Complete Guide to JAL Time Sale – Thorough Guide to Save on Okinawa Travel

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JAL Time Sale”. This campaign is so popular that it almost brings down the server every time it is accessed because of the huge discount on airline tickets for a limited time only.

In this page, we will summarize the “detailed information” of the time sale and provide a thorough explanation of winning strategies to ensure a smooth process from advance preparation to the completion of reservations.

When is the event? How can I get a discount? and “What is a virtual waiting room? and ” What is a virtual waiting room?

If you read this, you should be able to make good use of the JAL Time Sale. Please read to the end!

What is the JAL Time Sale?

The JAL Time Sale is a special sales campaign for domestic airline tickets conducted by JAL on an irregular and short-term basis. During this period, one-way ticket prices from 6,600 yen/7,700 yen are offered, which are unbeatable prices for JAL, a full-service carrier, and are always flooded with access.

• Feature 1: Extremely short sales period of 2-3 days
• Feature 2: Boarding periods are often one to several months in advance.
• Feature 3: Limited number of seats sold and fast sell-out rate

The combination of these three factors, “short-term concentration,” “limited quantity,” and “discounted price,” have made the event so popular that it is difficult to connect to the reservation site each time.

Click here for a quick price list between Tokyo and Naha

Save big on Okinawa with JAL’s Time Sale!

JAL Time Sale Past Sales Quick Reference Table

The following are examples of JAL domestic flight time sales, compiled in order from the most recent. Actual periods and prices are subject to change depending on the time of year and circumstances, but please use this information as a guide.

important point

• The “lowest price” is a guideline for short-distance routes. Long-distance routes, such as Tokyo-Okinawa, often have extra charges such as 8,800 yen and up, 9,900 yen and up, etc.
• Since the peak season (Golden Week, Obon, year-end and New Year) is almost always excluded, it may be difficult to use this service for trips that include consecutive holidays.
• Please be sure to check the official announcement for the latest information, as the actual timing and fare settings change from year to year.

A great way to reserve a rental car that locals also use!

How to Buy on JAL Time Sale

The following is a step-by-step explanation of the specific steps involved in purchasing domestic airline tickets on the JAL Time Sale.

Especially immediately after the start of the sale, there are unique mechanisms such as being directed to a “virtual waiting room” due to the concentration of access, so advance preparation and speed can make the difference between winning and losing.

Confirmation of Sale Start Date & Time & Advance Preparation

1. Know when the event will be held
   • Check the official JAL website, SNS, newsletters, etc. for the sale start date and start time. In most cases, sales start at midnight.
   • Since announcements can be made very short notice, such as the day before or the day of the start date, it is important to gather information frequently.
2. Check JMB member registration and login status
   • Since the time between reservation and purchase is limited during sales, becoming a JAL Mileage Bank (JMB) member and logging in to your account will save you the trouble of entering your information.
   • It is also useful to have multiple devices (PC, smartphone, tablet).
3. Prepare payment information in advance
   • Have your credit card, e JAL Point payment, and other necessary information on hand.
   • It is also a good idea to check if you have already pre-registered for 3D Secure authentication to avoid procedural errors after purchase.
4. Have an image of the flight date, destination, and flight number.
   • If you are struggling to choose a route after midnight, popular flights will sell out rapidly. It is best to have a rough idea of your travel dates and destinations before the sale.

Save big on Okinawa with JAL’s Time Sale!

Access before and after start time and “virtual waiting room”

1. Virtual Waiting Room Preparation Screen” may start 30 minutes before the sale begins.
   • If you access the site around 11:30 p.m., you will often be directed to a waiting screen for the random drawing.
   • Although early access does not always get you to the front of the line, there is a strategy to try your luck using multiple terminals.
2. Crowding starts in earnest at midnight.
   • After midnight, the site can be difficult to connect to due to the high concentration of users. The only way to get out of the virtual waiting room is to wait patiently, as chances to get out of the virtual waiting room are by lottery and waiting for your turn.
   • Once you have cleared the “virtual waiting room,” you have 30 minutes to complete your purchase.

Save big on Okinawa with JAL’s Time Sale!

Find Flights & Select Flights

1. Fill out the search form
   • Quickly enter the route (origin and destination), outbound and inbound dates, and number of passengers. To select a special fare for a time sale, check the “Promotion” or “Time Sale” indicator.
   • Popular morning and evening flights are likely to fill up quickly, so it is easier to take some “second and third choice” flights.
2. Confirmation of flights eligible for time sale
   • If the destination flight is indicated as “full,” you can check another time slot, a schedule before or after, or another nearby airport (e.g., Kansai to Itami).
   • Even if search results are not displayed, proceed with caution, as repeating the search too many times in a short period of time may result in “going back to the waiting room”.

Save big on Okinawa with JAL’s Time Sale!

