Osaka return flights (Christsmas dates) to Okinawa - book now or wait?

[cardiology]

Hi,

I plan to fly to Osaka during Christmas via Jetstar and then looking at having a week in Naha (Okinawa). I had a quick look at JAL and the return domestic fare during that time (Dec 23-28) was A$500+. ANA and other airline have not release their fares yet, should I purchase the tickets now or wait? I have no experience in whether these fares will drop later in the year when any of the airlines runs any promotions.

Thanks for your advice.

 

[sudoer]

I have no experience in whether these fares will drop later in the year when any of the airlines runs any promotions.

Wait for JAL to release their Ultra Sakitoku fares, you'll get Class J a lot cheaper than $500. Going on experience this happens in late August but they will list the release date on the website a few weeks prior. Flights go on sale at 10am Japan time (11am Sydney).

If you want to lock the flights in now, and you're happy flying Y and using a Oneworld airline to get in/out of Japan, look at the Yokoso fare. These are a flat fee per sector and can be upgraded to Class J at check-in subject to availability. Yokoso bookings can be cancelled/changed with some limitations/costs.

If your international flights aren't with OW, JAL also have a Japan Explorer fare with the same cost per sector as the Yokoso, but these fares can't be changed or cancelled.

 

[sudoer]

Sorry - have just realised your travel dates fall within a Yokoso blackout period. The Japan Explorer fare doesn't have blackouts so you could look at that instead.

 

[cardiology]

Great. Thanks/.

 

[coles525]

Has anyone used the Okinawa (Naha) airport meet and greet hire car service?

Do servo's accept international cc's?

Nearest servo?



Will continue later, need to start work.

 

[coles525]

Continuing from earlier, how did anyone find the service from the hire car companies after they dropped of their car? Ie: quick and easy being transported for check in?

 

[sudoer]

Has anyone used the Okinawa (Naha) airport meet and greet hire car service?

I've hired a car a few times from Toyota Rent a car in Naha Airport, most recently in early 2016 - and it was very straightforward. When you arrive, exit the terminal and go to the Rental pickup area. There are regular shuttle buses for the major hire companies (none of them have stores inside the airport iirc)



It's about a km to the Toyota store.

Do servo's accept international cc's?

Generally yes, I've had no issue with using my Australian Mastercard or Visa at major servos in Japan. If you're using a 'full service' gas stand, you could give them your card when saying "mantan onegaishimasu" (fill 'er up please) and they should let you know if there is any issue accepting cards. I can't comment on how widely amex is accepted.

Nearest servo?

If you use Toyota, there's a Shell 600m down the road.

how did anyone find the service from the hire car companies after they dropped of their car? Ie: quick and easy being transported for check in?

Toyota is great, I've used them at several airports around Japan and have never had an issue. Once you drop the car off, they'll do a quick check and get you straight into a shuttle to the terminal. I would allow for 15 minutes from the time you arrive to the time you want to check in. Hold onto your fuel receipt just in case they want to see it (some do, some don't..)

Enjoy Okinawa! If you have time I'd highly recommend driving up to Nago/Churaumi, or catching a short flight to Miyako/Ishigaki for the day. Awesome part of the world and so very different to the rest of Japan.

 

[coles525]

Thanks for the replies,

We've hired through europcar, used them in NZ with no issues, plus points and discount through one of the hotel chains.

 

[AisleSeat]

Thanks for the replies,

We've hired through europcar, used them in NZ with no issues, plus points and discount through one of the hotel chains.

Don't forget to order your international driving licence