Air Japan

Air Japan is a unique carrier that masterfully combines the affordability of budget airlines with high-quality Japanese service. As part of the prestigious ANA Holdings group, the company offers travellers a "hybrid" experience: comfortable flights on wide-body liners at attractive prices. The brand's philosophy is built on the concept of thoughtful attention to the passenger, allowing every guest to feel Japanese hospitality even before landing. It is the ideal choice for those planning a visit to Tokyo and looking for a balance between economy and comfort.

One of the main features of Air Japan is its modern fleet, consisting of comfortable Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. Unlike many low-cost carriers, the company offers increased legroom (seat pitch of about 32 inches), making even medium-haul flights much less tiring. The cabin interiors are designed with an emphasis on Japanese minimalism and functionality, creating a relaxing atmosphere on board.

The flight geography focuses on linking Japan with key Asian metropolises. The airline operates scheduled flights connecting its Narita hub with popular cities such as Seoul, dynamic Bangkok, and modern Singapore. Such a route network is convenient for both business travellers and tourists keen to explore the region.

Flight safety is an unconditional priority for Air Japan. Operating under the wing of its parent company ANA (All Nippon Airways), which regularly receives top marks in global ratings, the carrier adheres to the strictest standards of maintenance and crew training. The company's mission is to make the Japanese skies open to everyone by offering a flexible fare system where passengers pay only for the services they truly need, be it in-flight meals or seat selection.

For travellers planning a flight with Air Japan, the airline offers convenient digital communication channels. As a modern hybrid carrier, the company places its main emphasis on online services, allowing most issues—from booking to check-in—to be resolved via the internet. Nevertheless, telephone support is available for passengers, operating during daytime hours based on Japanese time.

Official Website

The main source of up-to-date information and the platform for managing bookings is the airline's official website. Here you can check flight status, add baggage, or select a seat in the cabin.

• Website: www.flyairjapan.com

Contact Details

The support service processes requests in English and Japanese. Please note that the contact centre's operating hours are limited.

• International Contact Centre (Japan): +81-3-6629-1629 (paid call)
• Support Service in Singapore: +65-3138-3716
• Operating Hours: Daily from 09:00 to 18:00 (local time of the country you are calling)
• Email: A direct email address is not used for public support. To send written requests and documents, please use the feedback form on the official website in the "Contact Us" section.
• Mobile App: The airline does not currently have its own mobile application. The website is fully adapted for mobile devices, so you can easily manage your booking from your smartphone.

Social Media

It is convenient to follow news, promotions, and announcements of new routes (for example, to Bangkok or Seoul) through the carrier's official accounts. Support staff sometimes answer simple questions via direct messages.

• Facebook: flyairjapan
• Instagram: flyairjapan
• YouTube: official_airjapan
• X (Twitter): @flyairjapan

Offices and Representatives

Like many modern carriers, Air Japan does not maintain a wide network of city sales offices. Passenger service is primarily conducted remotely.

• Airport Counters: Available at departure airports (for example, Terminal 1 of Narita Airport in Tokyo) only on flight operation days. Counters open 3 hours before and close 1 hour before departure.

Emergency Support

A 24-hour hotline is not provided. In case of emergency situations outside the call centre's working hours, it is recommended to contact airline representatives directly at the airport or use the automated functions on the website.

Please note: Contact details and operating hours may change. We strongly recommend checking the most current information on the airline's official website before your trip.

When planning a trip with Air Japan, it is important to remember that the airline operates on a hybrid model. This means that baggage carriage rules may differ from what you are used to on classic flights of the parent company ANA. The fare system here is flexible: you can choose a ticket with only hand luggage for a short business trip or pay for full baggage for a long holiday. Carefully studying these rules will help avoid unexpected extra charges at the airport and make your flight to Tokyo as comfortable as possible.

Hand Luggage

Regardless of the chosen fare, all Air Japan passengers are allowed to take hand luggage on board. However, the rules here are quite strict, and staff at the check-in counter or gate may check the weight and dimensions of your bags.

• Quantity: A passenger may take up to 2 items of hand luggage. This includes one standard bag (e.g., a carry-on suitcase) and one personal item (handbag, laptop bag, small rucksack) that can be placed under the seat in front.
• Weight: The total weight of the two items must not exceed 7 kg. If your bags are heavier, it is recommended to purchase a baggage allowance in advance, as excess weight fees at the boarding gate will be significantly higher.
• Dimensions: The main bag must not exceed dimensions of 55 cm x 40 cm x 25 cm (including wheels and handles).

Checked Baggage

The policy for checked baggage depends on the fare you purchased when booking (Simple, Standard, or Selected). If you are flying on the basic "Simple" fare, baggage is not included in the price, but it can be added for an additional fee on the airline's website.

