While it seems that fees and prices never come down again after they’re raised, Japan’s two leading airlines are lowering their fuel surcharges on international trips, despite continuing uncertainty over fuel supply and prices because of war in the Middle East.
Not that they are going way down, but for the next two months, ANA’s rate, usually followed by JAL, is dropping from 65,000 to 55,000 yen for flights between Japan and North America or Europe, a difference of about $60 less than the previous $407. Surcharges to destinations in Asia will range between 6500 yen to 27,300. The airlines are able to reduce the surcharge not because of improved supply outlook, but because of an emergency government subsidy intended to prevent a big drop in passenger counts.
It comes as an especially fortuitous time for travelers from North America and Europe, with Japan’s yen at historic lows against the dollar and Euro, making fares cheaper for passengers paying in those currencies.
Image: Guohua Song/Wikimedia Commons
