I want to travel! But transportation costs are a bit much... LCCs (low-cost carriers) come in handy at times like that, so here are a few things to watch out for when using LCCs on domestic flights in Japan.

Which LCC is best for domestic travel in Japan?

The well-known "Jetstar" and "Peach" are good choices. There are lots of small differences between them — price, routes served, paid options, travel insurance (covering injuries during travel, damage to carry-on items, etc.) and so on. Basically, the best approach is to search both with the same conditions and pick whichever is cheaper or has a better departure time.

For both, prices fluctuate depending on the departure date, time, and when you book, so using something like "Price Watcher (Jetstar)" may help you snag the lowest fare.

Sample LCC fare search result (1).
Sample LCC fare search result (2).

(*The photos show fares for Tokyo → Osaka on Wednesday, August 15, 2018, at the time of writing.)

Is a non-LCC sometimes cheaper?

Sample ANA fare for Osaka (Itami) to Tokyo (Haneda).

(*The photo shows fares for Osaka (Itami) → Tokyo (Haneda) on Wednesday, August 15, 2018, at the time of writing.)

When I checked ANA, fares can become cheaper with discounts like "Tabiwari."

For example, if you're sightseeing in central Tokyo, flying ANA into "Haneda Airport" instead of arriving at "Narita Airport" via LCC makes the trip into the city center cheaper, so the total cost can end up lower overall.

Things to watch out for!

Watch the check-in cutoff time!

"Check-in" means completing boarding procedures based on what you've booked. For example, with ANA you can check in online via the "Skip Service." You don't need to use any machines on the day, and if you have no checked baggage you can head straight to security with just your smartphone.

With Jetstar, online check-in also becomes available as your boarding date approaches (official site). It's very convenient because you can board without rushing on the day (of course you can also check in at the airport machines).

When using Peach, you need to complete boarding procedures using an automated check-in machine at the airport on the day of departure (official site). There's a check-in cutoff time, so you must check in by then. The pink machines are placed in front of the counter — you scan the QR code from your email, or type your booking number on the keyboard. If there are no issues, a receipt-like boarding pass is printed on the spot, and you can take it through security and on to boarding.

* If you're checking baggage, you need to drop it at the counter by the designated cutoff time.
* If the automated check-in machine returns an error, you'll need to do it at the counter, so we recommend leaving plenty of time in your schedule.

Watch out for the terminal!

"Jetstar is at Terminal 1, but Peach is at Terminal 2 (about 5–8 minutes away by taxi)." "I thought all the LCCs were at Terminal 3, but only Peach was at Terminal 1." There are pitfalls like these (from personal experience), so if it's your first time using an LCC, we recommend checking the airport website in advance.

★ If you're not sure where the counter or check-in machine is, see the official sites below.

Jetstar Check-in / Baggage Counter list (Japan domestic)

Peach Airport Guide list (Domestic)

* Especially when checking in at the airport, be careful because there's a cutoff time.

Running late for your flight! What can you do?

Can't make the check-in cutoff

The automated check-in machines may still let you check in for a few minutes past the cutoff. If a staff member near the counter gives you instructions, please follow them.

Wrong terminal

There are shuttle buses between terminals, but they don't always come right away, so if you're in a hurry, taking a taxi is another option.

(At Kansai International Airport, a short-distance taxi can move you between Terminals 1 and 2 in about 5–8 minutes.)