Eastar Jet

Eastar Jet is a bright star on the horizon of Asian low-cost carriers, with a name that symbolizes the desire to offer travelers unforgettable experiences flying to the East. Based in the dynamic heart of South Korea, the airline offers the perfect balance between affordability and reliability, opening doors to the most colorful corners of the region. It is an excellent choice for those who want to save on flights to spend more on emotions and adventures at their destination.

History and Mission

Eastar Jet was founded in 2007 with the goal of making air travel accessible to a wide range of people. Since its first flight, the carrier has adhered to the concept of budget travel without sacrificing safety. The company's mission is to give customers "Exciting Memories," turning every flight into a pleasant start to a holiday. The headquarters is located in the country's capital, and the main hub is Seoul, from where aircraft fly to numerous domestic and international destinations.

Route Network and Destinations

The main focus of the flight map is on East and Southeast Asia. One of the busiest and most popular routes is the domestic flight to the resort island of Jeju City, often called the "Hawaii of Korea." For international travelers, Eastar Jet offers convenient departures to Japan, including flights to Tokyo, colorful Osaka, and Fukuoka. The schedule also includes popular resort destinations in Vietnam, such as Nha Trang and Da Nang, as well as flights to China and Taiwan. The flight geography is constantly adjusted to meet seasonal tourist demand.

Fleet and Safety

Eastar Jet's fleet consists of modern and fuel-efficient Boeing 737 family liners, including Next Generation models and the newer 737 MAX 8. Using a single fleet type allows the airline to optimize maintenance and crew training costs, which positively affects ticket prices. The company pays close attention to safety standards, regularly conducting technical audits and following strict international civil aviation regulations. On board, passengers can expect standard low-cost carrier service with the option to purchase additional services as desired.

You can contact Eastar Jet representatives in several convenient ways, although the company primarily focuses on digital self-service tools. For prompt resolution of issues related to tickets or baggage, it is recommended to use the official website or the reservation call center.

Official Website

Current schedules, booking management, and news are available at: www.eastarjet.com. Please note that the website is the main tool for checking flight status and purchasing additional services.

Contact Details

• Official Website: www.eastarjet.com (supports Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese).
• Support and Reservation Service (Korea): 1544-0080.
• For International Calls: +82-2-1544-0080.
• Call Center Hours: Daily from 07:00 to 21:00 (Korean Standard Time, GMT+9).
• Email: A direct support email address for passengers is not published. To send written inquiries, use the "1:1 Inquiry" (Customer Voice) form in your personal account on the website.
• Mobile App: "Eastar Jet" (available on App Store and Google Play).

Social Media

The airline is active on social media, where it frequently publishes information about promotions and special offers:

• Instagram: @eastarjet_official
• YouTube: EastarJet
• Facebook: Eastar Jet Official

Offices and Representatives

• Headquarters: Located in Gangseo-gu, Seoul.
• Airport Counters: Branded service counters are open at Incheon (ICN) and Gimpo (GMP) airports during flight check-in.
• Overseas Representatives: At international destination airports (for example, in Japan or Vietnam), support is provided by staff at Eastar Jet check-in counters, which open 2–3 hours before departure.

Emergency Support

There is no 24-hour hotline. In case of emergencies outside working hours (at night), it is recommended to contact airline staff directly at the departure airport or use automated self-service tools on the website.

Important: Contact details and operating hours are subject to change. We recommend checking the latest information on the carrier's official resource before contacting them.

Baggage Rules: What You Need to Know Before Flying

Since Eastar Jet (ZE) is a Low-Cost Carrier (LCC), carefully studying the baggage policy is key to saving your budget. The carrier's rules are quite strict, and free baggage allowances depend directly on the type of fare purchased. To ensure your journey, whether it's a short flight to Busan or an international flight to Bangkok, goes smoothly, we recommend familiarizing yourself with the restrictions in advance.

