Peach Aviation Review! How to Japan’s Low-Cost Airlines

Peach Aviation is a popular low-cost airline that offers the cheapest flights in Japan. Peach Aviation began operations on March 1, 2012 with two routes: Osaka (Kansai) – Sapporo (Shin-Chitose) and Osaka (Kansai) – Fukuoka.

After completing the wallet-friendly Peach reservation, it was finally the day of departure.

This time, I boarded Peach Aviation!
In this article, we will introduce the know-how that you need to know in advance to enjoy your air travel, as well as our impressions of the actual boarding experience.

Three aircraft operated by Peach : Introduction of Specifications

Peach Aviation operates three aircraft types: AIRBUS A320, AIRBUS A320neo, and AIRBUS A321LR.

The seat layout and number of seats differ slightly depending on the aircraft.

AIRBUS A320

– Overall length : 37.57m x 34.1m x 11.76m
– Maximum takeoff weight : 78,000kg
– Cruising Speed : 840km/h
– Cruising Range : 6,200km
– Seats : 180 (6 fast seats, 36 smart seats, 70 pleasure seats, 68 standard seats)

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AIRBUS A320neo

– Overall length : 37.57m x 35.8m x 11.76m
– Maximum takeoff weight : 79,000kg
– Cruising Speed : 840km/h
– Cruising Range : 6,300km
– Seats : 188 (6 fast seats, 36 smart seats, 72 pleasure seats, 74 standard seats)

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AIRBUS A321LR

– Overall length : 44.5m x 35.8m x 11.76m
– Maximum takeoff weight : 78,000kg
– Cruising Speed : 840km/h
– Cruising Range : 7,400km
– Seats : 218 (6 fast seats, 36 smart seats, 82 pleasure seats, 94 standard seats)

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Onboard Introduction to the Peach Aviation

Seats on a Peach Aviation aircraft

photo by mitemil

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Seat features

When I actually sat down, my knees were scraping against the seat in front of me, even when I sat deep in the seat.
It’s small, but you can usually sit there.

Your seat has a seatbelt, so be sure to fasten your seatbelt before takeoff.

Window seats allow you to enjoy the flight while looking outside.
Window seats are popular, so we recommend that you reserve your seat when making a reservation!

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Holding on to the window seat blind on a Peach Aviation flight

photo by mitemil

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Facility

The seats were pre-tilted.
The maximum recline is 15 degrees, but it’s not a problem since you won’t be sleeping on a short flight of about an hour.
There was also a movable armrest and a folding table that could only be used while the seatbelt sign above was turned off.

If you want to sleep as comfortably as possible, we recommend bringing sleeping goods such as a neck pillow and an eye mask.

I was able to fix the blinds in any position I wanted.
While cruising, you will be closer to the sun, so try using it when it starts to get too bright!

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The front side of the safety handbook in the seat pocket on board a Peach Aviation flight.

photo by mitemil

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備品

The booklet in the seat pocket contained a “safety bookmark” with precautions on both sides, a Peach in-flight service information table, a travel brochure, and one white multi-purpose paper bag.

There is a folding desk in front of each seat, which is convenient for those who purchased meals at the store before boarding the plane or for those who eat in-flight items.

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How to make a Peach Reservation

Online Booking

Access the Peach Aviation official website.

Select your desired conditions in the reservation search box at the top of the page, and click the “Search” button.

▼Peach Aviation Official Reservation Page

https://www.flypeach.com/en

For those who make reservations with a smartphone or tablet device

You can also make reservations through the official app provided by Peach Aviation.

Peach offers two free apps, one for iOS and the other for Android, so you may try making reservations through the app.

The app automatically displays the flights you have booked on the main screen, and allows you to easily make changes to your reservations and check the status of flights!

I recommend this app because it automatically registers your name and address the next time you use Peach, which saves you time when making reservations!

Once you have made all your selections and clicked the search button, you will be taken to a screen where you can complete the reservation process, which should be completed within 30 minutes.

▼ Peach Aviation official iOS application (for iPhone devices)

https://apps.apple.com/jp/app/peach/id1235958304

▼ Peach Aviation official Android app (for Android devices)

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.flypeach.flypeach

Be aware that if 30 minutes have passed since you started the procedure, you will have to start over from the beginning.

