JL vs QF · 2026 comparison
JAL vs Qantas
JAL wins on a bigger carry-on, a more generous carry-on weight limit and cheaper checked bags; Qantas 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
JLWins 3 categories
- A bigger carry-on
- A more generous carry-on weight limit
- Cheaper checked bags
Qantas
QFNo clear category wins
Quick verdict
JAL wins on a bigger carry-on, a more generous carry-on weight limit and cheaper checked bags; Qantas doesn't clearly win any category. Both include a carry-on on every fare.
- Carry-on size
- JAL: 55 × 40 × 25 cm · Qantas: 56 × 36 × 23 cm
- Carry-on on the cheapest fare
- JAL: Included on every fare · Qantas: Included on every fare
- First checked bag (regular economy)
- JAL: 2 free bags · Qantas: 1 free bag
Side by side
| JAL | Qantas | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Must fit under the seat |
| First checked bag (regular economy) | 2 free bags | 1 free bag |
| Network | ||
| Alliance | oneworld | oneworld |
| Loyalty program | JAL Mileage Bank | Qantas Frequent Flyer |
| Main hubs | HND, NRT | SYD, MEL |
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 Qantas 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 Qantas.
Personal items: anything that fits under the seat on JAL, and anything that fits under the seat on Qantas.
JAL includes two bags with Economy on flights between the U.S. and Japan, and Qantas includes one bag with Economy on flights between the U.S. and Australia.
Basic economy
JAL (Economy): Every fare includes the carry-on and personal item (10 kg combined).
Qantas (Economy): Every Economy fare includes the 7 kg carry-on.
Loyalty and where they fly
Both are oneworld members, so status and miles can work across the two.
Loyalty programs: JAL Mileage Bank (JAL) and Qantas Frequent Flyer (Qantas).
JAL's main hubs are Tokyo Haneda (HND), Tokyo Narita (NRT). Qantas's are Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL). 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
- cheaper checked bags
- to earn and use oneworld miles and status
- nonstops from HND, NRT
Choose Qantas if you want…
- to earn and use oneworld miles and status
- nonstops from SYD, MEL
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 Qantas FAQ
It depends on what matters most to you. JAL wins on a bigger carry-on, a more generous carry-on weight limit and cheaper checked bags; Qantas 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
Sources
Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Airlines change their rules without notice, so confirm with the airline before you fly.
- Japan Airlines official baggage policy
- Upgraded Points: carry-on size chart for 63 airlines (updated May 16, 2026)
- Qantas official baggage policy
Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.
Deals on JAL, Qantas and more
Whichever airline you prefer, we'll email you when fares from your home airports drop well below normal.
Free plan available · 14-day free Premium+ trial · Cancel anytime