Guide to Japanese Airlines: Everything Residents and Expats Should Know (2025)

Key Takeaways

Post-pandemic boom: Air travel in Japan is surging again – domestic flights carried over 100 million passengers in 2023, exceeding pre-COVID levels and making airlines a crucial transport option for residents.

Two giants & massive loyalty programs: Full-service carriers ANA and JAL dominate Japan's skies and each run huge frequent flyer programs (with ~44 million and ~38 million members respectively as of 2024).

Typical costs: A one-way domestic flight averages ¥10,000–¥20,000 (Tokyo–Fukuoka ~¥15k), similar to bullet train prices. Low-cost carriers (LCCs) can undercut fares by ~30–50% if you forego extras, letting budget-savvy travelers fly for as little as ¥5,500 on special routes.

Key requirement/risk: Baggage allowances vary greatly by airline. JAL/ANA include about 20 kg checked baggage free on domestic routes, whereas LCCs charge for checked bags and strictly limit carry-on weight. Not knowing the rules can lead to surprise fees – pack smart and pre-pay luggage if needed.

2025 trend – rise of budget airlines: Low-cost carriers now carry a record 13% of domestic air travelers (13 million people) and 33% of Japan's international passengers. With LCCs expanding routes post-COVID, residents have more choices than ever – but also need to navigate new booking systems and fewer frills.

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Why Japanese Airlines Matter in 2025

Air travel in Japan is rebounding fast in 2025, reshaping how residents and expats get around. After the pandemic lull, both domestic and international flights have roared back – domestic passenger volumes in FY2023 actually surpassed 2019 levels by 2.9%. International routes are also catching up (still ~18% below 2019, but closing the gap). This recovery is fueled by strong tourism and business travel demand: for example, Japan's two largest airlines (ANA and JAL) posted record-high revenues in 2024 thanks to a surge of inbound visitors and renewed corporate trips.

At the same time, flying is becoming more integral to daily life. Many expats live far from their hometowns, making international flights a lifeline for visiting family. Domestically, Japan's geography (long north-to-south distances and many islands) means flights often beat trains for speed or cost on routes like Tokyo–Hokkaido or Tokyo–Okinawa. Even longtime residents who once relied solely on the bullet train are now open to flying if it's more convenient. By contrast, a few years ago during COVID, airports were nearly empty and foreign residents had limited travel options; now in 2025, airports are bustling and airlines are adding routes and restoring services to meet demand. Major upcoming events like Expo 2025 Osaka are expected to further boost air travel, making it even more relevant to plan your trips wisely. In short, understanding Japanese airlines today can unlock faster, cheaper, and farther travel – a huge advantage whether you're exploring Japan or jetting overseas.

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Domestic vs. International Routes in Japan

Domestic Flights

Japan's domestic air network is extensive, linking over 50 airports from the smallest islands to all major cities. Two full-service carriers — Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) — handle the bulk of domestic flights, offering free checked baggage and onboard drink service even on 1-hour hops. They operate primarily from convenient city airports like Tokyo's Haneda (HND) or Osaka's Itami (ITM), making flying extremely efficient for inter-city travel. For example, a flight from Tokyo to Sapporo takes about 1.5 hours (versus 8+ hours by train/ferry). With travel rebounded, domestic flight frequencies are back to normal and planes are quite full (average load factors ~75%). If you book well in advance, discount fares can make flying cheaper than the Shinkansen for longer trips. Airlines offer advance purchase tickets (早割/先得) that cut prices by 50% or more if bought 1–2 months early. As a foreign resident, note that the famous tourist airfares (like JAL's "Japan Explorer Pass" at ¥5,500–¥11,000 flat rates) are only for short-term visitors. However, you can still snag good deals through standard sales and by avoiding peak travel seasons. Domestic travel peaks during Golden Week (late April–early May), Obon (mid-August), and New Year holidays – flights sell out and prices jump, so plan around these if possible.