• Weight Limits: A standard piece of baggage is usually limited to a weight of up to 23 kg.
• Dimensions: The sum of the three dimensions (length + width + height) of the suitcase must not exceed 203 cm.
• Savings: Adding baggage online before departure always costs less than paying at the airport. This is especially relevant for passengers flying from cities like Bangkok or Singapore, where the temptation to buy souvenirs is great.

Excess Baggage

If your suitcase exceeds the allowable weight or dimensions, an excess weight fee will be charged. It is important to remember that even if paying for excess weight, the maximum weight of a single piece of baggage cannot exceed 32 kg due to health and safety regulations for baggage handlers. Anything heavier must be processed as cargo.

Special Baggage: Sports and Music

Air Japan allows the transport of non-standard items, but this requires prior notification and, typically, payment of a special fee.

• Sports Equipment: Bicycles, golf equipment, skis, or surfboards are transported in the hold. Equipment must be securely packed in protective cases. Given the popularity of Japan's winter resorts among tourists from Seoul, it is recommended to book space for skis in advance, as hold space is limited.
• Musical Instruments: Small instruments (e.g., a violin) can be taken into the cabin if they fit within hand luggage dimensions. For larger instruments (cello, guitar), you must either check them in as baggage in a hard case or purchase a separate seat in the cabin.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

To ensure flight safety, there are strict restrictions on the carriage of certain items. Japanese aviation safety rules are strictly enforced.

• In Hand Luggage: Liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of no more than 100 ml each and packed in a single transparent plastic bag with a volume of no more than 1 litre. Sharp and cutting objects are prohibited.
• Only in Hand Luggage (Prohibited in Checked Baggage): Lithium batteries, power banks, and electronic cigarettes. These items are strictly prohibited in checked baggage due to fire risk.
• Total Ban: Explosives, flammable liquids, toxic substances, and other dangerous goods.

Packing Tips

To ensure your journey with Air Japan goes smoothly, follow a few simple recommendations:

Firstly, always weigh your baggage at home or on free scales at the airport before approaching the check-in counter. The 7 kg limit for hand luggage is used up very quickly, especially if you are carrying electronics. Secondly, mark your suitcase with a bright ribbon or a tag with contact details—this will help find it faster on the carousel. Finally, if you plan on shopping, pay for an extra piece of baggage online in advance—this way you will save money for Duty Free purchases.

Rules for Transporting Animals

If you plan to travel with your four-legged friend, it is important to familiarise yourself with the airline's policy in advance. Air Japan, following its business model, adheres to strict rules regarding animals. Unlike many traditional carriers, this airline does not provide services for transporting pets on its scheduled flights. This applies to all destinations in the route network, including popular flights to Tokyo, Bangkok, Singapore, and Seoul.

Transport Restrictions

The total ban policy was introduced to optimise service processes and maintain affordable fares. Passengers should take note of the following points:

• In the Aircraft Cabin: The transport of cats, dogs, birds, and other small animals in hand luggage is strictly prohibited.
• In the Baggage Hold: The airline does not accept animals for transport as checked baggage. Air Japan aircraft lack specially equipped compartments with climate control for the safe transport of live cargo.

Exception: Assistance Dogs

The only exception to the general rules is guide dogs and assistance dogs accompanying passengers with disabilities (visual, hearing, or mobility impairments). Air Japan strives to ensure a barrier-free environment for all travellers.

To fly with an assistance dog, several conditions must be met:

• Certification: The dog must have an official certificate confirming its status and completion of special training.
• Placement: The dog is transported in the cabin free of charge and must stay at the owner's feet without blocking the aisle.
• Documents: The passenger is obliged to provide all necessary veterinary certificates and entry/exit permits required by the legislation of the destination country (Japan's quarantine service rules are particularly strict).
• Notification: It is recommended to contact the Air Japan customer support centre as early as possible before departure to coordinate transport details.

Important: Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) that are not certified assistance dogs are not permitted for transport in the cabin.

What to do if you need to transport a pet?

If your journey is impossible without your pet, we recommend considering alternative options:

• Parent Airline ANA: All Nippon Airways (ANA), of which Air Japan is a part, offers full service for transporting animals both in the cabin and in the baggage hold on many routes.
• Cargo Services: For transporting animals, you can use the services of specialised cargo agents who process the pet as unaccompanied cargo (air cargo) in compliance with all temperature regimes.

Loyalty Programme

Air Japan positions itself as a hybrid-type airline, offering passengers a balance between affordable fares and high-quality Japanese service. Due to this business model, the carrier's approach to reward programmes differs significantly from traditional full-service airlines.

