Jin Air

Travel across Asia becomes more accessible and vibrant thanks to Jin Air. This South Korean carrier, a subsidiary of the national giant Korean Air, offers tourists the perfect balance between budget-friendly ticket prices and high safety standards. The company's name is not just a title, but a unique philosophy symbolizing practicality, freedom, and a democratic approach to flying that modern travellers will appreciate.

History and Mission

Founded in 2008, Jin Air quickly gained passenger trust, becoming a leading low-cost carrier in the region. The company's main goal is to make air travel "delightfully practical." The airline is known for its informal approach: for a long time, the crew's uniform was jeans, highlighting the friendly atmosphere on board. Today, the carrier's mission is to ensure reliable flights at a reasonable price while maintaining the service quality inherent to its parent company.

Flight Geography

Based at Incheon and Gimpo airports (Seoul), the airline connects South Korea with popular tourist destinations. The domestic network includes frequent flights to the resort island, arriving in Jeju City, as well as flights to Busan, Cheongju, and Daegu.

The international network covers key cities in Japan, such as Fukuoka, Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo, and sunny Okinawa. For beach holiday lovers in Southeast Asia, routes are provided to Cebu City, Vietnamese resorts Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc, as well as to the capital of Thailand — Bangkok and the cultural centre of Chiang Mai. Flights to Hagatna (Guam) and Shalu (Taiwan) are particularly popular.

Fleet and Safety

Jin Air's fleet stands out among many other budget carriers. The backbone of the fleet consists of reliable Boeing 737-800 aircraft, ideally suited for regional routes. A unique feature is the use of wide-body Boeing 777-200ER liners, allowing the airline to transport more passengers on busy routes with enhanced comfort. Being part of the Korean Air group guarantees adherence to the strictest global standards of maintenance and safety, confirmed by registration in the IOSA safety audit system.

Contacts and Support

You can contact Jin Air representatives in several ways, depending on the urgency of your enquiry. The carrier places a strong emphasis on digital self-service, so most operations regarding ticket changes or ordering additional services are more conveniently performed online; however, a telephone line is also available for international calls.

Contact Details

• Official Website: www.jinair.com (the site has an English version).
• International Customer Service: +82-2-3660-6000.
• Ticket Reservation and Enquiries (in Korea): 1600-6200.
• Online Support: For written requests and claims, it is recommended to use the "Customer Voice" or "Q&A" form in the personal account section on the official website.
• Mobile App: Jin Air (available on App Store and Google Play) — allows you to check in for flights and manage bookings.

Social Media

You can follow news, promotions, and schedule changes via the carrier's official accounts (communication is primarily in Korean and English):

• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube

Offices and Representatives

• Base Airport: Service counters are located at Incheon International Airport (Terminal 2) and Gimpo Airport in Seoul.
• Overseas Representatives: In foreign airports (for example, in Japan or Thailand), airline counters usually open 2–3 hours before flight departure. There are no permanent city sales offices in most destination countries; all operations are conducted remotely.

Customer Service Hours

The Customer Service Centre operates daily from 09:00 to 18:00 (Korean Standard Time, KST). Please consider the time difference when making calls.

Please note: Contact numbers and office operating rules may change. We strongly recommend checking current information in the "Customer Service Center" section on the airline's official website before travelling.

Proper baggage preparation is the key to a stress-free start to your journey. Jin Air stands out favourably from many low-cost carriers as it often includes a checked baggage allowance in the ticket price, although rules may vary depending on the route and fare. Carefully review the requirements before departure to avoid unnecessary expenses at the airport.

Cabin Baggage: What You Can Take on Board

Each passenger is permitted to take one piece of cabin baggage on board. The weight of the bag must not exceed 10 kg, and the dimensions must be within 115 cm for the sum of three dimensions (usually 40x20x55 cm). This rule applies to all fares.

In addition to the main bag, you may carry one personal item free of charge, such as:

• A laptop in a bag;
• A handbag or briefcase;
• A small bag with Duty Free purchases.