Another domestic consideration is train vs. plane. On routes under ~500 km (e.g. Tokyo–Osaka, Fukuoka–Osaka), Japan's bullet trains are extremely competitive – city-center to city-center with no security lines. But beyond that, flying often wins. For example, Tokyo–Fukuoka is 5+ hours by train vs 2 hours by air, usually at similar cost; Tokyo–Okinawa has no rail option at all. Time vs. cost trade-offs are important: include access time to airports (Haneda is 30 min from central Tokyo, while Narita can be ~60 min). If you live near secondary airports (like Kobe instead of Itami, or Ibaraki instead of Narita), check those for cheaper or less crowded flights. Japan's regional airlines and LCCs use some smaller airports that might be closer to you and offer lower fares. Domestic flights are very punctual and cancellations are rare (weather like typhoons is the main disruptor). Finally, although ID checks are minimal for domestic flights (you usually just scan your boarding pass QR code to board), always carry some ID (residence card or driver's license) in case it's needed. Airlines may verify ID if you booked a special fare or if there's an irregular situation, so have it on hand.

International Flights

Flying internationally to/from Japan introduces a different set of players and logistics. Tokyo's Narita Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND), plus Kansai Airport (KIX) in Osaka, are the main international gateways. As an expat resident, you might frequently use Haneda for regional trips (it's closer to Tokyo and offers many flights across Asia and a growing number to Europe/North America), while Narita handles a larger volume of long-haul and budget international flights. JAL and ANA connect Japan with major cities worldwide and are known for top-notch service (ANA has a 5-Star Skytrax rating for over a decade). They're part of global alliances – JAL in oneworld and ANA in Star Alliance – which means if you're loyal to one, you can codeshare or earn miles on partner airlines (e.g. British Airways or American Airlines for JAL, United or Lufthansa for ANA).

For residents, one big advantage of Japanese carriers is the comfort and reliability – high on-time performance and typically bilingual service. But they aren't always the cheapest. Many foreign airlines also fly to Japan, and LCCs have entered the international market too. For example, ZIPAIR Tokyo (a JAL subsidiary) flies from Narita to destinations like Honolulu, LA, Bangkok and Seoul at lower prices than mainline carriers. Other budget airlines like AirAsia, Jetstar (Australia), Scoot, Jeju Air, etc., connect Japan to the rest of Asia. By 2025, roughly one-third of international passengers in Japan are flying LCCs as travelers seek bargains. If you're planning trips home or vacations abroad, it pays to compare. You might find a full-service airline's fare isn't much more than an LCC once you add baggage – or vice versa. Airport choice is another factor: for instance, flying out of Haneda can save you time and overnight transit hassle, but sometimes only Narita has the flight you need (e.g. many U.S. and European routes). Keep an eye on new routes too – post-pandemic, airlines are resuming and adding flights. Osaka's Kansai International Airport is gaining more direct connections (handy if you live in Kansai), and secondary cities like Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo have increasing international service, meaning you might not need to connect in Tokyo. Lastly, as an expat, remember Japan entry procedures: you can use automated gates at immigration with your residence card, but you must carry your residence card and ensure you have a valid re-entry permit (the checkbox stamp in your passport for Special Re-Entry) whenever you leave Japan. This isn't about airlines per se, but it's a critical step so your flight home doesn't inadvertently jeopardize your visa status.

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Frequent Flyer Programs in Japan (JAL vs ANA)

If you live in Japan or fly often, joining a frequent flyer program is a no-brainer. JAL's program is called JAL Mileage Bank (JMB) and ANA's is ANA Mileage Club (AMC). Both are free to join and have tens of millions of members (collectively over 80 million as of 2024). These programs allow you to earn "miles" whenever you fly on the airline or its partners, and even through everyday activities like credit card spending, online shopping, or point exchanges. Accumulated miles can be redeemed for free flights, seat upgrades, or other perks – a valuable benefit given Japan's ticket prices.