Confirmation of reservation details & purchase procedure

1. Final confirmation of reservation details
   • Check the flight number, date, number of passengers, and fare type again.
   • Note that in many cases, fares subject to time sale are due for purchase by the end of the day, or payment is required before the date changes.
2. Select a payment method
   • Online payments such as credit cards and e JAL points are the basic method of payment at time sales. In many cases, payment at convenience stores and bank transfers are not available, so please check in advance.
   • You may be asked for your 3D Secure password on the payment screen, which will go smoothly if you are already registered.
3. Purchase Complete
   • When the purchase procedure is successfully completed, a reservation number will be displayed and should be noted.
   • If you have any concerns, such as not receiving an e-mail or receiving an error message, please be sure to check the reservation confirmation screen to make sure that the ticket has been issued properly.

Save big on Okinawa with JAL’s Time Sale!

Use of points and miles (application)

1. e JAL Point Payment
   • There is a way to convert your miles into eJAL points to purchase timeshare fares.
   • After purchase, flight miles and fly-on points (FOP) are credited to your account, making it possible to “double up “** on miles.
2. Combination of dynamic packages
   • At the same time as the JAL Time Sale, there is sometimes a sale for “JAL Dynamic Package”, which is a set of airline tickets and accommodations.
   • In some cases, tours are cheaper in bulk or with additional coupons, so depending on the travel dates and number of people, please consider package products.

Post-purchase notes

1. Change/Cancellation Policy
   • Time sale fares often have more restrictions than regular discount fares , such as no changes allowed and higher fees for cancellation. Be sure to check the fare rules before purchasing.
2. Connecting and code-share flights
   • Note that some sales have restrictions, such as not being able to make connecting reservations in a single booking and not being eligible for codeshare flights.
3. Those looking to cancel and re-release
   • People who were unable to purchase smoothly may take advantage of the opportunity to get their cancellations back around the next morning. Since you can sometimes see vacant seats on popular routes being restored, don’t give up and check the website.

Keys to a Successful JAL Time Sale

1. Login & Prepare Payment in Advance
   • If you are rushing to enter at midnight, popular flights will fill up quickly. Preparation is thorough.
2. Luck and persistence to overcome the virtual waiting room
   • There is also a random lottery element, so try multiple terminals, and once you are connected, calm down and complete the purchase procedure.
3. Determining Eligible Flights and Discount Fares
   • Even if you cannot get the desired time slot, you may be able to find your target by shifting the time a little.
4. Check Cancellation Policy
   • Because of the restrictions on canceling or changing sale fares, it is fundamental to purchase only after the dates are confirmed.

Save big on Okinawa with JAL’s Time Sale!

Why the Sale Was Born: Demand and Competition Behind the Scenes

Demand leveling

Domestic air demand fluctuates greatly depending on the season and day of the week.

While tickets are sold in high demand during the GW, Obon, and year-end and New Year holidays, empty seats are noticeable during the off-season.

To fill this gap, tickets are sold at a discount during off-peak periods, with the aim of raising the bottom line.

Competition from LCCs and other companies

With the rise of low-cost carriers (LCCs) in recent years, price competition for airline tickets has intensified, forcing even major carriers such as JAL and ANA to engage in “low-cost competition” for a limited period of time.

In addition, ANA, another full-service carrier, frequently holds “time sales,” and JAL is showing a competitive mindset that “we can’t afford to lose.

marketing effectiveness

Domestic flights are so cheap! The buzz about the sale spreads quickly on social networking sites. The frenzy created by the short-term intensive sale has also been a benefit to JAL, boosting the exposure of the JAL brand at once.

Save big on Okinawa with JAL’s Time Sale!

Why the Okinawa route is a good target

High discount rates due to long distances

Tokyo (Haneda) – Okinawa (Naha) is one of the longest domestic flights.

It is not unusual for regular fares to be 40,000-50,000 yen round-trip, but with the time sale, a one-way trip can be as low as 8,800 yen. In other words, the discount rate is extremely high.

Also covers JTA and RAC flights and other remote island routes

Remote island routes operated by JTA (Japan Transocean Air) and RAC (Ryukyu Air Commuter) of the JAL Group may also be included in the sale.

There are also examples of one-way flights from Naha to Ishigaki, Miyako, and Kumejima sold at the 5,500 yen level. This is a must-check as a one-time opportunity to visit the remote islands.

Busy season tends to be exclusionary.

On the other hand, “extremely busy periods” such as summer vacation, year-end and New Year holidays, and GW are often excluded from the time sale period.

It is tough for those who want to aim there, but on the other hand, for those who want to enjoy Okinawa in the off-season, there is a big advantage of “very cheap price thanks to the sale”.

Save big on Okinawa with JAL’s Time Sale!

Timing and Sales Flow

Holding period

Recent trends indicate that they are held once every month or two. In particular, the pattern is more likely to start at the beginning of the month (midnight around Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday).

• Advance notice: often announced through JAL’s SNS and email newsletters at the last minute
• In some cases, the program starts suddenly without notice.

Sales Flow

1. Sale start time (e.g., midnight): flood of access
2. Directed to virtual waiting room: Waiting for a turn
3. Purchase within 30 minutes after entering the site: after that time, go to the waiting room again.
4. Payment must be completed by the end of the day: automatic cancellation after the deadline

If you do not follow this trend and book quickly, popular flights and routes will sell out in the blink of an eye.

Save big on Okinawa with JAL’s Time Sale!