Currently, Air Japan does not have its own loyalty programme, and the airline does not offer the opportunity to earn miles for flights. Even if you are a member of the parent company's ANA Mileage Club programme, bonus points are not accrued for flights under the NQ (Air Japan) code. The brand concept is built on a simple principle: the best privilege for a traveller is an initially low ticket price without hidden markups for marketing programmes.

Opportunities for ANA Mileage Club Members

Despite the fact that you cannot earn miles on Air Japan flights, belonging to the ANA group opens up specific opportunities for using them. Members of the ANA Mileage Club programme can exchange accumulated miles for special vouchers (coupons). These coupons can be used to pay for flight tickets as well as additional Air Japan services, such as baggage or seat selection.

It is important to note the difference from the classic scheme: you do not issue an award ticket (Flight Award) for miles directly, but use mileage vouchers as a means of payment to cover part or the full cost of the journey, for example, to Tokyo.

Status Privileges and Alliances

For passengers accustomed to global aviation alliances, it is important to consider Air Japan's specific features when planning trips to Seoul, Bangkok, or Singapore:

• Star Alliance: The airline is not a member of the Star Alliance.
• Elite Statuses: Loyalty cards of third-party airlines (including Gold status in the ANA programme or other partners) do not grant privileges on Air Japan flights.
• Services: Access to business lounges, priority check-in, and extra baggage for status passengers are not provided free of charge. These services can be purchased separately for a fee, regardless of your status in other programmes.

Thus, by choosing Air Japan, you receive a quality product based on the "pay for what you use" model, where savings are achieved by foregoing a complex loyalty system and alliance obligations.

Air Japan (NQ) offers passengers a unique travel format that differs from the usual division into Economy, Business, and First Class. The carrier implements a high-class "comfortable economy" concept. A single class of service is installed on board all liners, but thanks to modern aircraft and thoughtful service, the flight feels much more pleasant than with typical low-cost carriers.

Cabin Configuration and Seats

All Air Japan flights are operated on wide-body Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. The cabin layout follows a 3-3-3 scheme. The airline's main pride is space. The seat pitch is an impressive 32 inches (about 81 cm), which is comparable to classic full-service airlines and significantly exceeds the standards of budget carriers.

The seats themselves are upholstered in high-quality Japanese eco-leather, soft to the touch and comfortable for long sitting. The seat design is developed to provide a deep recline for rest while maintaining enough space for the passenger sitting behind. This is especially important on medium-haul flights, for example, when flying from Singapore to Japan.

In-flight Entertainment and Connectivity

In the spirit of modern digital trends, Air Japan has opted out of built-in monitors in seatbacks. Instead, an entertainment system is offered via Wi-Fi on passengers' own devices (smartphones or tablets).

• Wi-Fi and Streaming: By connecting to the onboard network, you get free access to a collection of the latest Hollywood films, Japanese anime, and travel video programmes.
• Internet: For those who want to stay connected, paid internet packages are available: from sending text messages to full web surfing.
• Gadget Charging: Each seat is equipped with two USB ports (Type-A and Type-C), so your devices will remain charged until arrival in Tokyo. Convenient tablet holders are also provided.

Food and Beverages

Air Japan's gastronomic concept allows passengers to decide for themselves if they wish to eat. Meals are not included in the basic ticket price but are available for pre-order or purchase on board.

• Pre-order: The menu is diverse and includes authentic Japanese hits: bento boxes with sushi (e.g., Kawaii Bento), katsu-sando (pork cutlet sandwiches), and hot curry dishes. It is better to order such dishes online in advance—this guarantees availability and a better price.
• Purchase on Board: During the flight, whether it is a flight to Bangkok or Seoul, flight attendants will offer light refreshments, snacks, soft and hot drinks, as well as alcoholic beverages for an additional fee. Payment is accepted only via cashless methods (credit cards and digital payments).

Additional Amenities and Special Services

Despite the budget model, the level of service corresponds to high Japanese standards of hospitality, Omotenashi. The crew is always ready to assist passengers with special needs.

• Blankets and Kits: On some fares, blankets and pillows are provided free of charge; on others, they can be purchased for a small fee and taken with you as a souvenir.
• For Children: The airline welcomes family travellers, however, it is worth remembering that bassinets for infants are not provided on board. Parents can order baby meals in advance.
• Passengers with Disabilities: Air Japan provides escort and assistance services during boarding/disembarking. It is recommended to notify the airline of the need for special assistance at least 48 hours before departure.

Air Japan's route network is compact but extremely efficient, linking popular Asian destinations with the airline's main hub in Tokyo. The carrier focuses on operating scheduled flights from key metropolises in the region, ensuring convenient access to the Japanese capital and further connections for tourists.