Earning Miles

Flying with JAL/ANA (or their alliance partners) will earn mileage based on distance and fare class. For example, a Tokyo–London roundtrip in economy might earn ~7,000–10,000 miles. Not flying much? No problem – both airlines have co-branded credit cards and tie-ups with retailers. Many expats get an ANA or JAL credit card to supercharge their earning on daily purchases (though credit approval may require a stable income in Japan). Even without a local card, you can credit flights on partner airlines: e.g. if you often fly Delta or United to the U.S., you could credit those miles to JAL (Delta is a standalone now, but you could convert via other partners) or ANA (since United is a Star Alliance partner of ANA) – consolidating miles in one account helps reach rewards faster. Note that miles in JMB and AMC expire after 36 months of inactivity (unlike U.S. programs that are often "no expiry with activity"), so keep an eye on that and use or top-up your miles periodically.

Using Miles

Japan's programs offer attractive redemption options, especially for domestic travel. A one-way domestic award ticket on JAL or ANA starts at as low as 4,500–7,500 miles (depending on distance) – meaning one round-trip Tokyo-Okinawa could earn you enough for a free Tokyo-Osaka hop. International award flights have traditional charts (e.g. ~20k-25k miles one-way to Southeast Asia in economy, ~35k-60k to Europe or North America, higher for premium classes). Be aware that 2024-2025 brought some program changes: both airlines have adjusted mileage requirements upward on certain routes to account for demand. For instance, JAL increased the miles needed for some domestic awards by 500 miles from June 2025, and ANA announced higher mileage prices for many international awards from mid-2025. This means it's wise to redeem sooner than later if you have a lot of miles banked, before potential further devaluations.

Aside from award flights, frequent flyer status is a goal for some. If you fly extremely often, you can achieve elite status tiers (ANA's Bronze/Platinum/Diamond or JAL's Crystal/Sapphire/Diamond, etc.) which unlock upgrades, lounge access, extra baggage, and priority services. Achieving these requires accumulating a large amount of flying points in one calendar year (for example, 50,000 premium points for JAL Sapphire). Some expats undertake the famous "mileage runs" or JGC/SFC "shu-kai" (qualification) by doing multiple trips in one year to hit these thresholds. It's only worth it if you travel a lot, but the perks can significantly enhance your travel comfort. For most people, simply using the free miles is the biggest benefit: A family trip to Okinawa or a hop to Seoul feels great when it's essentially paid for by points. So, pick a program (you can join both JMB and AMC, but concentrating on one gets you rewards faster) and link your number to every booking. Also, keep an eye out for mileage promotions – e.g. JAL and ANA sometimes run campaigns for double miles on certain routes, or offer referral bonuses for signing up new members. Being in the program also gives you access to other benefits like early sales, member-only fares, or partner discounts (hotel, car rental, etc.). Overall, frequent flyer programs in Japan are robust and very much worth engaging with, even if you're only an occasional flyer.

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Booking Hacks & Budget Carriers

Japan's airfare pricing can seem high, but savvy strategies can save you a ton on flights. The emergence of budget airlines (LCCs) in the past decade has been a game-changer for cost-conscious travelers visiting Japan. Here's how to make the most of it:

Know Your LCCs

Japan has several low-cost carriers offering no-frills service at low fares. Peach Aviation (based in Kansai and Narita), Jetstar Japan (bases in Narita and Kansai), Skymark (Haneda and regional hubs), Solaseed Air (Kyushu), Air Do (Hokkaido), Spring Japan (Narita-based, China routes), and ZIPAIR (medium-haul international from Narita) are some key players. These airlines often have base fares dramatically cheaper than JAL/ANA on the same route – but remember, "cheap" comes with trade-offs. You'll pay extra for things like advance seat selection, checked baggage, meals, etc. For example, a Peach flight from Tokyo to Fukuoka might be ¥6,000 base, but that's with only a small free carry-on; if you need a 20kg suitcase and a reserved seat, the total might become ¥10,000 (still possibly cheaper than a ¥15,000 ANA ticket, but the gap narrows). The hack here is to only pay for what you need. If you can travel light with a backpack, LCCs offer amazing value.

