Giving new meaning to ‘rent the runway’, Japan Airlines (JAL) and general trading company Sumitomo have joined forces to allow visitors to Japan to hire a travel wardrobe from ¥4,000 (approximately AUD$41) per day and fly with less baggage.
The JAL trial Any Wear, Anywhere initiative, designed to tap into sustainable tourism and offer convenience to travellers, will roll out from 5 July 2023 until 31 August 2024.
In the sharing economy program, travellers can choose apparel based on size (small, medium and large) and season via a website at least one month before boarding a JAL-operated flight.
Style options include smart, smart casual and mixed to cater for business and leisure travellers. Items are sourced from overstock and pre-owned clothing to help minimise waste.
Basically, it’s a minimalist’s dream but maximalist packers might find the options a little limiting. Less Chanel, more Marie Kondo. Plus, handing over your wardrobe choices to a third party is always a bit dicey.
One set of clothing will set you back ¥4,000 to ¥7,000 (AUD$41 – $72) and passengers can rent up to eight outfits for up to two weeks. The apparel is delivered to your hotel or Airbnb on arrival in Japan.
With the laundry fee included in the rental, there’s also no need to clean your clothes – just wear and return before your flight home.
Less cargo on airplanes can reduce fuel and carbon emissions and by renting overstock, the service can help extend the life of clothes destined for disposal, JAL said via its website.
“The service concept is to provide a travel experience with minimal luggage.”
“We aim to create an environment where travellers can use local options for all aspects of their clothing, food, and accommodation, transforming travel and business trips into more sustainable experiences.”
JAL will also calculate the reduction in carbon emissions based on saved aircraft weight and share it with its customers.
Japan Airlines currently flies to Tokyo Narita from Sydney and Melbourne.
For more info, head to anywearanywhere.store
