Japanese carrier unveils luggage delivery service to tackle congestion in bustling Tokyo.
At Tokyo's Haneda Airport, passengers can pay 4,500 yen ($30) for a service that bypasses the hassle of cramming onto crowded trains, buses, and subways with their luggage, by having their bags directly transported to their hotels in the city. This service, provided by Japan Airlines (JAL), guarantees delivery the same day, unless delayed by weather or traffic conditions.
In a press release, JAL stated that the aim of this 'Baggage-Free' travel service is to deal with social concerns such as public transportation overcrowding and the scarcity of storage lockers, ultimately enhancing the travel experience for tourists.
Interestingly, travelers do not need to be flying with JAL to utilize this service, and it is available to Japanese residents as well. However, the service is limited to hotel deliveries and does not extend to Airbnb rentals, private homes, or other types of accommodations.
JAL customers who opt for this service will earn 50 frequent flyer points.
The service operational hours are between 4 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily, in Haneda Airport's Terminal 3 arrivals hall.
Hotels in 14 of Tokyo's 23 districts, including popular spots such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Chuo (which houses the Ginza neighborhood), are within the delivery radius. JAL also plans to extend the delivery range in the future.
Overtourism has been a substantial challenge in Japan since the country reopened post-pandemic.
As per the Japanese National Tourism Organization (JNTO), a record 3.3 million foreign tourists visited Japan in July 2024.
Authorities have been prompting tourists to disperse and explore less-visited areas of Japan.
Early this year, JAL announced its initiative to provide free connecting flights within Japan for passengers arriving from North America.
This 'Baggage-Free' travel service proposed by JAL aims to improve the tourism experience by addressing issues like overcrowding on public transportation and the lack of storage lockers. (follows from the first sentence in the second paragraph)
Travelers seeking a hassle-free journey in Tokyo can opt for JAL's Baggage-Free service, which extends beyond its airline customers and delivers bags directly to hotels within certain areas. (uses the word 'travel' and follows from the first sentence of the third paragraph)
