No Baggage: Why Japan Airlines is encouraging flyers not to carry clothes

Japan Airlines wants passengers travelling to the country to ditch their suitcases. Starting on 5 July, Japan Airlines Co and trading house Sumitomo Corp have started an experiment that will give passengers the option to rent clothes during their stay in the country. For example, most travellers now enjoy eating at restaurants and staying at hotels at their destination, but they generally bring their own clothing from home.” According to the “Any Wear, Anywhere” website, flying with 10 kg less weight in baggage could result in 7.5 kg reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. According to the government’s Japan Tourism Agency, visitors in the first three months of 2023 spent an average of ¥50,496 on shopping alone, reports FT. Is this scheme really environmentally friendly? The Japan Airlines move ‘rent clothes’ scheme is a small step in this direction.