Which has the bigger carry-on allowance, JAL or PAL?

JAL: 55 × 40 × 25 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.8 in), up to 10 kg (22 lb). PAL: 56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14.2 × 9.1 in), up to 7 kg (15.4 lb). JAL allows the larger bag.

Do JAL and PAL include a carry-on on basic economy?

JAL: Every fare includes the carry-on and personal item (10 kg combined). PAL: Economy includes one 7 kg carry-on plus a personal item.

Where do JAL and PAL fly from?

JAL's main hubs are Tokyo Haneda (HND), Tokyo Narita (NRT). PAL's are MNL. The better pick is often whichever flies nonstop from your airport.

Are JAL and PAL partners?

They aren't in the same alliance (JAL: oneworld; PAL: none), so miles and status generally don't transfer between them.

JL vs PR · 2026 comparison

JAL vs PAL

JAL wins on a bigger carry-on and a more generous carry-on weight limit; PAL doesn't clearly win any category. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.

Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction

JAL

Wins 2 categories

A bigger carry-on
A more generous carry-on weight limit

PAL

No clear category wins

Quick verdict

JAL wins on a bigger carry-on and a more generous carry-on weight limit; PAL doesn't clearly win any category. Both include a carry-on on every fare.

Carry-on size: JAL: 55 × 40 × 25 cm · PAL: 56 × 36 × 23 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: JAL: Included on every fare · PAL: Included on every fare

Side by side

	JAL	PAL
Bags
Carry-on size	55 × 40 × 25 cm	56 × 36 × 23 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare	Included on every fare	Included on every fare
Carry-on weight limit	10 kg (22 lb)	7 kg (15.4 lb)
Personal item	Must fit under the seat	45 × 35 × 20 cm
Network
Alliance	oneworld	None
Loyalty program	JAL Mileage Bank	Mabuhay Miles
Main hubs	HND, NRT	MNL

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

JAL allows a carry-on up to 55 × 40 × 25 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.8 in), and PAL up to 56 × 36 × 23 cm (22 × 14.2 × 9.1 in), so JAL's is roomier.

Both include it on their cheapest fares.

Carry-on weight limits: 10 kg (22 lb) on JAL, 7 kg (15.4 lb) on PAL.

Personal items: anything that fits under the seat on JAL, and 45 × 35 × 20 cm (17.7 × 13.8 × 7.9 in) on PAL.

Loyalty and where they fly

JAL is in oneworld and PAL is not in an alliance.

Loyalty programs: JAL Mileage Bank (JAL) and Mabuhay Miles (PAL).

JAL's main hubs are Tokyo Haneda (HND), Tokyo Narita (NRT). PAL's are MNL. The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.

Which should you book?

Choose JAL if you want…

a bigger carry-on
a more generous carry-on weight limit
to earn and use oneworld miles and status
nonstops from HND, NRT

Choose PAL if you want…

nonstops from MNL

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.

JAL vs PAL FAQ

It depends on what matters most to you. JAL wins on a bigger carry-on and a more generous carry-on weight limit; PAL doesn't clearly win any category. If they fly the same route, compare the total price with bags included.

Keep comparing

Bag rules and fees

Japan Airlines carry-on size Philippine Airlines carry-on size Japan Airlines baggage fees

Other comparisons

JAL vs American JAL vs Delta JAL vs United JAL vs Singapore JAL vs Cathay JAL vs ANA PAL vs Cathay PAL vs Korean Air PAL vs EVA PAL vs Cebu Pacific

Sources

Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Airlines change their rules without notice, so confirm with the airline before you fly.

Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.

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