Carry-on Baggage

Uniform carry-on standards apply to all Eastar Jet passengers and are included in the price of any ticket. You may take on board:

• One main item: A suitcase or bag weighing no more than 10 kg. The sum of the three dimensions (length + width + height) must not exceed 115 cm (typically 20 x 55 x 40 cm).
• One personal item: A small handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack that can be placed under the seat in front of you.

Important: If your carry-on baggage exceeds the specified weight or size limits, it will have to be checked in at the boarding gate for an additional fee, which usually costs more than arranging it at the check-in counter.

Checked Baggage

Checked baggage allowances vary depending on the selected fare and route. The airline usually offers three fare levels:

• Exciting (Promotional/Cheapest): Free checked baggage is not included in this fare. If you are traveling light, this is a great way to save, but any suitcase will have to be paid for separately.
• Standard: Usually includes 15 kg of baggage. This is the most popular choice for travelers heading to cities such as Sapporo or Taipei.
• Sports/Premium (if available): May include an increased allowance or special conditions for sports equipment.

For domestic flights and short international flights, allowances may differ slightly, so always check the information on your itinerary receipt.

Excess Baggage

If your suitcase weighs more than allowed (for example, 18 kg instead of 15 kg), you will have to pay for the excess weight for each extra kilogram. Rates are divided into zones:

• Zone 1: Domestic flights within Korea (e.g., to Cheongju).
• Zone 2: Japan and nearby regions of China (e.g., Shanghai).
• Zone 3: Southeast Asia and further destinations (e.g., Phu Quoc or Chiang Mai).

Purchasing additional baggage allowance (Pre-paid Baggage) on the airline's website at least 24 hours before departure will be significantly cheaper than paying for excess weight at the airport.

Sports Equipment and Musical Instruments

Eastar Jet is loyal to active tourists but requires compliance with rules:

• Sports: Golf sets, skis, snowboards, or surfboards are transported for a separate fee (Handling Fee), even if they fit within the weight allowance. Equipment must be securely packed in special cases.
• Musical Instruments: Small instruments (violin, ukulele) can be taken into the cabin if they fit on the shelf (within carry-on dimensions). For a cello or guitar, you will need to purchase a separate seat in the cabin (CBBG) or check it in a hard case labeled as "fragile cargo."

Prohibited Items and Restrictions

For flight safety, strictly observe the following packing rules:

• Lithium Batteries and Power Banks: Allowed ONLY in carry-on baggage. It is strictly forbidden to check them in. Battery capacity must not exceed 160 Wh.
• E-cigarettes and Lighters: Only on your person (in a pocket) or in carry-on baggage.
• Liquids (International Flights): In carry-on baggage, liquids, gels, and aerosols are allowed only in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a single transparent resealable bag with a volume of no more than 1 liter.

Packing Tips for Eastar Jet Passengers

To avoid stress at the airport, weigh your bags at home. Remember that Korean low-cost carriers often strictly monitor carry-on weight at check-in. If you plan to shop, for example, in Okinawa or Yantai, it is more profitable to buy a fare with baggage immediately or pay for an additional "Bundle" when booking your ticket than to pay extra for excess weight on the way back.

Eastar Jet positions itself as a pet-friendly airline, but it is important for travelers to know a key feature of the carrier: pet transport is carried out exclusively in the aircraft cabin (PETC service). Your pet will be next to you throughout the journey, minimizing stress. Transporting animals in the cargo hold is not provided on flights by this airline.

Who Can Be Taken on Board

According to updated rules, dogs, cats, and pet birds are allowed to fly. An important advantage of Eastar Jet is that birds are now permitted for transport on both domestic and international flights (provided appropriate veterinary documents are available). Since cabin space is limited, quotas apply on each flight, so the service must be booked in advance through the customer support center.

Weight Limits and Placement

The airline offers some of the most generous weight conditions among budget carriers.

• Weight: The total weight of the animal together with the carrier can reach 9 kg. This is significantly more than the standard 7–8 kg of many competitors.
• Placement: The container with the pet must be placed under the seat in front of you. Taking the animal out of the carrier during the flight is strictly prohibited.
• Limit: One passenger may transport only one carrier with one animal (exceptions are two puppies or kittens from the same litter up to 6 months old, as well as a pair of birds).

