Free Domestic Flights in Japan with JAL for International Travelers
Japan Airlines (JAL) is now offering something that could make your Japan trip even better. If you're flying internationally with JAL, you can get a free one-way domestic flight to anywhere they fly in Japan at no extra cost. It’s a great way to explore beyond Tokyo, Osaka, or your first stop.
But there are a few important details to know before you book.
What’s the Deal?
JAL is offering a free domestic flight within Japan for international passengers who book both their international and domestic flights in the same reservation on the JAL website. You can fly to places like Sapporo, Okinawa, Fukuoka, or anywhere else JAL operates within the country.
The offer is one-way only, so if you want to return to your original city, you’ll need to pay for the second leg yourself.
Who Is Eligible?
As of now, only certain countries are eligible, but JAL is gradually expanding the list. Here's the rollout:
United States, Canada, Mexico – from September 10, 2024
Thailand – from September 11, 2024
Singapore – from September 18, 2024
Australia, New Zealand – from September 19, 2024
Vietnam, Philippines – from September 25, 2024
Indonesia, India, China, Taiwan – from September 27, 2024
JAL plans to include more countries soon, but no timeline has been announced yet.
Things to Keep in Mind
1. It’s not round-trip.
Only one domestic leg is free. If you want to return to the original city, you’ll need to pay for that return flight.
2. Book using “multi-city” mode.
To use this offer, select “multi-city” when booking your flights. This allows you to input more than just a standard round trip.
3. You don’t need to fly back from your first Japanese city.
You can arrive in Osaka, take a domestic flight to Okinawa, and fly home from Tokyo. There’s no requirement to return to your original arrival airport.
4. Stopover fees may apply.
If you're flying from the US, Canada, Mexico, or China, and you stay more than 24 hours in your first Japanese city before taking your domestic flight, a fee will apply.
US, Canada, Mexico: $100 USD per person
China: 300 JPY per person
Travelers from other eligible countries don’t need to worry about this fee, even with a longer stop.
5. Must book direct with JAL.
This offer only applies if you book directly through the Japan Airlines website and include both flights in a single reservation.
6. Taxes still apply.
While the flight itself is free, you’ll still be responsible for paying any taxes or airport fees.
7. Checked baggage is included.
Your domestic flight includes checked luggage of two 23 kg bags for economy and premium economy, and up to three 32 kg bags if you're flying business or first class.
The goal is to encourage visitors to explore beyond Japan’s usual hot spots like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. From snowy mountains to quiet countryside towns and beautiful coastal regions, Japan has so much more to offer and this flight deal is designed to make those places more accessible.
Make sure to book your flight via JAL’s official website here: https://www.jal.co.jp/arl/en/booking/freedom/
