I sat Peach Airlines for the First Time… Worth? 🍑✈️
🍋s! I took Peach Airlines for both my international and domestic flights to Japan.
As you may know, our international Peach Airlines flights only operate from Singapore to Osaka (KIX, Kansai Airport). We thought it was such a steal because it was advertised as $99 for one way, per pax! After we bought our two-way international tickets, it added up to $321.10 per pax with taxes etc. Our tickets were without any checked-in baggage, only 7kg of hand-carry (limited to 2 bags per person, they are STRICT). Checked-in baggages were at an additional cost of around $50 per flight for one pax.
Closer to our trip, we realized that the weight limit of 7kg per pax was too tight, and that also meant we couldn’t bring anything else back. Thereafter, we purchased one checked-in baggage for both ways.
The Singapore to Osaka flight was surprisingly better than expected! Our baggages did not get weighed in Singapore. Although we were delayed by an hour after boarding (due to air traffic), the leg room was decent and I feel it’s even more spacious than SIA. 😮
Of course, it’s a budget flight so there was no entertainment. There’s USB-A chargers for those who’d like to bring their own entertainment on flight though!
In Osaka, we touched down in Terminal 2 (less convenient as the train stations are all located at Terminal 1). They provide free shuttle busses from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2. Be prepared to face crowds in the busses and terminal as there are other airlines that fly to Osaka Terminal 2 too. It was a long ass queue to clear immigration but hey, it was still worth the cheap flight ticket right? That’s what I thought at that time.
A few days later, we took a domestic flight from Osaka to Fukuoka. We had to factor more time to make our way to Terminal 2 again for departure. There’s no air-con in the walkways (from the gates to the plane), so bring a fan if it’s in the summer! They weighed our checked-in baggage (the limit is 20kg) and carry-ons (the limit is 7kg). No nasty encounter with this airline thus far.
Upon our returning flight from Fukuoka to Osaka, we were 2 minutes late to the self-check-in counter because we couldn’t find where Peach was (there are two levels worth of airlines). The cut-off timing was 30 minutes before flight time. The staff at the counter were slow, and nobody could attend to us. Finally, we found one male attendant and after explaining our situation, he blamed us for being late. Despite telling him that we have an international flight to catch later in the evening with their airline, he consistently blamed us for being late and did not give any helpful suggestions. We admit that it was our fault for being late but he could have at least given us alternative solutions such as taking other flights or finding a train to catch. Hospitality was nowhere to be found.
We managed to find a Shinkansen (bullet train) from Fukuoka to Osaka in time for our international flight back to Singapore. The Shinkansen only takes us to Shin-Osaka, so we had to take a separate train to Kansai Airport. Once again, after arriving in Kansai Airport, we had to take the shuttle bus to Terminal 2. We were thankful that we arrived earlier at Terminal 2 because the staff were super slow. I would guess they’d still cut off the passengers who were already in the queue for checked-in baggages 30 minutes before departure. They weighed our baggages again, I think as long as the weight is lesser than 20.9kg, it should be fine because I witnessed the staff allowing a passenger to check in with 20.7kg baggage after repacking. Our checked-in baggage was supposed to be 19.8kg having weighed beforehand but it 20.0kg on the dot at the counter, and my carry-ons weighed heavier at 7.0kg exactly too.
Also, they take an eternity to turn off the lights in the cabin (even if it’s a red-eye flight), so bring your eye-masks if you intend to sleep!
Would I take this airline again? I honestly doubt so, I’d prefer an airline that flies to Terminal 1 even if there are lay-overs. I would have saved more time traveling in Japan, and would not have to stress about the baggage weight or timing as much. If you intend to fly with Peach, remember to reach the airport earlier so that they can’t pull any nasty stunts on you! It is indeed much more affordable than other airlines though.
Thank you for reading and I hope this helps! ✨
From my experience, one thing travelers should keep in mind when flying with Peach Airlines is the importance of packing light or being prepared to pay for checked baggage. The 7kg hand-carry limit is very strict, and exceeding it can lead to extra charges or hassles at check-in. I ended up purchasing checked baggage after realizing how tight the limit was. Also, if your itinerary involves flights through Kansai Airport, note that Peach operates from Terminal 2, which is less convenient than Terminal 1 where most other airlines arrive and depart. Be prepared for shuttle bus transfers and long queues at immigration or baggage claim, especially during peak travel times. Regarding customer service, especially during domestic flights within Japan, I noticed a lack of flexibility and hospitality. The staff at self-check-in counters can be slow and inflexible about cut-off times. My experience missing the check-in deadline was stressful, with no helpful suggestions offered. So, arrive early and have backup plans just in case. Onboard, expect a no-frills budget flight: no in-flight entertainment, but USB chargers are a plus if you bring your own device. Legroom was decent, arguably better than some full-service airlines I’ve flown with. When traveling during summer months, carry a personal fan or stay hydrated, as areas between gates and planes can be warm without air-conditioning. Lastly, despite some inconvenience, Peach Airlines offers very affordable fares that can save you a lot compared to other carriers. If your priority is cost savings over convenience, and you plan ahead carefully, Peach is a solid choice for flying around Japan and between Singapore and Osaka.