Timing is Everything

Japanese airlines follow a predictable schedule for fare releases and sales. JAL and ANA load their cheapest advance purchase fares (~75, 55, 45, 28 days in advance) – these sell out as the flight date nears. So booking 2+ months early for domestic travel usually yields the best prices. LCCs, on the other hand, often have periodic sales or even crazy "¥0 fare" promotions (where you just pay taxes/fees). Subscribe to airline newsletters or follow their social media to catch these limited-time deals. Mid-week flights and off-peak hours (early morning, late night) are usually cheaper due to lower demand. Also avoid the big holiday periods unless you snag tickets far ahead. If you must travel during Obon/New Year, consider flying on the holiday day itself (e.g. Jan 1, Aug 15) when fewer people move.

Use Japanese Booking Tools

While global sites like Skyscanner or Kayak are useful, Japanese platforms can sometimes find additional discounts. For domestic flights, ANA's Tabiwari and JAL's Waribiki fares are listed on their websites (in English too) – you can compare month-by-month price calendars to pick the cheapest date. There's also a site called Tokkyu Reserve (特急料金比較) and others that compare air vs train costs. Big Japanese travel agencies like JTB, Jalan, Rakuten Travel offer package deals (flight + hotel) that can be incredibly cost-effective for vacations; sometimes the package price is barely more than the flight alone. Another hack specific to Japan is using 株主優待券 (shareholder discount tickets): these coupons (purchasable at ticket shops for ~¥3,000–¥4,000) let you book a JAL or ANA flight at about 50% off the full fare no matter how late – a lifesaver for last-minute trips when all cheap fares are gone. It's a bit of a niche trick and requires buying the coupon and then calling to apply it to a booking, but many expats use it for urgent travel.

Leverage Points and Passes

We've talked about airline miles, but also remember generic point programs. For example, if you accumulate a lot of credit card points or Rakuten/Tpoint, see if you can convert those to airline miles. Sometimes a credit card sign-up bonus (like 10,000 ANA miles) can essentially give you a free flight. If you have family visiting Japan, take advantage of the special tourist air passes (JAL Explorer Pass, ANA Experience Japan Fare) by booking those domestic legs through their foreign address – it can significantly cut costs for their in-Japan travels. There are also regional air passes (like the Oneworld Yokoso/Visit Japan fares) that foreign airlines and alliances offer in partnership with JAL/ANA for international visitors. As a resident, you can't use those yourself, but you can mix and match for visiting friends or multi-city trips (e.g. if you plan a trip that starts with family arriving on temporary visitor visas, you could even book yourself on the same tourist fare flights if part of their itinerary, as long as one leg ties to an international ticket). Creativity can unlock savings.

Be mindful of LCC quirks

Budget airlines often use secondary airports or terminals. In Tokyo, Peach, Jetstar and Spring use Narita (and sometimes Ibaraki), not Haneda. In Osaka, Peach uses Kansai, not Itami. Factor in transit time and cost to those airports (a cheap flight from Narita might lose its luster if you spend ¥3,000 on the Narita Express train and an extra hour to get there). LCCs also have tighter check-in deadlines – usually you must be at the counter 30-60 minutes before departure; some allow online check-in, some don't. Seating is another point: on a full-service airline you're assured an assigned seat; on LCCs without paid selection, if you're last to check in you could be stuck in a middle seat or separated from companions. If that matters, pay the small seat fee. Lastly, keep an eye on weight limits: a typical LCC carry-on limit is 7 kg. They will check, and if you're over, you'll pay a hefty fee at the gate. So weigh your bags and purchase any extra weight allowance online beforehand (it's much cheaper than paying at the airport).

