JAL and ANA: Similar Routes, Different Excess-Baggage Math

Sources checked October 31, 2026. Match the fare, route, and ticket date to your own booking before you pay.

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The route does not determine one universal allowance

For the researched JAL-operated international Economy case, two 23 kg pieces are included and the stated linear-size allowance is 203 cm. The examined ANA excess table uses a 158 cm standard size threshold. Do not copy a generic 158 cm limit onto JAL or a JAL limit onto ANA.

JAL publishes a U.S.–Japan worked example in which a third bag weighing 32 kg incurs $200 for the additional piece and $100 for weight, totaling $300. That is an official calculation example, not a passenger’s audited receipt.

For an ANA U.S.–Japan bag that is genuinely beyond the already verified free piece count, weighs 26 kg and measures 160 cm, the examined categories produce $200 + $60 + $200 = $460. The example assumes the itinerary and aircraft accept the item.

Before using either number

Confirm the operator, cabin, included pieces, direction and payment currency. A higher-weight tariff is not unconditional permission to bring a very heavy item. JAL requires airline contact for bags above 32 kg, and aircraft restrictions can limit carriage.

The practical opportunity is to use any existing included piece before purchasing another, and to avoid an unnecessary size surcharge by choosing an accepted bag. Do not use these examples as a claim that either airline is always cheaper: airfare, cabin inclusion and the traveler’s actual bags determine the comparison.

Sources and verification

• JL_CHECKED — Japan Airlines: International checked baggage
• NH_EXCESS — ANA: International excess baggage

The examples above show how the cited rules work. They aren’t charges from a real booking.

Related answers

• Same bag different excess fees

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