NZ vs JL · 2026 comparison
Air NZ vs JAL
Air NZ doesn't clearly win any category; JAL wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit and cheaper checked bags. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.
Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction
Air NZ
NZNo clear category wins
JAL
JLWins 2 categories
- A more generous carry-on weight limit
- Cheaper checked bags
Quick verdict
Air NZ doesn't clearly win any category; JAL wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit and cheaper checked bags. Both include a carry-on on every fare.
- Carry-on size
- Air NZ: 118 cm total · JAL: 55 × 40 × 25 cm
- Carry-on on the cheapest fare
- Air NZ: Included on every fare · JAL: Included on every fare
- First checked bag (regular economy)
- Air NZ: 1 free bag · JAL: 2 free bags
Side by side
| Air NZ | JAL | |
|---|---|---|
| Bags | ||
| Carry-on size | 118 cm total | 55 × 40 × 25 cm |
| Carry-on on the cheapest fare | Included on every fare | Included on every fare |
| Carry-on weight limit | 7 kg (15.4 lb) | 10 kg (22 lb) |
| Personal item | Must fit under the seat | Must fit under the seat |
| First checked bag (regular economy) | 1 free bag | 2 free bags |
| Network | ||
| Alliance | Star Alliance | oneworld |
| Loyalty program | Airpoints | JAL Mileage Bank |
| Main hubs | AKL | HND, NRT |
Highlighted values are better for travelers. Fees are for U.S. domestic economy flights; on-time data is 2025 U.S. DOT figures for each airline's own flights.
Bags and fees
Air NZ allows a carry-on up to 118 cm total (46.5 in), and JAL up to 55 × 40 × 25 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.8 in).
Both include it on their cheapest fares.
Carry-on weight limits: 7 kg (15.4 lb) on Air NZ, 10 kg (22 lb) on JAL.
Personal items: anything that fits under the seat on Air NZ, and anything that fits under the seat on JAL.
Air NZ includes one bag with Seat+Bag on flights between the U.S. and New Zealand, and JAL includes two bags with Economy on flights between the U.S. and Japan.
Basic economy
Air NZ (Economy): Every Economy fare includes the 7 kg carry-on.
JAL (Economy): Every fare includes the carry-on and personal item (10 kg combined).
Loyalty and where they fly
Air NZ is in Star Alliance and JAL is in oneworld.
Loyalty programs: Airpoints (Air NZ) and JAL Mileage Bank (JAL).
Air NZ's main hubs are Auckland (AKL). JAL's are Tokyo Haneda (HND), Tokyo Narita (NRT). The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.
Which should you book?
Choose Air NZ if you want…
- to earn and use Star Alliance miles and status
- nonstops from AKL
Choose JAL if you want…
- a more generous carry-on weight limit
- cheaper checked bags
- to earn and use oneworld miles and status
- nonstops from HND, NRT
On a route both fly, the cheaper ticket isn't always the cheaper trip: add the bags you'll actually bring, and check the fare rules before you book.
Air NZ vs JAL FAQ
It depends on what matters most to you. Air NZ doesn't clearly win any category; JAL wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit and cheaper checked bags. If they fly the same route, compare the total price with bags included.
Keep comparing
Bag rules and fees
Sources
Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Airlines change their rules without notice, so confirm with the airline before you fly.
- Air New Zealand official baggage policy
- Upgraded Points: carry-on size chart for 63 airlines (updated May 16, 2026)
- Japan Airlines official baggage policy
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
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