Travelling with Air Japan is an opportunity to enjoy Japanese quality at a reasonable price, but like any hybrid airline, it has its nuances. We have gathered key recommendations for you that will help save time and money when planning your trip.

Booking and Finding the Best Prices

Air Japan uses a dynamic pricing system. The best time to buy tickets is 3–5 months before the planned departure date. It is during this period that the most favourable "Simple" category fares are available. If you are planning a trip during high season (for example, cherry blossom in spring or red maples in autumn), it is worth booking even earlier.

Be sure to check the promotions section on the official website. The airline often offers special prices for new routes, for example, when launching flights to Bangkok or Singapore. Subscribing to the carrier's email newsletter is the most reliable way not to miss a sale.

Mobile App and Website

An important point for modern travellers: currently, Air Japan does not have its own mobile application. Do not try searching for it in app stores to avoid encountering unofficial programmes.

Instead, use the mobile version of the official website. It is excellently optimised and allows you to perform all necessary actions: from buying a ticket to managing your booking. Save the link to the website in your browser bookmarks before your trip to have quick access to flight information.

Online Check-in

The Check-in procedure opens on the website 24 hours before and closes 75 minutes prior to departure. We strongly recommend checking in online to guarantee your seat and avoid queues at the airport. After completing the procedure, be sure to save the mobile boarding pass on your phone or take a screenshot, as internet access while roaming may be unstable.

Seat Selection

Since the fleet consists of Boeing 787 aircraft with large windows, the flight can become a real excursion. If you are flying to Tokyo during daylight hours, try choosing a seat on the left side (seats with index A)—with good weather and a specific landing approach trajectory, there is a chance to see the famous Mount Fuji.

Remember that free seat selection is available only on the "Selected" fare. On cheaper fares, the system will assign a seat automatically. If you are flying as a group or family, it is better to pay for seat selection in advance via the website ("Manage Booking"), as the choice at the airport will be minimal, and you may be seated in different parts of the cabin.

Insurance

When heading to Japan or flying from cities like Seoul, do not neglect travel insurance. Medical care in Japan is very high quality but expensive for foreigners. Ensure that your policy covers not only medical expenses but also possible flight schedule changes. Considering that Air Japan is a separate entity, insurance against flight cancellation will be a reliable protection for your budget when connecting with other airlines.

By following these simple rules, you will make your flight easy and pleasant, focusing on the anticipation of meeting a new country.

Inception and Early Years

The history of Air Japan began on 29 June 1990. Initially, the carrier was founded under the name World Air Network as a charter division of the major Japanese holding ANA (All Nippon Airways). In the early years of its existence, the company focused on operating non-scheduled flights, ensuring tourist flow from Japan to popular resort zones in Asia and the Pacific region. However, the economic situation of the 90s required a review of strategy, and in 1995 operations were temporarily suspended.

Establishment of the Air Japan Name

The company's second life began at the turn of the millennium. In 2000, the carrier was renamed Air Japan, and already in 2001, it resumed flights, launching its first scheduled service from Osaka to Seoul. Over the next two decades, the company played an important but often invisible role for passengers: it operated flights under the brand and code of the parent company ANA. Passengers received ANA-level service and saw the ANA livery, but were actually served by the subsidiary's crews and aircraft. This allowed the holding to effectively manage costs on popular tourist routes, such as Hawaii and cities in Southeast Asia.

New Era: The 2024 Transformation

A cardinal turn in the carrier's development history occurred in the early 2020s. In response to changing traveller preferences and growing demand for budget yet comfortable travel, ANA Holdings decided to spin off Air Japan into an independent, recognisable brand. A concept of a "hybrid airline" was developed, occupying a niche between classic full service and low-cost carriers.

In February 2024, the official launch of the updated Air Japan took place. The first inaugural flight departed from Narita Airport (Tokyo) to Bangkok, marking the beginning of a new chapter. From this moment, the company's aircraft received their own unique livery, combining traditional Japanese colours of "indigo" and "dawn", symbolising care and warmth.

Fleet Evolution

The airline's technical development kept pace with the times. While in the early 2000s the fleet was based on reliable but aging Boeing 767-300ERs, by the time of the brand relaunch, the focus was on innovation and eco-friendliness. Today, the Air Japan fleet is unified and consists exclusively of modern Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. This choice allowed not only for a reduction in carbon footprint and fuel costs but also offered passengers a fundamentally new level of comfort thanks to more humid air in the cabin, low noise levels, and large windows.

Expanding Horizons

The modern stage of development is characterised by active expansion of the route network in Asia. Following Thailand, Singapore was added to the list of destinations, becoming an important link in the company's strategy to connect Japan with key economic and tourist centres of the region. Air Japan's development strategy is built on careful analysis of demand, offering flights to where passengers seek a balance of price and Japanese hospitality.