Skymark Airlines, a Japanese low-cost carrier, has a straightforward baggage policy for its domestic flights, with specific rules for carry-on and checked baggage, as well as restrictions on certain items. Below is a comprehensive overview of the baggage policy based on the latest available information.
Carry-On Baggage Allowance
Allowance:
- One piece of carry-on baggage plus one personal item (e.g., handbag, camera, umbrella).
- Maximum dimensions: 55 x 40 x 25 cm (21 x 15 x 9 inches), with a total combined dimension of 115 cm (45 inches), including wheels and handles.
- Maximum weight: 10 kg (22 lbs) for the carry-on baggage.
- Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you.
Restrictions:
- Baggage must fit in overhead bins or under the seat. Oversized or excess baggage not securely stowed will be checked and placed in the cargo hold.
- Baggage is checked at security; oversized items must be entrusted to the baggage counter before inspection.
- Passengers in front rows or emergency exit seats must place all carry-on baggage in overhead lockers to avoid obstructing emergency exits.
- Dangerous items (e.g., scissors, knives, tools) are prohibited in the cabin and must be checked or disposed of. A 500 JPY fee per item applies for disposal or temporary storage (1 week) of restricted items at security checkpoints.
Notes:
- Musical instruments fitting within carry-on size limits can be brought onboard; larger instruments may require a separate seat purchase.
- Liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) must comply with Japan’s security regulations: containers up to 100 ml in a 1-liter resealable transparent plastic bag.
Checked Baggage Allowance
Allowance:
- Free allowance: Up to 20 kg (44 lbs) per passenger, with no limit on the number of bags, provided each bag meets size and weight restrictions.
- Maximum dimensions per bag: 50 x 60 x 120 cm (19.7 x 23.6 x 47.2 inches).
- Maximum weight per bag: 32 kg (70 lbs). Bags exceeding 32 kg are not accepted as checked baggage and must be shipped as cargo.
- Total checked baggage per passenger cannot exceed 100 kg (220 lbs), distributed across multiple bags (each up to 32 kg).
Exceptions:
- Wheelchairs, strollers, baby-carrying baskets, and child safety seats for personal use are not counted toward the 20 kg allowance and are checked free of charge.
- Skis and surfboards may be accepted as exceptions to size limits, subject to cargo space availability.
Check-In Requirements:
- Check-in baggage at least 20 minutes before departure (30 minutes during peak periods like summer vacations or holidays).
- Electronic devices with lithium-ion batteries must be powered off (not in sleep mode) and packed securely to prevent accidental activation or damage.
Restrictions:
- Fragile, valuable, or perishable items (e.g., glass, bottles, cash, jewelry, electronics) should not be checked, as Skymark is not liable for damage or loss. These should be carried onboard.
- Skymark is not responsible for damage due to normal wear and tear, protruding parts (e.g., straps, handles), or minor cuts, scuffs, or dents.
Excess Baggage Fees
Oversized Baggage:
- Bags exceeding 50 x 60 x 120 cm may not be accepted if cargo space is limited. Passengers may need to arrange alternative package delivery services.
- Specific fees for oversized items (e.g., skis, surfboards) are not detailed but may incur standard excess baggage charges or additional handling fees. Contact Skymark for clarification.
Special Baggage (Sports Equipment, Musical Instruments, Pets)
Sports Equipment:
- Items like skis, surfboards, and tennis rackets can be checked, potentially as part of the 20 kg free allowance if within size/weight limits.
- Oversized equipment (e.g., exceeding 50 x 60 x 120 cm) may be accepted subject to cargo space and may incur excess baggage fees (1,000 JPY per 10 kg).
- Contact Skymark in advance to confirm acceptance and fees for specific equipment.
Musical Instruments:
- Small instruments within carry-on limits (55 x 40 x 25 cm, 10 kg) can be brought onboard.
- Larger instruments (e.g., guitars, cellos) may require a separate seat purchase or be checked as baggage, subject to excess fees if over 20 kg
- Skymark is not liable for damage to fragile instruments unless a seat is purchased for them.
Smart Baggage:
- Baggage with lithium-ion batteries (e.g., GPS trackers, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) is allowed if the battery is less than 0.3g lithium content or 2.7 Wh. Non-removable batteries meeting these criteria can be carried onboard or checked.
- Batteries exceeding these limits must be removed and carried in the cabin.
Prohibited and Restricted Items
Prohibited Items:
- Dangerous goods (e.g., explosives, flammable gases, items that could harm people or property) are banned by law from both carry-on and checked baggage.
- Specific items include flammable gas sprays (e.g., sports or everyday sprays with open flame warnings), large carpenter tools (e.g., hammers, saws), and certain plants restricted from entry into Japan.
- E-cigarettes are allowed in carry-on only (batteries must be removable); prohibited in checked baggage.
Restricted Items:
- Small scissors (blade ≤6 cm) and miniature tool sets (without ice picks or sharp objects) may be allowed in the cabin, subject to security’s judgment.
- Alcohol in liquids: Limited to 0.5 L/kg per container, 2 L/kg per person, and handling varies by alcohol type.
- Lighters: Handling varies by type; contact Skymark for specifics.
Baggage Claim and Compensation
Lost or Delayed Baggage:
- Report issues within 7 days via the Lost and Found Dial.
- Maximum compensation for lost or damaged baggage (without a declared value) is 150,000 JPY per person.
- For items valued over 150,000 JPY, a declared value can be made with an additional fee of 10 JPY per 10,000 JPY above 150,000 JPY, but compensation cannot exceed the item’s actual value.
Notes:
- Compensation applies only when Skymark is liable; it is not an insurance policy.
- Valuable items (e.g., cash, jewelry, electronics) should be carried onboard, as Skymark is not liable for their loss or damage in checked baggage.
Notes
- Skymark’s baggage policy is notably generous for a low-cost carrier, with a 20 kg free checked allowance and affordable excess fees.
- Policies apply primarily to domestic flights within Japan, as Skymark focuses on routes like Tokyo, Fukuoka, and Kobe. International flights (e.g., to Saipan) may have different rules; contact Skymark for details.
- Information may change, especially for excess fees or special baggage handling. Always verify with Skymark’s official website or Reservation Center for the most current and route-specific details.
- Some sources mention outdated allowances (e.g., 15 kg free checked baggage); the 20 kg limit is consistently cited in recent references and Skymark’s official communications.