It is important that the personal item fits under the seat in front of you. If your cabin baggage exceeds the weight or size limits, it must be checked into the hold for an additional fee.

Checked Baggage: Allowances and Destinations

Free baggage allowances at Jin Air depend on the flight zone. This is a pleasant bonus for travellers accustomed to paying separately for a suitcase with budget airlines.

• Domestic Flights (e.g., from the capital to Jeju City): The standard allowance is 15 kg.
• Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau: On flights to cities such as Osaka or Fukuoka, 15 kg of baggage is usually included.
• Southeast Asia: For flights to Bangkok, Da Nang, or Cebu, a 15 kg allowance also typically applies.
• Guam and America: This is an exception to the rules. On flights to Hagatna (Guam), the allowance is significantly higher — passengers are usually allowed to transport 1 piece up to 23 kg (or even 2 pieces of 23 kg depending on ticket conditions), due to US international aviation regulations.

Children under 2 years old not occupying a separate seat are entitled to transport a foldable pushchair or car seat free of charge.

Excess Baggage

If your suitcase weighs more than allowed, you will have to pay for the excess weight. Rates are calculated per kilogram on most routes (except for American destinations, where payment is per piece). Tip: Paying for additional baggage in advance via the website or the airline's mobile app is always cheaper than doing so at the airport check-in counter.

Sports Equipment and Musical Instruments

For active tourists, Jin Air offers special conditions. Golf equipment, skis, snowboards, or diving gear may be included in your free baggage allowance, but a special handling fee may apply. Ensure you pack your equipment securely in hard cases to avoid damage.

Small musical instruments (e.g., a violin) can be taken into the cabin instead of hand luggage if they fit within the dimensions. For transporting large instruments, such as a cello, inside the cabin, purchasing a separate ticket (Extra Seat) will be required.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Flight safety is a priority, so strictly observe the rules for packing dangerous items:

• Lithium Batteries and Power Banks: Strictly prohibited in checked baggage! They can be transported only in cabin baggage.
• Electronic Cigarettes: Transported only in the aircraft cabin (use on board is prohibited).
• Lighters: One standard lighter per person is permitted (on your person); they cannot be transported in checked baggage.
• Liquids (on international flights): In cabin baggage, liquids, gels, and aerosols are allowed only in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in one transparent bag with a volume of no more than 1 litre.

Packing Tips

To ensure check-in goes quickly, weigh your suitcases at home or on free scales at the airport before approaching the counter. Remove all old baggage tags so the sorting system does not send your belongings on a false route. Always take valuables, documents, medication, and fragile electronics with you into the cabin — the airline is not responsible for their safety in the baggage hold.

Rules for Transporting Animals

Jin Air understands the desire of passengers not to part with their four-legged friends during their travels. The carrier allows dogs, cats, and pet birds on board, ensuring safe travel conditions for them. For a comfortable journey, it is necessary to prepare in advance and comply with all airline regulations.

Accommodation Options

In the Aircraft Cabin (Pet in Cabin)

If your pet is small, it may fly with you in the cabin. This is permitted provided the animal does not cause inconvenience to other passengers.

• Weight: The total weight of the pet together with the carrier must not exceed 7 kg.
• Dimensions: The sum of three dimensions (length + width + height) of the container must be within 115 cm. It is recommended to use soft carriers with a height of no more than 20–26 cm (depending on the aircraft type) so they fit easily under the seat in front.
• Placement: The carrier must be located under the seat and remain closed throughout the flight.
• Limit: One adult passenger may take only one pet into the cabin.

In the Baggage Hold (Pet in Hold)

Animals weighing more than the cabin allowance travel in a special heated and ventilated compartment.