▼ Peach Aviation Official Reservation Page

https://www.flypeach.com/en

Peach Fare Type Features

Simple Peach

1. I want to keep the cost of travel at the lowest possible cost.
2. Experienced traveler
3. Traveling alone

This is the simplest and most reasonable fare type that does not include seat selection or checked baggage options. You can add as many options as you need, such as seat selection and checked baggage.

Value Peach

1. Possible changes in itinerary
2. LCC beginner
3. Traveling with a family or group of friends

This fare type includes basic options such as seat selection, baggage check-in, changes and refunds, etc. It is recommended for those who have not used LCCs before.

Prime Peach

1. If there is a possibility that your schedule will be cancelled
2. You plan to check more than 2 pieces of luggage
3. You are particular about your seat

This fare type offers even more options and peace of mind than Value Peach, including up to two pieces of checked baggage free of charge and a full refund if your schedule is cancelled.

To book Peach flights at the lowest price, aim for sale times!

Peach holds a monthly sale every year.

The previous October sale was the “October Special Week2 Island Travel Sale”.

The sale was held from October 7, 20:00 to October 9, 23:59, and the lowest one-way fare was 2,990 yen for Amami/Ishigaki route only.

The lowest one-way airfare was 2,990 yen for the “Tokyo (Narita) → Amami” and “Fukuoka → Ishigaki” routes.

One-day flow of boarding a Peach flight (for Kansai International Airport)

1. Step 1 : Arrive at Kansai Airport at 23:30
2. Step 2 : Take the free shuttle bus to Terminal 2
3. Step 3 : Lie down on a bench at Terminal 2 until the next morning
4. Step 4 : Check in at 05:30
5. Step 5 : Check your baggage
6. Step 6 : Go through the security checkpoint
7. Step 7 : Go through the boarding gate
8. Step 8 : Spend time on the plane
9. Step 9 : Arrival at Fukuoka Airport

When can I make a Peach seat reservation?

You can make seat reservations up to 3 hours before departure.

Most Peach seat reservations have a pattern where seats are available one day before the scheduled departure date, but are quickly filled on the day of departure, so if you are worried, it would be better to make your seat reservation as early as possible.

Be sure to bring your Peach reservation confirmation!

Before you leave your home, you will need to check your reservation confirmation.

If you have a smartphone, just take a screencap of the screen showing the QR code issued when you made your reservation!

If you are not confident, you can print it out in advance to ensure smooth boarding procedures on the day of your flight.

When you make a reservation on Peach, you will receive an email titled “[Peach] Reservation Confirmation” to your registered email address.

You can also take a screenshot!

If you don’t have a printer or forgot to print it out, if you have a smartphone or tablet, save a screenshot of the page showing the barcode on your reservation confirmation.

You can also display it on the official app.

If you have difficulty in doing either of these, take note of the reservation number issued at the time of booking.
If you have the reservation number or barcode, you will be able to board the flight.

Super Easy! How to use Peach’s automatic check-in

At airports served by Peach Airlines, there are machines that allow you to check in at Peach’s exclusive self-service check-in machines.

There are several reddish-purple automatic check-in machines in a row, and you can use the number or QR code you reserved in advance to complete the procedure.

The check-in machine’s screen is a large, long, vertical touch-panel screen, which can be operated with a finger and was easy to operate!

Press the button “Click here to enter your reservation number” in the lower right corner of the monitor and type in the reservation number issued when you made your reservation.

If you have saved a screenshot of the QR code on your smartphone, you do not need to operate the screen, but just place the QR code on the transparent glass part of the black frame at the bottom of the monitor.

I actually tried ticketing, and it was very easy!

When I held up the QR, a confirmation screen for items to be brought on board appeared on the screen, and all I had to do was press the “OK” button and the ticket was issued.

The boarding time and seat number were displayed on the ticket.

Time when tickets can be issued

Domestic flights are available from 90 minutes to 30 minutes before departure time (25 minutes before at KIX and Naha Airport), and international flights from 120 minutes to 50 minutes before departure time.

Since I arrived at the airport too early, I thought I would just issue a ticket for now, but it seemed that the time to issue a ticket was fixed at 50 minutes prior to departure.

