One of the worst parts of travelling is dealing with luggage. After waiting for what feels like an eternity at the carousel – hoping for it to arrive – you’re left dragging it to your hotel.
Now, one major airline is offering travellers the chance to skip the hassle altogether with a ‘baggage-free’ service.
Japan Airlines (JAL) has launched a same-day baggage delivery service for passengers arriving at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport.
For 4,500 yen (£23) per bag, travellers can have their luggage transported from arrivals to the lobby of their hotel in Tokyo.
The service prevents passengers from dealing with Tokyo’s busy transport network and aims to alleviate congestion in the city.
Passengers do not need to fly with JAL to use the service, and it’s available to both international travellers and Japanese residents.
The airline guarantees same-day delivery and covers 14 districts throughout Tokyo, including Shinjuku, Shinagawa, Chiyoda, Chuo, Minato, Koto, Ota, Shibuya, Taito, Toshima, Bunkyo, Sumida, Meguro and Edogawa.
However, the service is limited to hotel drop-offs only, meaning passengers staying in Airbnbs, private homes, rented apartments or other accommodations will not be able to use it.
The service is available daily at Haneda Airport’s Terminal 3 arrivals between 4am and 6pm.
For customers who check in to the service before 4pm, local time, their luggage will be delivered to their hotel by 8pm. If travellers check-in between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., their bags will arrive by 10pm.
Upon arriving, the JAL website tells travellers to scan the 2D barcode at the ‘JAL ABC counter’ located in the arrival lobby to make a reservation and payment for the service.
They should then collect a baggage sticker from the issuing machine, attach it to their suitcase, and check it in at the counter. Their luggage will then be delivered to the hotel.
‘The ‘baggage-free’ travel service from Haneda Airport aims to address social issues such as congestion in public transportation and the shortage of storage lockers, providing a more convenient travel experience for tourists,’ the airline said in a statement.
‘The service aims to provide a seamless and stress-free travel experience by ensuring that tourists can enjoy their time in Tokyo without the burden of carrying heavy luggage.’
This is just one of JAL’s initiatives to boost tourism, earlier this year, the airline announced it would begin offering free connecting flights for international travellers.
The promotion aims to provide a ‘seamless travel experience’ and encourage travel to lesser-known places in Japan.
It includes flights on Japan’s extensive domestic network which includes 133 routes and serves 64 airports.
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