Best Practices for Flying in Japan

Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Booking at the last minute: Flights in Japan get very expensive close to departure, especially around holidays. If you try to buy a ticket a few days before New Year's, you might find only ¥50,000+ seats left or none at all. Mitigation: Plan ahead and take advantage of early-bird discounts – airlines start sales up to 2–3 months out for peak seasons. Mark the dates when tickets release and book early to lock in fares that are often half the walk-up price. When spontaneity is needed, consider alternatives like standby, low-cost carriers, or using a shareholder discount coupon to soften the blow.

Overlooking baggage rules and fees: It's easy to get hit with ¥5,000+ overweight fees at the airport if you don't realize your bag is over the limit. LCCs in particular have strict policies – e.g. 7 kg carry-on only, anything more must be checked and paid for. Mitigation: Check baggage allowances carefully for your airline and ticket type. JAL and ANA include free checked bags (generally 20 kg on domestic, 23 kg×2 on int'l economy) so use that if you need to haul stuff. For LCCs, pre-book luggage online (it's much cheaper than paying at the counter) and weigh your bags at home. Also, consolidate — a personal item plus a carry-on might be counted together on some airlines. When packing, remember Japanese carriers also place size limits (domestic overhead bins aren't huge), so using a smaller suitcase can save hassle. In short, travel light when you can, and budget in advance for when you can't.

Not leveraging frequent flyer programs: Many expats pay for flights but never earn miles, essentially missing out on free travel. For instance, one round-trip to Europe in economy (or a couple of shorter Asia trips) could earn ~10,000 miles – enough for a free domestic flight or a class upgrade. Mitigation: Join the mileage program for any airline you fly regularly. It's free and gives you credit for flights you're taking anyway. Always input your membership number when booking or checking in. The miles add up faster than you think, especially if you also use a co-branded credit card or accumulate points from everyday shopping to convert into miles. Redeem earned miles for tickets or upgrades before they expire – even a short domestic award ticket (often ~6,000–7,500 miles one-way) can save you ¥15,000. Essentially, don't leave value on the table; those "free" flights feel great when you realize they came just from being smart about loyalty programs.

(Optional bonus tip): Choosing the wrong airport or connection – Tokyo has two airports and knowing which is more convenient can matter. Similarly, always factor in transit time/cost. Mitigation: If you live in central Tokyo/Yokohama, favor Haneda for international trips when possible (much closer). If you have a tight schedule, avoid itineraries that force awkward transfers (like arriving at Narita at 10pm when trains have stopped). Consider paying a bit more for a direct flight or better-timed flight to save an expensive overnight or stress – it often pays for itself in convenience.

FAQ: Japanese Airlines and Travel

Q1: Do I need a passport for domestic flights in Japan?

No, domestic flights do not require a passport for ID if you are in Japan – you can book and board using just your ticket/QR code. In practice, Japanese citizens fly with just a boarding pass. That said, as a foreign resident you should carry some form of ID (your residence card or passport) when traveling, in case of irregular situations. If you use a special fare for foreign tourists, you'll need to show your passport at check-in to prove eligibility. But generally, within Japan you won't go through immigration or passport control for domestic flights.

Q2: Which is better, JAL or ANA?

Both JAL (Japan Airlines) and ANA (All Nippon Airways) offer excellent service and safety – they consistently rank among the top airlines globally. The choice often comes down to schedule, price, or alliance. ANA is in Star Alliance (good if you connect with United, Lufthansa, etc.), while JAL is in oneworld (partners like American Airlines, British Airways). Some expats prefer JAL's slightly more Japanese service touches versus ANA's slightly more international style, but honestly the difference is small. You can expect clean planes, polite crews, on-time performance, and similar baggage policies on both. In short, you won't go wrong with either – pick based on convenience for your route or personal mileage program preference.

Q3: Are Japan's budget airlines reliable and safe?