I tried to start the check-in procedure at 91 minutes before departure time, but I got an error paper.

I think it is a good idea to ask the Peach staff once if the procedure is within 90 to 30 minutes before the departure time.

What are the baggage quantity and weight restrictions for Peach’s baggage?

Baggage

The size of baggage that can be brought on board is also restricted to a total of three dimensions of 115 cm or less.

If the weight of two pieces of luggage exceeds 7 kg, you will have to check them in as checked baggage and pay extra on the day of the flight.

If the weight of two pieces of luggage exceeds 7 kg, you will have to pay extra on the day of the flight. To avoid this, you may want to make adjustments at home in advance to keep the weight within 7 kg.
Please weigh the suitcase itself as well.

In my case, I put it on a scale and adjusted the weight to around 6 kg.

If you bring a backpack, a tote bag, and one extra paper bag from a souvenir shop, it will be counted as three bags, so be careful not to buy too many souvenirs so that you can fit them in two bags.

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Checked Baggage

Peach limits the number of baggage items per passenger to a maximum of five pieces, each weighing 20 kg (maximum 32 kg) and the total of five pieces not exceeding 100 kg.

If the weight exceeds 20 kg, baggage weighing 32 kg or less can be checked in by paying an additional overweight charge.

The size limit is 203 cm or less (including the length of casters and handles) in total length, width, and height.

If your baggage exceeds 203 cm, it cannot be checked in, so please measure it in advance.

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Items that cannot be carried on or checked in by Peach

機内持ち込み禁止リスト）

種類	品名
爆発物	花火、クラッカーなど
発火性・引火性物質	多量のマッチやライター燃料、キャンプ用ならびに家庭用ストーブ、アルコール度数が70度を超える液体など
高圧ガス	コンロ用カセットボンベ、スポーツ用酸素スプレー、徐塵スプレーなど
有機物質	殺虫剤、農薬など
腐食性物質	液体バッテリー（電動車椅子用を除く）、加熱式弁当など
放射性物質	アイソトープなど
磁性物質	大型磁石など
酸化性物質	漂白剤、瞬間冷却材 など
その他有害物質	ホルマリンなど

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A showcase of items that are not allowed in the cabin was displayed in Terminal 2 at Kansai Airport.

I was somewhat aware that firearms are strictly prohibited, knives and lighters are banned, but screwdrivers and mildew highters are also banned.

Basically, flammable items are prohibited.

Spray types of products such as hairdressing and sunscreen are also prohibited, as they may be damaged by air pressure.

However, some items that are not allowed as carry-on or checked baggage may be allowed as carry-on or checked baggage under certain conditions.

For details, please check the official website.

How to check luggage at Peach

Baggage

Baggage will also be weighed before heading to the inspection gate.

After the weight check, you will head to the baggage inspection area.

At the inspection area, there are a number of large, square containers specially designed for this purpose, and you place your baggage in as many lanes as you need.
When actually lining them up, we had to divide them into four separate lanes.

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Checked Baggage

Peach limits the number of baggage items per passenger to a maximum of five pieces, each weighing 20 kg (maximum 32 kg) and the total of five pieces not exceeding 100 kg.

If the weight exceeds 20 kg, baggage weighing 32 kg or less can be checked in by paying an additional overweight charge.

The size limit is 203 cm or less (including the length of casters and handles) in total length, width, and height.

If your baggage exceeds 203 cm, it cannot be checked in, so please measure it in advance.

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After you have been ticketed, check in your suitcase or other large baggage at the “checked baggage counter” where you check in your luggage.

Pack your checked baggage so that it weighs no more than 20 kg.

If it weighs more than 20 kg, you will be charged an excess baggage fee.

Checked baggage will be put through precision equipment and carefully inspected to ensure that it does not contain any dangerous items.

After clearing the inspection, you will proceed to the inspection gate including your body.

When I put them through the inspection machine, I took precision instruments and other items out of my bag and put one per container.

In my case, I took the above items out of the container, but there were many other precision devices in my bag, including a camera, a portable game console, 4~5 cables such as chargers, and an external hard drive, so I had to put them through the inspection machine many times.

Once in the past, when I traveled with a PS4 console in my bag, I had to put it through the precision instruments, but it was embarrassing because I had to take it out of my bag (laugh).

