As a parent, have you ever wondered, “Is it really okay to fly on an LCC with kids?” or “Besides the low price, are there any other benefits?” I’m a mother of a 5-year-old daughter, and these are questions I’ve often asked myself when planning a trip. There are so many things to worry about when traveling with children, from the extra luggage to making sure they don’t get bored or restless on the plane.
n March 2025, on our return trip from Bangkok to Narita, we had the opportunity to fly with Air Japan, an LCC operated by the ANA Group. While I was a bit skeptical, wondering how a low-cost airline would handle the needs of a family with a child, we decided to try the midnight flight, NQ002. To be honest, I was pleasantly surprised. The flight was incredibly comfortable, and I can confidently say that Air Japan is a great option for families with children.
This flight review will provide a detailed look at our experience.
The Pros and Cons of Flying Air Japan with Kids: A List
Here is a quick summary of the good and bad points from our flight.
Pros:
- Affordable Fares: The ticket price was very reasonable, making international travel more accessible for families with children.
- Excellent Cabin Crew: The flight attendants were friendly, helpful, and went out of their way to make us feel comfortable.
- Comfortable and Clean Cabin: The seats were spacious for an LCC, and the cabin was clean and well-maintained.
- Family-Friendly Services: The free stroller check-in and priority boarding for families are huge advantages.
- Easy Booking System: The website was simple to use, and it was easy to add on extras like checked baggage and meals.
Cons:
- Extra Fees for Services: Like most LCCs, you have to pay extra for checked baggage, in-flight meals, and seat selection. This is something to keep in mind when calculating your total travel expenses.
- No Free Amenities: Blankets and pillows are not provided, so you’ll need to bring your own if you want to be extra comfortable.
From Booking to Departure: A Smooth Process for Families
The Air Japan website is clean and user-friendly, making it easy to use. As a parent, a common concern is seat selection and checked baggage. LCCs are generally known for their low base fares, but they often charge extra for services like in-flight meals, checked baggage, and seat selection.
Our flight had three-seat rows, so we pre-booked an entire row for our family of three. The flight was almost completely full on the day of travel, so I highly recommend reserving your seats in advance.
Since this was a midnight flight, we had dinner at a lounge that accepts Priority Pass. We didn’t pre-order in-flight meals, but I was pleased to see a good variety of food and drinks available for purchase on board.
Although it was a midnight flight, the airport was crowded and the check-in counters had long lines. My daughter started getting fussy, so it might be a good idea to arrive early and wait.
Another thing that makes Air Japan great for parents is that they offer free checked baggage for strollers.
After going through immigration, we headed to our gate. I was worried my daughter would get restless during the wait, but there were plenty of shops, and she enjoyed some window shopping. When it was time to board, they called for priority boarding for families with children and those needing assistance. This is a fantastic perk that sets Air Japan apart from many other LCCs, and it allowed us to board at a relaxed pace without feeling rushed.
In-Flight Experience and Comfort: A Restful Midnight Flight
The cabin of the Air Japan airplane has a warm, wood-grain design, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere. The seats are the same ones used by ANA, so they were quite comfortable. While LCC seats can often feel a bit cramped, I found the legroom on Air Japan to be generous, and I didn’t feel confined at all.
Since it was a midnight flight, my daughter fell asleep shortly after takeoff. Blankets are not provided on board, but we had brought our own jacket for her, which was all she needed.
In terms of entertainment, Air Japan offers an in-flight entertainment system that you can access by connecting your smartphone or tablet to the onboard Wi-Fi. You can watch movies, listen to music, and even read magazines. My daughter watched a cartoon for a little while before falling asleep, so we didn’t get to use the system much.
Although there was no specific kids’ menu, the in-flight menu included a snack set for children, which is a great option to have in case your child gets fussy. There was also a good variety of drinks available for purchase.
The restrooms were clean and spacious, and they were equipped with diaper changing stations, which shows that they’ve considered the needs of families with babies.
The Cabin Crew’s Hospitality: ANA-Quality Service on an LCC
I was truly impressed by the cabin crew on our Air Japan flight. They were all very kind and attentive to our needs. The level of service we received felt more like what you would expect from a full-service airline, not an LCC.
For instance, when we were boarding, a flight attendant noticed I was struggling with my carry-on bag and helped me stow it in the overhead compartment with a warm smile. Throughout the flight, they were very patient and friendly with my daughter, making sure she was comfortable and bringing her water after she woke up.
It was clear that the crew was well-trained and genuinely cared about making our journey a pleasant one. This kind of thoughtful service is something that can make or break a family trip, and it definitely made a positive impact on our experience. It felt like we were getting the best of both worlds: the affordability of an LCC with the high-quality hospitality of the ANA Group.
Conclusion: Would I Fly with My Family Again?
Overall, I was extremely happy with our experience on Air Japan. The combination of affordable fares and high-quality service exceeded my expectations. Choosing a midnight flight was a great decision, as my daughter slept for most of the flight, which meant no fussing or getting bored.
For any family considering a low-cost airline, I would highly recommend Air Japan. The services and hospitality offered by the ANA Group make it a safe and comfortable choice. Would I fly with them again? The answer is a definite yes. I’m already looking forward to our next family trip with Air Japan!