Carrier Requirements

For your pet to be allowed on board, the container must meet safety standards and the dimensions of the space under the seat.

• Dimensions: The sum of three dimensions (length + width + height) must not exceed 100 cm.
• Maximum Height: A strict requirement — no more than 23 cm for soft carriers (they can be slightly compressed) and hard containers. This is necessary for free placement under the seat.
• Material: Both fabric and plastic carriers with ventilation and a waterproof bottom are allowed.

Flight Geography and Route Features

Transport rules are uniform across the entire route network, but document requirements may differ depending on the destination.

• Domestic Flights: Popular routes, for example, from the capital to the island of Jeju City or to the port city of Busan, require a minimal set of documents.
• International Flights: You can travel with your pet (including birds) to Tokyo, Osaka, or Taipei. However, traveling abroad will require international veterinary certificates and compliance with the quarantine regulations of the destination country.

Service Cost

Pet transport is not included in the free baggage allowance and is paid for separately at the check-in counter at the airport.

• Within Korea: About 30,000 KRW per segment.
• International Destinations: The cost ranges from 120,000 to 200,000 KRW (or the equivalent in the departure currency) one way.

Documents and Preparation for Departure

Before buying a ticket, ensure the pet's age meets the rules: at least 8 weeks for domestic flights and from 16 weeks for international ones. Valid vaccinations (especially against rabies) are mandatory. If you are flying to cities such as Fukuoka or Shanghai, study the animal import requirements in advance, as they may include mandatory microchipping and antibody tests done several months before the trip.

Restrictions

The airline reserves the right to refuse transport to pregnant animals, pets with an unpleasant odor, or signs of aggression. Also, the transport of fighting dog breeds (e.g., Rottweilers, Pitbulls, Tosa Inu) is prohibited for passenger safety. Service dogs accompanying passengers with disabilities travel free of charge and without weight restrictions provided they have identification.

Eastar Jet offers its passengers a simple and transparent reward system called Eastar Jet Membership (or Star Points). Unlike classic mileage programmes, where calculations are often difficult to understand, this low-cost carrier's scheme works on a clear cashback principle. The more you spend on tickets, the more points are returned to your account to pay for future trips.

Membership Tiers

The airline maintains a democratic approach and avoids a complex hierarchy of elite statuses (Gold or Platinum) typical of large alliances. Privileges are available to all registered users:

• Basic Member: Status is assigned automatically after registration on the website. It gives the right to accumulate points and access personal coupons and discounts.
• Corporate Member: A special programme for companies that allows optimizing expenses on employee business trips.

How to Earn Points (Star Points)

The point accrual system ("Star Points") is tied to the cost of the paid fare, not the flight distance, making it very beneficial for passengers:

• Buying Flight Tickets: For every flight, a certain percentage of the fare cost is returned to your personal account (usually up to 5% depending on the booking class).
• Special Promotions: The airline frequently runs promo campaigns, awarding double points for flights to certain destinations or during the low season.
• Welcome Bonuses: New users can receive starting points or discount coupons immediately after account registration.

How to Spend Points

The main advantage of the programme is flexibility. Accumulated Star Points act as currency that can be used to pay for airline services:

• Buying Tickets: Points can be used to pay for a flight fully or partially. This is a great opportunity to save on a trip to Seoul or the popular resort of Jeju City.
• Additional Services: Funds from the bonus account can be used to pay for selecting a comfortable seat in the cabin or transporting excess baggage.
• Transferring Points: Within the programme, there is an option to transfer accumulated bonuses to friends or family members who are also registered in the system.

How to Become a Member

You can join Eastar Jet Membership in a couple of minutes and completely free of charge:

• Visit the airline's official website or download the mobile app.
• Select the registration section ("Sign Up") and fill in the necessary details.
• Confirm your account creation via email.
• Immediately after logging in, you will be able to see your points balance and available coupons.