• Cage Requirements: The container must be made of rigid material (plastic, metal), have a secure lock, a waterproof bottom, and provide sufficient ventilation. The animal must be able to stand up to its full height and turn around freely.
• Weight Restrictions: Maximum weight together with the cage — up to 32 kg (on B737 aircraft) or up to 45 kg (on B777).
• Dimensions: The sum of three dimensions of the container must be no more than 246 cm, with the height not exceeding 84 cm.
• Quantity: Up to two animals per passenger are allowed as checked baggage.

Transport Costs

Animal transport is not included in the free baggage allowance and is paid for separately. Rates depend on the route and type of accommodation.

• Domestic Flights: Flights within Korea (e.g., from the capital to Jeju City or Busan) have affordable pet transport costs — approximately 10,000 – 20,000 KRW per cage.
• International Flights: On overseas routes, rates are higher and usually start from 70,000 KRW, varying depending on the flight zone and the animal's weight.
• Payment: Made at the departure airport in local currency or Korean Won.

Documents and Preparation

To check in for your flight, especially when departing from the hub in Seoul, prepare the following package of documents:

• Valid veterinary passport of the pet.
• Vaccination certificate (a current rabies vaccination is mandatory).
• Health certificate issued by a veterinarian shortly before departure.
• For international flights — quarantine certificates and import permits required by the destination country.

Restrictions and Exceptions

The airline reserves the right to refuse transport for the safety of the animal:

• Breeds: Brachycephalic dogs (with a flattened face, e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs, Pekingese) are not accepted for transport in the baggage hold due to the risk of respiratory problems. Transport in the cabin is allowed if weight limits are met.
• Temperament: Aggressive animals and fighting dog breeds are prohibited from transport.
• Health and Age: Pregnant females, sick animals, as well as puppies and kittens younger than 8 weeks (16 weeks for international flights) are not permitted.

Tip: The number of spaces for animals on each flight is limited. We strongly recommend booking the service via the Jin Air call centre at least 24 hours before departure.

A Modern Approach to Loyalty

Unlike classic carriers with complex mileage accumulation schemes, Jin Air relies on simplicity and accessibility. As a low-cost carrier, the company focuses on providing the lowest possible fares for all passengers, rather than elite clubs. Instead of waiting a long time for bonus flights, the reward system here is built on the "here and now" principle: travellers receive direct discounts and coupons that can be used immediately when purchasing tickets from the hub in Seoul or other network airports.

Membership System (Jin Air Membership)

You can become a privileged client of the airline for free simply by registering on the official website. The membership programme opens access to a number of practical benefits:

• Welcome Coupons: New members often receive discount promo codes immediately after registration, which can be applied to their first booking.
• Access to Sales: Club members are the first to know about promotions (Slim Jeans Sale) and get early access to purchase tickets at the lowest prices, which is especially relevant for popular destinations such as Jeju City or Tokyo.
• Special Offers: Periodic distribution of personalised discount coupons for fare payment or additional services (baggage, seat selection).

JINI BIZ Corporate Programme

For companies whose employees frequently travel on business, Jin Air has developed the special JINI BIZ programme. This is a convenient solution for small and medium-sized businesses, allowing significant savings on corporate travel.

• Corporate Discounts: Programme members receive a fixed discount (usually about 5–7%) off the fare on all routes, whether it be a business trip to Osaka or a mission to Vietnam.
• Travel Management: A convenient administrator dashboard allows booking tickets for employees and tracking the company's travel history.
• Entry Conditions: Registration in the programme is free; you only need to provide documents confirming the status of a legal entity or individual entrepreneur.

Value Instead of Miles

The absence of a traditional mileage programme allows the airline to maintain competitive ticket prices. Jin Air passengers do not overpay for future elusive bonuses but save on every flight. This makes the airline an excellent choice for pragmatic tourists planning holidays at resorts such as Hagatna or Nha Trang, who prefer to spend money on experiences rather than on loyalty programme status.