After that, you just need to go through the inspection gate with nothing in your pockets or anything else and complete the physical examination.

By the way, you did not need to remove your wristwatch to pass through the inspection gate.

What you can do after passing through Peach’s baggage check

After passing through, if you have time to spare, you may want to shop at the souvenir store until your flight departs.

When purchasing souvenirs, be aware that you are limited to two pieces of baggage, and if you do not force yourself to fit them into your baggage, they will end up in your checked baggage.

This time, I used Kansai International Airport to go to Fukuoka Airport. At the domestic gate after the security check at Kansai Airport, there were Peach SHOP and Applause souvenir stores.

The store at the domestic gate of Kansai Airport’s Terminal 1 had stylishly packaged Kansai souvenirs such as Osaka and Kyoto’s famous matcha green tea sweets and Hyogo’s Akashiyaki.

I had a quick bite to eat and a restroom break before boarding, and waited for my flight to be announced.

Boarding the Peach aircraft!

When it was time to board, an announcement was made, and passengers in window seats A or F at the rear of the cabin and their companions boarded in order, followed by passengers in aisle seats C and D.

After that, passengers are guided to the window seats at the front of the cabin, followed by the aisle seats.

The pink airplane is a quintessential photogenic color, and I saw a few people taking pictures of it here and there.

The color stands out from other airlines and gives a lovely impression.

Climbing the stairs connected to the fuselage, we boarded the plane.

Here is a brief look at the cabin.

Once inside the Peach aircraft, your smartphone and other communication devices are set to airplane mode!

Smartphones, game consoles, and other devices that emit radio waves must be changed to “Airplane Mode” before takeoff.

Airplane mode is a feature that blocks communications such as phone lines, Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth, so that takeoff and landing will not have a negative impact on important devices in the surrounding area.

For safe takeoff and landing, be sure to put all electronic devices you have brought on board in airplane mode.

In-flight digital content services available during the flight

Peach Aviation offers the “In-flight Digital Contents Service” that allows passengers to order in-flight sales items using their smartphones. *Only available during flights that have entered the stability regime.

Availability of in-flight digital content services

1. Order in-flight shopping
2. Purchase transportation tickets
3. Video program with popular Japanese variety shows
4. Flight radar to check your current location

How to access Peach Wifi Point

During takeoff, it was necessary to shut off Wi-Fi and turn on Airplane Mode, but during flight when the aircraft is in a stable configuration, Airplane Mode is left on and Wi-Fi is turned on.

When Wi-Fi is turned on, access points such as “00-peach1” or “00-peach2” are automatically displayed.

After connecting to Peach Wi-Fi, access “inflight.flypeach.com” to use the in-flight digital content service.

If you connect before takeoff or after landing, you will receive an “Announcement in progress. Please wait a moment. message was displayed and access was not possible.

After takeoff, I was able to use it in flight when the aircraft was in a stabilized position in the sky.

When are Peach flight cancellations and delays decided? Latest Information & Flight Status

The timing is not fixed, as it depends on the situation and may be decided at the last minute before the scheduled departure time.

If there is a good chance of weather conditions, such as a typhoon, Peach Aviation will decide to delay or cancel flights at the earliest possible time, and you can check the flight status on the Peach Aviation official website from the day before your flight date.

Peach Aviation’s official website “Flight Status Page

https://www.flypeach.com/lm/flightstatus

Peach Aviation Inflight Introduction

The aircraft I appeared on this time was the AIRBUS A320neo.

The seats are purple with thin leather covers, and the seat numbers are on the left side of the photo, in the order A, B, C, from the window seat, and D, E, F across the aisle.

During takeoff, baggage must be placed in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you, so be sure to use either one.

If you are seated near the emergency exit, you cannot place your baggage at your feet, so you must forcibly place your baggage in the overhead compartment.

My impressions of the Peach Aviation

This time it was a one-hour flight from Kansai International Airport to Fukuoka Airport. It is cramped because it is small and the recliner does not recline very much, but once you get used to it, it is the best airplane.

I always use Peach, which sells flying trains, and it’s great that it’s easy on the wallet.

At the cheapest, a one-way flight costs as little as 3,000 yen.

If you are planning to take a Peach flight, please be careful!

Have a nice flight!