraded Terminal 1

Kansai Airport

  • More Space: The international terminal area is now 60% larger, and passenger capacity has doubled. This gives you more space to relax and move around comfortably.
  • Simpler Layout: Security and immigration have been combined into one central area, making it easier to find your way.
  • New Shops and Restaurants: Many new shopping and dining options have opened, including brands new to Kansai Airport.
  • Better Facilities: New automated boarding gates and a larger lounge area make your wait more comfortable and boarding quicker.

b. Streamlined Security and Immigration

Security and Immigration at Kansai Airport
Photo Credit: 関西国際空港
  • Central Security Check: Everyone now goes through a single, large security area, making it quicker and less confusing.
  • Faster Screening: Expanded security areas with new equipment mean shorter waiting times.
  • Automated Passport Gates: Electronic gates help speed up passport control for eligible travelers.
  • Roomier Immigration Area: Passport control is now in a bigger, more open space, helping lines move faster.
  • Duty-Free on Arrival: You can now shop duty-free immediately after passing customs when you arrive.

c. Enhanced Shopping and Dining

Duty-Free Area in Kansai Airport
Photo Credit: 関西国際空港
  • Walk-Through Duty-Free Area: After security, you’ll walk directly through a large duty-free shopping zone offering easy shopping.
  • Four Themed Shopping Zones: You’ll find four distinct shopping areas, including luxury brands, local products, everyday items, and family-friendly stores.
  • More Food Options: Plenty of new restaurants serve everything from local Japanese dishes like tempura and takoyaki, to international cafes.

d. Getting Around Inside the Airport

Easy-to-Understand Signs: Clear, English-language signs throughout the terminal make navigation straightforward.

4th Floor Map of Kansai Airport
Photo Credit: 関西国際空港
  • Check-in (4th Floor): All airline check-in counters are located here, clearly marked by airline names. You’ll also find information desks, baggage drop-off counters, and self-check-in kiosks to assist you.
3rd and 2nd Floor Map of Kansai Airport
Photo Credit: 関西国際空港
1st Floor Map of Kansai Airport
Photo Credit: 関西国際空港

Good to Know: Flying with Portable Chargers

a. Important Rules for Bringing Power Banks on Planes

Power Banks

  • Carry-On Only: You must pack power banks in your carry-on bags. They aren’t allowed in checked luggage.
  • Safety Reason: Airlines require this because power banks can overheat or catch fire. Crew members can quickly handle this in the cabin.

b. Power Bank Size Limits for Flying

  • Up to 100 Wh (around 26,800 mAh or less): Allowed without special permission.
  • 100–160 Wh: You need to ask your airline first, and typically only two are allowed per person.
  • Above 160 Wh: Not allowed at all on flights.
  • Check Capacity Easily: Find the “Wh” rating on the power bank label or calculate it yourself (mAh × Voltage ÷ 1000).

c. Current Airline Rules for Using Power Banks Onboard

i. Airlines Banning Use or Charging of Power Banks Onboard

Singapore Airlines

  • Singapore Airlines & Scoot
  • Thai Airways
  • AirAsia
  • Malaysia Airlines
  • EVA Air
  • China Airlines
  • Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Air Busan
  • Cathay Pacific, HK Express & Hong Kong Airlines

ii. Airlines Banning Storage in Overhead Bins

Cathay Pacific

  • Cathay Pacific: Power banks must stay with you at your seat.
  • Korean Air & Asiana Airlines: Keep power banks at your seat, not in overhead compartments.

iii. Major U.S. Airlines Rules (Delta, American, United)

United Airlines

  • Allowed for charging your devices onboard.
  • Charging the power bank itself onboard (plugging it into plane outlets) isn’t permitted.

iv. General Guidelines (Other Major Airlines)

Emirates

  • Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways, Qantas: Allow power banks only in hand luggage. They strongly advise not charging power banks during the flight.

d. Safety Tips When Traveling with Your Power Bank

  • Always Carry-On: Only pack power banks in your hand luggage.
  • Protect Your Power Bank: Use a pouch or case to prevent contact with metal objects.
  • Keep Handy: Store your power bank with you or under your seat.
  • No Charging Onboard: Don’t recharge your power bank using airplane power outlets.
  • Use When Needed: Only use power banks when necessary, and never leave them unattended during charging.
  • Report Issues Immediately: Tell cabin crew if your power bank overheats, swells, smokes, or has a strange smell.

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