Japan Airlines (JAL) is now offering free domestic flights for international visitors, giving tourists a unique chance to explore Japan’s less-traveled regions.
As reported by Euro News on Wednesday (September 18, 2024), Japan Airlines launched this promotion to provide a seamless travel experience across the country. With a domestic network that covers 64 airports and 133 routes, JAL hopes that the free flights will encourage travelers to venture deeper into areas of Japan that are often overlooked.
This includes visits to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto or escaping the bustle of major cities to explore the magical landscapes of Hokkaido in the north. Travelers can also experience Kagoshima, known as the gateway to Japan’s southern islands, offering some of the best outdoor adventures the country has to offer.
The promotion is also designed to help alleviate over-tourism in some of Japan’s most popular tourist spots, such as Mount Fuji. In recent years, Mount Fuji has implemented entrance fees and daily visitor limits to manage overcrowding.
To qualify for a free domestic flight, tourists need to book an international Japan Airlines flight. Both the international and domestic flights must be reserved under the same booking.
There are certain stopover fees for travelers from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and China if they plan to stay at their first destination for more than 24 hours before continuing their journey.
Currently, the offer for tourists from the Thailand, Mexico, Canada, and U.S. It will extend to visitors from Singapore on September 18, and to those from Australia and New Zealand on September 19. Travelers from Vietnam and the Philippines can participate starting September 25, while those from Indonesia, India, China, and Taiwan will be eligible starting September 27.
Japan Airlines plans to expand the list of eligible countries by the end of September.
Additionally, the offer includes a generous baggage allowance. For international visitors purchasing a Japan Airlines domestic flight ticket, economy class passengers can check in up to two bags weighing up to 23 kilograms each.