Yes – despite offering no-frills service, Japanese LCCs are quite reliable in terms of safety and punctuality. They adhere to rigorous maintenance standards (JAL's low-cost subsidiaries follow JAL's safety protocols, for example). On-time rates and cancellation rates for LCCs are nowadays almost on par with full-service carriers. The main differences will be in comfort and service (e.g. tighter seats, fees for extras, sometimes using remote terminals). Also, LCC schedules can be a bit less padded – a minor delay might cascade if an aircraft is doing many short hops in a day. But overall, you can trust Japanese budget airlines to get you there safely. Just be sure to follow their rules (check in on time, etc.), since they are strict due to quick turnarounds.

Q4: Is it cheaper to fly or take the Shinkansen bullet train?

It depends on the route and your timing. For long distances like Tokyo to Sapporo or Okinawa, flying is usually cheaper and definitely faster (there's no bullet train to those islands). For mid-range routes like Tokyo–Osaka or Tokyo–Fukuoka, the price can be similar to a Shinkansen, especially if you book flights early or use an airline sale. The Shinkansen has the advantage of city-center stations and no security lines, so some people prefer it for comfort and convenience. A good rule of thumb: if your journey is under ~3 hours by train, the difference isn't huge – take whichever you prefer. If it's 4+ hours by train, check the airlines. Also consider that Japan Rail passes (if you ever use one for visiting family, etc.) cover bullet trains but not flights, whereas some regional air passes exist. In summary, check both – oftentimes a plane wins on price/time for long hauls, and trains win for shorter hops or if you value a more spacious, scenic ride.

Q5: How can I earn airline miles without flying much?

Even if you're not a frequent flyer, there are many ways to earn miles in Japan. The most powerful is using a credit card that gives miles – for example, an ANA Visa or JAL MasterCard can convert every ¥100 spent into 1 mile (sometimes better). There are often sign-up bonuses as well. If credit cards aren't an option, look into point programs: retailers like Yodobashi or Rakuten let you convert their points to airline miles. Participating in promotions (filling out surveys for miles, flying during double-mile campaigns) helps too. Another tip: dine or shop with partners – JAL and ANA have online malls and dining programs where you register a credit card and earn bonus miles at certain restaurants or stores. Lastly, some expats funnel all work travel into one program – even a couple of business trips a year can yield a free flight if you stick to the same airline alliance. Essentially, make your everyday spending work for you by channeling it through mileage programs.

Q6: How much baggage can I take on Japanese flights?

For domestic flights, full-service airlines generally allow 1 free checked bag up to 20 kg in economy (JAL and ANA) and up to 100 cm dimensions, plus usually 10 kg of carry-on (one piece) allowed onboard. If you fly premium classes or have elite status, the free allowance is higher (e.g. 40 kg or multiple bags) – check the specific airline rules. On international flights, JAL/ANA economy typically include 2 checked bags of 23 kg each for most routes, which is quite generous, plus a carry-on bag (~7–10 kg) and a personal item. Budget airlines have much stricter limits: often no free checked baggage at all (you pay per bag, often ~¥1,000-¥4,000 depending on weight if pre-booked) and a carry-on weight limit (commonly 7 kg). Always verify with your airline: for example, Peach and Jetstar Japan allow one carry-on bag (7 kg) for free and charge around ¥2,000-¥3,000 for a 20 kg checked bag if paid online. In summary, full-service carriers include luggage in the ticket price (so take advantage of it), while LCCs operate a pay-for-what-you-need system – pack light or budget the extra cost accordingly.

Conclusion

Flying within and from Japan has never been more accessible – or more important – for residents and expats. By understanding the nuances of Japanese airlines, from booking hacks and budget carriers to loyalty programs and local etiquette, you can travel smarter, cheaper, and more comfortably in 2025. Embrace the convenience of air travel in Japan's new normal, and enjoy the journey as much as the destination!