Japanese airline announces baggage delivery service to combat overcrowding in Tokyo

Japan Airlines is now offering to drop travelers’ suitcases off at their hotels for them, for a fee. But the new program isn’t just about providing good customer service — it’s aimed at alleviating the burden on Tokyo’s overcrowded mass transit system. Passengers at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport can pay 4,500 yen ($30) per bag to have their luggage taken straight from the arrivals hall to their hotels in the capital, thus eliminating the need to crowd themselves and their bags onto Tokyo’s busy trains, buses and subways. The airline vows to deliver the bags the same day, barring weather or traffic-related delays. “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,” Japan Airlines (JAL) said in a statement. Travelers do not need to fly with JAL to use the service, and it is open to Japanese residents too – however, the program is limited to hotel dropoffs only, meaning people can’t have their bags delivered to an Airbnb, rented apartment, private home or any other kind of accommodation.<br/>