Travelling with Jin Air is an opportunity to receive quality service at an affordable price. Positioning itself as a "hybrid" carrier, the company strives to provide passengers with more than a standard low-cost airline, whilst maintaining attractive ticket prices. Depending on the aircraft type and flight duration, the range of services may vary, but basic comfort is guaranteed for everyone.

Service Classes and In-Flight Comfort

Unlike traditional airlines with a strict division into three classes, Jin Air offers a single Economy Class cabin, but with flexible options to improve flight conditions.

• Standard Economy: On most flights operated by Boeing 737-800 aircraft, ergonomic seats with a 3-3 configuration are installed. The seat pitch is about 29–30 inches, which corresponds to global standards for budget travel.
• JINI Plus Seat: For those who value personal space, the airline offers seats with extra legroom. Usually, these are the front rows of the cabin or seats by emergency exits. Passengers who choose this option also receive priority baggage delivery, which is especially convenient upon arrival at the busy hub in Seoul.
• B777 Features: On long-haul and popular routes (for example, to Hagatna in Guam), wide-body Boeing 777 liners are used. In these aircraft, the cabin is more spacious, and the seat configuration is usually 3-4-3. A zone with wider seats (formerly business class) is also available here, which can be booked as enhanced comfort seats for an additional fee.

Food and Beverages

One of the pleasant features of Jin Air that distinguishes it from competitors is its approach to catering. On many international flights lasting more than 2 hours, passengers are offered a free light snack or snack box. This is a rarity for budget airlines.

If you wish to have a full meal, you can use the JINI Kitchen pre-order service. The menu includes Korean and European dishes, sandwiches, and salads. The order must be placed via the website no later than 72 hours before departure. Snacks, ramen, cold and hot drinks (including Paul Bassett coffee) can also be purchased on board for an additional fee.

In-Flight Entertainment (JINI Play)

The airline's aircraft are not equipped with individual screens in the seatbacks, but you won't be bored during the flight. Passengers have access to the JINI Play system — a content streaming service for personal devices.

To use the service, you must download the Jin Air app to your smartphone or tablet in advance, before take-off. After reaching cruising altitude, you can connect to the on-board Wi-Fi network (without internet access, only to the internal portal) and watch films, TV shows, listen to music, or follow the flight map. The service is available on most international flights, for example, when flying to Bangkok or Cebu City.

Special Services and Family Travel

Jin Air pays close attention to the needs of different categories of passengers, striving to make the flight accessible and convenient for everyone.

• Passengers with Disabilities: Assistance is provided during boarding and disembarking, as well as the option to use a wheelchair (Wheelchair Service). It is recommended to send a request for this service via the customer support centre at least 24–48 hours before departure.
• Travelling with Children: The airline offers an Unaccompanied Minor service for children travelling without adults. For the youngest passengers (under 24 months), priority boarding is provided. On long flights, a special children's menu can be ordered in advance.
• Pregnant Women: Travel is permitted up to 32 weeks without restrictions. From 32 to 36 weeks, a medical certificate will be required, and after 37 weeks, flights are prohibited for the safety of the mother and baby.

On board, you will be met by a crew dressed in the signature comfortable uniform (jeans and shirts), creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that sets the mood for a great holiday from the first minutes of the flight.

Jin Air's route network covers key destinations in East and Southeast Asia, offering convenient connections and direct flights. The main flight programme is operated from the main hub in Seoul, connecting the Korean capital with popular resorts and business centres in the region. Below are statistics for the carrier's most in-demand routes.

The journey begins not at the aircraft steps, but at the moment of planning the trip. To make your flight experience with Jin Air as pleasant, profitable, and stress-free as possible, we have compiled recommendations for you based on the nuances of this Korean carrier's operations.

When and How to Catch Low Fares

As with most low-cost carriers, the golden rule of saving is early booking. The optimal time to purchase tickets for international flights is 2–3 months before departure. However, Jin Air has its own "speciality" — the legendary Slim Jeans Sale. This is a large-scale promotion held several times a year (usually at the beginning of each season) offering discounts of up to 70–80% on most destinations. To ensure you don't miss the start of sales, we recommend subscribing to the newsletter on the official website or enabling notifications in the mobile app.