Flying with Eastar Jet is a "no-frills" journey, typical of classic low-cost carriers. The airline focuses on safety and punctuality, offering passengers a basic set of services included in the ticket price and a wide range of additional options for a separate fee. This allows you to flexibly adjust the level of comfort to suit your budget and needs.

Classes of Service and Comfort

The airline's fleet consists of Boeing 737 aircraft, so the cabin has a single-class layout (Economy). There is no business class or first class in the usual sense, but the comfort level fully meets international standards for short and medium-haul flights.

• Seat Configuration: Seating is arranged in a "3-3" layout. Seats are upholstered in practical leather or fabric and have a standard pitch (distance between rows) of about 29–30 inches.
• Seat Selection: If you need more legroom, for example, for a flight to Bangkok or Nha Trang, it is recommended to purchase seats in the front rows or at emergency exits (Front Seat / Exit Row) in advance. These seats are available for an additional fee when booking on the website.

Food and Drinks

Like most budget carriers, Eastar Jet does not include free hot meals in the price of a standard ticket. However, passengers will not go hungry:

• Eastar Shop (Onboard Purchase): During the flight, flight attendants offer a menu with snacks, chocolate, soft drinks, and beverages. One of the unique features of Korean airlines is the opportunity to buy and brew a cup of hot ramyun (noodles) right in the sky.
• Pre-ordered Meal: For those who prefer a full meal, a pre-order service for hot dishes is available (no later than 72 hours before departure). The menu includes popular Korean dishes such as Bulgogi with rice or Bibimbap, as well as sandwiches and salads. This is especially relevant for long flights.
• Water: On most flights departing from the hub in Seoul, passengers are provided with drinking water free of charge (upon request), but it is recommended to carry your own bottle (empty before security screening), which can be filled at the airport.

Entertainment and Connectivity

There are no individual multimedia screens in the seat backs on Eastar Jet aircraft. To avoid boredom on the way, for example, when traveling to Tokyo or Osaka, we advise you to download movies, music, or books to your mobile devices in advance. In the seat pocket, you will find a branded in-flight magazine with interesting travel articles and a Duty Free catalog.

Special Services

The airline strives to ensure an accessible environment for all categories of passengers:

• Passengers with Disabilities: Eastar Jet provides assistance and wheelchair services. A request for this service must be made through the reservation center at least 48 hours before departure. Staff will help with check-in and boarding the aircraft.
• Unaccompanied Minors (UM): An escort service for children traveling without parents is available for young passengers aged 5 to 12 on domestic flights and up to 11 on international flights. Airline staff will look after the child from the moment of check-in until handover to the meeting party at the arrival airport.
• Pregnant Women: Air travel is permitted without certificates up to 32 weeks of pregnancy. At later stages (32–36 weeks), a medical certificate and the completion of a liability waiver will be required.

Eastar Jet is actively developing its route network, connecting its base hub in Seoul with popular tourist and business centers in Asia. Passengers have access to a wide choice of destinations, including frequent domestic flights to resort islands and regular international flights to Japan, Vietnam, China, and other countries in the region.

Booking and Flying Tips with Eastar Jet

Traveling with a low-cost carrier requires a little more attention to detail than flying with a classic airline, but proper preparation will help you save significantly and avoid stress. To ensure your flight, whether it's a short trip to Jeju City or an international journey, goes perfectly, use these proven recommendations.

Hunting for Low Fares

The main rule of budget travel is to book early. The optimal time to buy tickets for international Eastar Jet flights is 3–4 months before departure. For domestic flights within South Korea, prices often remain attractive 1–2 months in advance. Keep an eye out for the airline's signature sale, known as "Eastar Wars." During this promotion, tickets to popular destinations such as Tokyo or Osaka are sold with maximum discounts. To ensure you don't miss the start of sales, subscribe to the newsletter on the official website or turn on notifications on the carrier's social media.

