CONTRIBUTED BY KATRINA RAYMOND
In the past year there have been numerous airlines that have embraced Okinawa with its presence. In 2011 the cost of airfare to Mainland Japan could be anywhere from $200-400 each just to go to Tokyo. The times are changing and new airlines are springing up often offering deals for that getaway to Asia. Currently there are about 8 airlines that offer cost affordable deals to get off the island. Whether it is to Mainland (Tokyo or Osaka) or throughout Australia, Asia, Malaysia, Indonesia there is an airline for you. You may be only overseas once so take advantage of the low fares that are out there and see the world.
Here are some airlines that offer as low as 2,900 yen fares. Best fares are published 120 days from departure and most low cost airlines won’t let you even book out that far.
LOWCOST AIRLINES FROM OKINAWA
Air Peach – Okinawa to Osaka daily, also flies to Sapporo, Taipei and Hong Kong via Osaka
Air Asia – Okinawa to Narita daily, this airline is huge and offers flights all over the world. As low as $600 to Australia
Jetstar – Okinawa to Narita or Osaka, airline offers numerous other flights all over Asia. 6,500 yen flights available to most locations.
Skymark – multiple Japan destinations from Okinawa.
Solaseed – Offers 10,000 yen flights in locations in Mainland
Vanilla Air – Okinawa to Tokyo; also flies from Tokyo to Sapporo, Taipei and Seoul
Jin Air – Offers direct flights daily to Incheon, South Korea starting at 4,900 yen
T- Ways – – Korean airline that offers flights to and from Okinawa and Fukouka
China Eastern – Flights $350 and up all over Asia, Australia and beyond
Main airlines all over world; sometimes offers inexpensive flights but mostly are based fare like United and American Airlines are they codeshare with them.
More airlines that cater to Asia
China:
Spring Airlines, Juneyao Airlines
India:
Air India Express, GoAir, IndiGo, JetKonnect, SpiceJet
Indonesia:
Citilink, Indonesia AirAsia, Mandala Airlines
Republic of Korea:
Air Busan, Eastar Jet, Jeju Air, Jin Air, T’way Airlines
Malaysia:
AirAsia, AirAsia X, Firefly, Maswings
Philippines:
AirAsia Philippines, Airphil Express, Cebu Pacific, South East Asian Airlines, Zest Airways, Sri Lanka, Mihin Lanka
Singapore:
Jetstar Asia Airways, Tiger Airways, Scoot, Thailand, Nok Air, Thai Smile, Thai AirAsia, Orient Thai Airlines, Nok Mini, Solar Air, Happy Air
Vietnam:
Jetstar Pacific, VietJet Air, Air Mekong
I have used AirAsia, Asiana, Jetstar, ANA, Skymark and China Eastern. Most low cost airlines provide no-frills and unassigned seating. Most do not include meals or extras and you can pay for services on board.