Japan Airlines to offer free in-country flights to international guests

Japan Airlines will offer free domestic flights to international guests

By Mark Reif Published September 17, 2024

Mountain view in Japan — Chureito Pagoda, Fujiyoshida-shi, Japan Manuel Cosentino via Unsplash

To boost passengers and increase tourism, Japan Airlines (JAL) will offer free in-country connections to select visitors. Earlier this month, the airline announced the program, where tourists from specific countries can enjoy complimentary domestic travel. To receive the benefit, passengers have to book international tickets on JAL. Here are the details of this exciting offer.

See more of the country with Japan Airlines’ new offer

Japan flowers and trees — Naka-Meguro, Tokyo, Japan Jenna Neal via Unsplash

Japan is a fascinating place with an ancient culture, intriguing traditions, and gorgeous landscapes. Though a trip to Tokyo would be nice, seeing the rest of the country would offer a complete experience. JAL’s new offer lets international visitors do just that, with free flights countrywide.

Recommended Videos

JAL calls the program a “seamless travel experience,” allowing visitors to chart their journey beforehand. After landing in Tokyo, guests can fly free to Sapporo, Hokkaido, or Tokushima. That opens up a kaleidoscope of culture, cuisine, and nature, and visitors can experience everything the country offers.

The program is available to travelers from these countries (start date in parentheses):

U.S., Canada, Mexico (September 10)
Thailand (September 11)
Singapore (September 18)
Australia, New Zealand (September 19)
Vietnam, Philippines (September 25)
Indonesia, India, China, Taiwan (September 27)

The airline plans to add more countries to the list in the days ahead. However, some restrictions apply. Passengers must book an international and a domestic flight simultaneously; separately booking a domestic flight isn’t allowed. Those traveling from the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and China must pay a $100 stopover fee if staying at their initial destination more than 24 hours.

Mark Reif is a writer from Stowe, Vermont. During the winter, he works as a snowboard coach and rides more than 100 days. The…

Travel

These airlines are offering free elite status when you fly down under

You can earn free elite status on these airlines

Sydney Opera House

In 2025, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are offering free elite status for round-trip flights to Sydney, Australia, and Auckland, New Zealand. Not only that, but recipients enjoy Mileage Plan MVP elite status through the end of 2026. And since both airlines are a part of the oneworld alliance, elite status transfers to multiple airlines.

Explore the South Pacific and enjoy these MVP Elite Status perks

Travel

American Airlines adds its 30th destination in Mexico

American Airlines adds a flight to Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido

With its new direct route to Puerto Esconidod (PXM), American Airlines will have more flights to Mexico than ever. PXM is the airline’s 30th Mexican destination, making it the leader among domestic airlines. The debut trip to PXM embarks on December 3, 2025.

Puerto Escondido: Sun, surf, and seafood

Travel

How much is a first-class flight? Here’s the breakdown

This is the true cost of flying first class (and how to save)

First class on an airplane

Have you ever found yourself wondering, how much is a first-class flight? I know I did. Before I had the chance to experience it myself, first class always felt like a luxury that was just out of my reach. But now that I know what it actually costs, I’m here to share what I’ve learned about the true price of flying first class. So, here’s how much a first-class flight really costs.
Factors that affect the price of first-class flights

First things first, the price of a first-class ticket can vary depending on the different factors at play. But there is a general range, so let’s break it down a bit.
The airline and route
The cost of a first-class ticket depends mainly on the airline and the route you’re taking. For example, on a popular international route like New York to London, a first-class ticket can range from $4,000 to $7,000, sometimes even more. If you’re flying from Los Angeles to Tokyo, that price tag can jump to $14,000 or more. These prices fluctuate based on the airline’s pricing structure and the demand for seats on that specific flight.
The flight duration
Another big factor is the length of the flight. The longer the journey, the more expensive the first-class ticket tends to be. A shorter domestic flight might cost somewhere in the range of $1,000 for a first-class seat, while international flights that can last 10 hours or more could easily push into the $8,000-$15,000 range for first class.
When you book your flight
Timing also plays a big role in the cost of your first-class ticket. The Luxury Travel Expert recommends booking your flight as early as possible to secure the best deals. So if you book months in advance, you’ll probably find better fares. However, airlines do occasionally offer last-minute discounts or promotions to fill seats, although this isn’t always the case. It’s always best to plan ahead, but keep an eye out for any deals, especially during off-peak travel seasons.
The time of year
Airline ticket prices also vary depending on the time of year. Traveling during peak times, like the holidays or summer vacation, will typically result in higher prices. Airlines usually raise prices to accommodate the increased demand during these periods.
What do you get for the price of first class?