JCAB

The Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), a division of Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), is the regulatory agency responsible for overseeing and developing civil aviation in Japan. Its jurisdiction covers the entire Japanese territory and its associated airspace. Key responsibilities of the JCAB include:

• Aviation Safety: Establishing and enforcing safety standards for aircraft, flight operations, maintenance, and personnel training.
• Operational Regulation: Setting rules for airlines, airport operators, and air traffic control.
• Licensing: Issuing and renewing licenses for pilots, air traffic controllers, mechanics, and other aeronautical professionals.
• Certification: Approving aircraft types and their components, as well as certifying airlines for operation.
• Passengers: oversight of Japanese airlines' conditions of carriage; Japan has no official compensation table for delays and cancellations.
• Infrastructure Development: Planning and promoting the development of airports and other aeronautical infrastructure.
• International Relations: Cooperating with international regulatory bodies and participating in global aviation forums.

Official changes from this authority that affect passengers appear in this guide's updates as they are published. Each one is checked against the official document before it goes live.

In Japan, baggage allowances and fees are set by each airline according to the fare; JCAB is responsible for safety (what may or may not be carried):

• Allowances: they vary by airline and fare class; check what your fare includes before buying.
• Restricted items: lithium batteries, power banks, liquids and dangerous goods follow the safety rules; spare batteries and power banks only in carry-on baggage.
• Loss or damage: on international flights the Montreal Convention, ratified by Japan, applies; file the claim with the airline while still at the airport.

The transport of pets in Japan is strictly regulated, with a focus on public health, safety, and animal welfare.

• Sanitary Requirements:
• Microchipping: Animals must be identified with a microchip compliant with ISO standards.
• Rabies Vaccination: Rabies vaccinations must be up to date and administered after microchipping.
• Waiting Period: There is generally a mandatory waiting period following the rabies vaccination before an animal can be imported.
• Blood Tests: In many cases, a blood test is required to verify antibody levels against rabies.
• Health Certificate: A health certificate issued by an official veterinary authority from the country of origin is mandatory, attesting that the animal is free from infectious and parasitic diseases.
• Safety and Limitations:
• Travel Crates: Crates must be secure, well-ventilated, of adequate size for the animal to move comfortably, and leak-proof.
• Breed Restrictions: Certain breeds of dogs and cats may have entry restrictions or require special handling.
• Minimum Age: Animals must generally meet a minimum age requirement for transport.
• Species Restrictions: The transport of wild or exotic animals is strictly regulated and may require special permits.
• Arrival Procedures: Pets arriving in Japan will undergo a veterinary inspection at the arrival airport. The clearance time may vary depending on the complexity of the documentation and the inspection results.
• Airlines: Each airline has its own policies regarding pet transport, including limitations on number, size, and weight, as well as which species are permitted. It is essential to check directly with the airline.

JCAB and Japanese airlines offer several facilities for families travelling with children.

• Lap infants: on domestic flights in Japan, the main airlines (JAL and ANA) carry children under 3 on a lap free of charge; on international flights, a lap infant (under 2) usually pays about 10% of the adult fare, plus taxes. Older children need their own seat.
• Strollers and car seats: most airlines carry a stroller and a car seat free of charge, checked at the counter or at the gate, according to their policy.
• Priority boarding: families with babies and young children usually board first.
• Bassinets on board: on long flights, some airlines offer a bassinet attached to the cabin wall; book it in advance.
• Children's meals: many airlines have a children's menu, which must also be requested in advance.
• Car seats: a car seat approved for aviation can be used on board if it fits the seat and the airline approves it; the child then needs their own seat.

It is always advisable to contact the airline in advance to confirm its policies and make the necessary requests.

The JCAB and Japanese airlines are committed to ensuring that passengers with special needs receive the necessary support.

• Wheelchairs:
• Availability: Airlines provide wheelchairs to assist passengers in moving through the airport and to/from the aircraft.
• On-board Use: On-board wheelchairs are available to assist with movement within the aircraft cabin.
• Priorities: Passengers with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women, and passengers with young children generally receive priority in processes such as check-in, boarding, and disembarking.
• Medical Information Form (MEDIF):
• Requirement: For passengers with medical conditions that may affect their ability to fly safely or who require special medical equipment on board, a Medical Information Form (MEDIF) may be required.
• Completion: This form must be completed by the passenger's physician and submitted to the airline for evaluation.
• Request Deadlines: Requests for special assistance, including wheelchair provision, MEDIF submission, and other services, should be made with reasonable notice, generally at least 48 hours before the flight. It is recommended to check specific deadlines with each airline.
• Communication and Information: Airlines are required to provide clear information regarding available accessibility services and request procedures.

• JCAB — main page (in Japanese)
• JCAB — information in English
• Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) — dogs and cats