Online Check-in and Time Saving

Don't waste time in queues at the airport. Online check-in opens 24 hours and closes 1 hour before departure. This is especially relevant if you are flying from the busy hub in Seoul. Save your boarding pass on your mobile phone or print it in advance. Please note: on some international routes (e.g., to China or Vietnam), a visa check at the counter may be required, even if you have checked in online.

Seat Selection for a Comfortable Flight

Since the seat pitch is standard for economy class, we strongly recommend tall passengers pay for seat selection in advance:

• Front Seat (Zone A): Seats in the first rows allow you to be the first to leave the aircraft after landing, which is important if you are rushing for a transfer or want to clear passport control faster.
• Exit Row: Seats by the emergency exits provide significantly more legroom.
• Window Seats: If you are flying in clear weather, for example, to Fukuoka or along the coast of Vietnam, a window seat will offer you stunning views.

Eastar Jet Mobile App

Install the official airline app before your trip. It not only allows you to conveniently manage your booking but also sends important push notifications about flight delays, gate changes, or the start of boarding. The app is also convenient for purchasing extra baggage if you got carried away with shopping and your suitcase has become heavier than the allowance.

Travel Insurance

Budget airline tickets are often non-refundable or involve high penalties for date changes. Therefore, taking out travel insurance with a "trip cancellation" option is a wise investment. It will protect your budget in case of unforeseen circumstances, illness, or flight delays, ensuring peace of mind throughout your journey.

History and Development of the Airline

The path of Eastar Jet (ZE) is a story of ambition, overcoming difficulties, and a spectacular return to the skies. Founded in 2007, the airline quickly established itself as an affordable carrier, making travel across Asia a reality for millions of Koreans and foreign tourists. Based in Seoul, the company has undergone a major transformation to offer passengers modern service and a renewed route network today.

Foundation and Rapid Ascent

Eastar Jet was established in October 2007 with its head office in Gunsan, although the operational center soon shifted to the capital. The airline operated its first commercial flight in January 2009 on the Gimpo — Jeju City route. Success in the domestic market allowed the carrier to quickly enter the international arena. By the end of 2009, aircraft with the ZE logo began flying to Japan and China, opening affordable flights to Tokyo and other key metropolises in the region for tourists.

Expanding Horizons and the "Golden Age"

The period from 2010 to 2018 was a time of active expansion. Eastar Jet was one of the first Korean low-cost carriers to start exploring routes to Southeast Asia, adding flights to Bangkok and the resort of Kota Kinabalu to the schedule. The company focused on popular tourist destinations, which allowed it to win traveler loyalty. During this period, regular flights were launched to Taipei and Vietnamese Da Nang, which remain top sellers today.

Fleet Evolution: Course for Efficiency

Initially, the airline's fleet was formed from time-tested Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft (-600, -700, and -800). However, Eastar Jet has always strived for innovation. In 2018, it became the first low-cost carrier in Korea to receive the newest Boeing 737 MAX 8 liner. These aircraft feature increased fuel efficiency and comfort, allowing for longer flights, such as to Singapore or distant cities in China, while maintaining low ticket prices.

Turbulence and Change of Ownership

Like the entire aviation industry, Eastar Jet faced serious challenges in the early 2020s amidst global travel restrictions. The company was forced to temporarily suspend flights, going through a complex restructuring process. A key turning point was the change of ownership. After a series of negotiations and deals, in January 2023, the airline was acquired by the private equity fund VIG Partners. This deal secured the necessary investments for the relaunch and modernization of all processes.

New Era: The Rebirth of 2023

March 2023 went down in the company's history as a "second birth." Eastar Jet resumed flights after a three-year hiatus, starting with the key domestic route to Jeju Island. Within a year, the carrier aggressively restored its international network, returning flights to Osaka, Fukuoka, and other in-demand cities. Today, the renewed Eastar Jet focuses on service digitalization, flight safety, and fleet expansion with modern liners, striving to regain the title of one of the leading budget carriers in the Asia-Pacific region.