From April 2026, airline rules regarding carry-on baggage and mobile batteries will be updated.
Below is a clear overview of what is changing and what travelers should be aware of before departure.
From April 1: Changes to Carry-on Baggage Rules
Starting with flights departing on or after April 1, Japanese airlines have updated their carry-on baggage rules.
The changes aim to make the rules clearer and more consistent for both domestic and international flights.
Key points
- Personal items such as handbags and laptop bags must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you
- Carry-on items placed in overhead bins must be light and compact enough for passengers to lift and store by themselves
The basic limits themselves—such as a maximum of two carry-on items per passenger (one personal item plus one carry-on bag) and a total weight limit of up to 10 kg (22lb)—have existed for some time.
However, in the past, these rules were not always applied consistently, particularly when it came to what counted as one item or how weight limits were handled.
For example, items purchased at the airport, food and drinks, cameras, or small stuffed toys were often carried onboard without being counted as part of the baggage allowance.
What has changed
Under the updated guidelines, items brought onboard are generally counted toward the carry-on allowance, and clearer standards are now in place regarding:
- how many items may be carried,
- where they should be stored, and
- how they should be handled.
If these conditions are not met, passengers may be asked to check their baggage either before boarding or onboard.
These changes follow industry guidelines issued by the Scheduled Airlines Association of Japan and are mainly applied by Japanese airlines.
From April 24: New Rules for Mobile Batteries
Starting with flights departing on or after April 24, new rules will apply to mobile batteries (power banks).
New mobile battery rules
- Passengers may carry up to two mobile batteries per person
- each battery must be 160 Wh or less
- Please note: due to planned International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulation changes, the limit may be reduced to 100 Wh starting January 2027
- Mobile batteries must not be placed in checked baggage (unchanged)
- Charging mobile batteries using in-flight power outlets is not permitted
- Charging smartphones or other devices from a mobile battery during the flight is also not permitted
Charging smartphones or other devices directly from seat USB ports or power outlets remains allowed.
Important Notes for Passengers
- Shopping bags or paper bags purchased after security screening may be counted as carry-on items
- Mobile batteries should not be placed in overhead bins and must be kept in a visible and easily accessible location
If the battery capacity (Wh) cannot be confirmed from the product label or by calculation, the battery may be refused at security screening.
These mobile battery rules are based on Japanese government regulations and apply to all flights departing from or arriving in Japan, regardless of whether the airline is Japanese or foreign.
Before traveling, passengers are advised to check the official website of their operating airline for the most up-to-date information.
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