Sunday, May 11, 2014

Skymark matches fares with LCCs at Narita.

Skymark Airlines (BC/SKY) is offering sliding scale airfares on their Tokyo/Narita (NRT/RJAA) to Okinawa/Naha (OKA/ROAH) and Sapporo/New Chitose (CTS/RJCC) routes for travel from May 9th through August 18th. Branded 'Sky Flex', prices will start from 8,400 JPY and 6,400 JPY, respectively, and will change depending on seat availability. As the name suggests, customers also have the flexibility to change travel dates at only the fare difference and no additional cost. However, it is not refundable.
Boeing 737-86N JA737L flew its last revenue flight with Skymark on April 10th. It was ferried to Taipei's Taoyuan Airport the following day and returned to lessor GECAS as N839TM on April 15th. She is seen here taxiing at Haneda in February 2014. (Photo: Ryosuke Yano)

Japan's third largest domestic carrier has also introduced a new child fare for these specific routes for travel between July 22nd through August 7th, Japan's estimated peak summer vacation travel period for this year. Price has been set at 7,000 JPY for both routes and children from three to under 12 years old are eligible to purchase. Change of travel dates or cancellations prior to the departure date will not cost anything.

From Narita, competitor Jetstar Japan (GK/JJP) offers fares starting from 6,290 JPY to Naha and 5,090 JPY to New Chitose, while Vanilla Air (JW/VNL) offers 8,500 JPY and 6,500 JPY, respectively. Neither of them offer child fares, except for those under two years old, who travel free providing the infant travels on the lap of a parent.

The Narita – Yonago (YGJ/RJOH) route, for which Skymark is the sole carrier, does not see these fares. Their latest pricing system is clearly a play on Vanilla Air's fares, and it aims to lure families with children during the peak summer season by offering the lowest cost when all family members are added up. Hokkaido and Okinawa are the two most popular domestic vacation destinations. The battle of Narita has just gotten fiercer.

Source: Skymark Airlines, May 7th. (in Japanese)
Source: Skymark Airlines, May 8th. (in Japanese)

*Post edited/updated on May 11th.

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