Secrets of Online Check-in

Do not waste time in airport queues. Online check-in (Web/Mobile Check-in) opens 24 hours before and closes 1.5 hours prior to departure for international flights. This is particularly important when departing from the busy hub in Seoul (Incheon), where passenger traffic is always high. By completing the procedure in advance, you can receive a mobile boarding pass (except for certain visa-required destinations where document verification at the counter is mandatory) and proceed directly to security if you have no checked baggage.

Choosing a Seat for a Comfortable Flight

Although Jin Air offers a standard economy class, you can significantly increase your comfort level:

• JINI Plus Seat: If you are tall or simply value personal space, it is worth paying extra for seats in the front rows or by emergency exits. The price difference is small, but the comfort is tangible, especially on flights longer than 3-4 hours.
• JINI Front Seat: Seats located immediately behind the JINI Plus zone. They allow you to be among the first to disembark upon arrival, which is critically important if you have a short connection or are in a hurry for a transfer.

Mobile App — Your Digital Assistant

The official Jin Air App is an indispensable tool for the passenger. Besides ticket purchasing and check-in, it functions as an entertainment portal. Important to know: since there are no built-in screens on board, access to the JINI Play entertainment system (films, music, games) is accessed via the aircraft's Wi-Fi specifically on your device. Be sure to download and install the app before departure, as it will be impossible to download it in the air.

Travel Insurance

Despite the high reliability of South Korean airlines, unforeseen circumstances can happen to anyone. When planning a trip, it is strongly recommended to take out comprehensive travel insurance. Ensure the policy covers not only medical expenses but also risks associated with flight cancellation or delay, as well as loss of baggage. This is a small investment that will save your nerves and money in case of force majeure.

Foundation and Bold Start

The story of Jin Air began in January 2008, when the national carrier Korean Air announced the creation of a budget division to compete in the rapidly growing low-cost market of Asia. Initially, the project had the working title "Air Korea", but by the time the brand was launched, the name Jin Air was chosen. It became a play on words, sounding like "Jeans", which formed the basis of a unique corporate culture: the crew dressed in jeans and t-shirts, demonstrating a rejection of stiffness in favour of practicality and freedom.

First Flights and Network Establishment

The airline operated its first commercial flight in July 2008, connecting the capital, Seoul (Gimpo Airport), with the popular resort destination of Jeju City. Success in the domestic market allowed the carrier to enter the international arena just a year later. In 2009, flights were launched to Japan and Thailand, and the flight geography began to expand rapidly, covering key tourist centres in the region, such as Bangkok and Osaka.

Fleet Revolution: Betting on the Boeing 777

An important milestone in Jin Air's development was the decision to go beyond the classic low-cost model using only narrow-body aircraft. In the mid-2010s, the airline added wide-body Boeing 777-200ER liners to its fleet. This was a bold step that allowed the company to transport more passengers on busy routes and, more importantly, to open long-haul flights. Thanks to this decision, Jin Air became the first Korean low-cost carrier to offer direct long-distance flights, strengthening its position on the route to Hagatna (Guam).

Safety and International Recognition

As a subsidiary of Korean Air, Jin Air inherited high standards of technical maintenance. In 2009, it became the first Korean low-cost carrier to receive IOSA certification (IATA Operational Safety Audit), confirming its compliance with global aviation safety norms. This status has been renewed repeatedly, strengthening passenger confidence.

Modern Stage and Innovations

In recent years, the airline has focused on the digitalisation of services and brand renewal. In 2019, celebrating its tenth anniversary, the company introduced a updated uniform for the crew, keeping the denim concept but making it more ergonomic and modern. Today, Jin Air continues to integrate into the global network, actively developing code-share agreements with its parent company Korean Air and other partners, allowing tourists to build complex routes throughout Asia with maximum comfort.