Virtual Waiting Room Details and Measures

What is a virtual waiting room?

To prevent server downtime, the official JAL website reassigns users to a waiting page called a “virtual waiting room” when large numbers of accesses are concentrated.

The system is based on a waiting list, with a certain number of people drawn by lot to be let through to the main reservation screen.

Can we avoid waiting rooms?

In conclusion, it is completely unavoidable.

If you access the site around 30 minutes before the start of the event, you will be eligible for the random drawing, but the key point is that waiting early does not always get you to the front of the line. There is also a large element of luck.

Tip for countermeasures

• Stand by for multiple terminals: access simultaneously with a smartphone, PC, tablet, etc., and use the terminal you put in earlier.
• Log in in advance: Pre-enter your JAL Mileage Bank membership information to facilitate payment.
• Establish search criteria in your mind: prepare to quickly enter dates, flight numbers, and number of people.

Save big on Okinawa with JAL’s Time Sale!

The other side of fare setting: Boundary between 6,600 yen and 7,700 yen one-way

Terms from 6,600 yen

In the past, there were some super specials with prices as low as 5,500 yen, but the most common prices today are 6,600 yen or 7,700 yen. 6,600 yen and up tends to apply mainly to low-demand seasons and short-haul routes.

Cases where the price will be 7,700 yen and up

During periods of relatively low demand or on medium- to long-haul routes, the price is often set at 7,700 yen and up. From there, fares increase in stages from 8,800 yen to 9,900 yen, depending on the distance of the route.
For long-distance routes such as Okinawa, the standard fare is around 8,800 yen and up, but it is still a significant discount compared to regular fares.

Combination with dynamic pricing

Domestic airfares will shift to a demand-linked pricing system (dynamic pricing) from around 2023, and fares are likely to change depending on seat availability during normal periods. In such a situation, “special fixed prices” are offered during time sales, so even last-minute purchases may be cheaper.

Save big on Okinawa with JAL’s Time Sale!

5 Ways to Make Your Okinawa Trip Even Cheaper

1. e Use of JAL Points and Miles
   • If you convert your miles to eJAL points and buy time sale fares, you can “double your mileage” by also earning miles on flights.
2. With travel agencies and tours
   • JAL Dynamic Package time sales are sometimes held at the same time. If you combine airfare + hotel + rental car, you can make arrangements only once, and sometimes coupons are added on top of the price.
3. Cross-check with hotel booking site sales
   • You can lower the total cost by buying only airline tickets through the official JAL website and using coupon discounts on other websites for lodging.
4. Aiming for cancellation re-release
   • Reservations not settled by the purchase deadline may be returned the next day or later. Check frequently, even once popular flights are full.
5. Dare to go during off-peak season
   • Since many days are excluded in mid-summer and major holidays, it is cheaper and more comfortable to aim for June before the end of the rainy season or mid-October when there are fewer typhoons.

Competitor comparison: ANA vs LCC vs JAL

Comparison with ANA

ANA also offers similar time sales, and the price ranges are close. Depending on the route, JAL may be cheaper or ANA may be cheaper, so it is wise to check both at the same time. Service quality is similar, but we have the impression that many people choose JAL because of its detailed route settings and mileage program.

Difference from LCCs (Peach, Jetstar, etc.)

While LCCs offer unbeatable base fares, they are prone to optional fees such as seat selection fees, baggage fees, and change fees. Travel costs are also a consideration when using distant airports that are not major airports.
On the other hand, JAL offers free checked baggage, spacious seats, and a generous response to flight cancellations and delays, making it possible to realize “unparalleled comfort at a price slightly higher than LCCs” in total.

関連記事Okinawa: 5 Ways to Book Airline Tickets at the Lowest Prices & Tricks You Must Know [2025 Edition].

2025.02.11

How to look at cost performance

If you want to spend your time in comfort, including travel time, and avoid the risk of travel problems, you can get the “best of both worlds” by taking advantage of time sales, which offer full service at low prices.
On theother hand, if you want to “pursue the lowest price anyway,” you can always check LCC-type sales, but be aware that there are differences in terms of comfort and accident compensation.

Save big on Okinawa with JAL’s Time Sale!

Okinawa Travel Plan Suggestions: Things to do by Season

1. Spring (March – May)
   • The best time to visit is before mid-May, as time sales are often interspersed around GW.
2. Early summer (June)
   • Just after the end of the rainy season, you can get a head start on the summer sea. It is easy to be a sale target and enjoy the clear ocean after the rain.
3. Autumn (September-October)
   • Cooler weather and easier travel if typhoon season is avoided. Opportunity to go inexpensively by removing major holidays.
4. Winter (January-February)
   • Temperatures are warmer than in Honshu, and tourist facilities are open. Time sales tend to be frequent, and you can save a lot of money on airfare.

関連記事The Definitive Guide to Okinawa Travel! In-depth guide to travel costs and staycation techniques by time of year

2025.02.09

Frequently Asked Questions: What you need to know before making a reservation

1. Q: What happens if I forget to pay after making a reservation?
   • A: If you do not make a purchase by the end of the reservation day (in most cases by 23:59), it will be automatically cancelled.
2. Q: Can I buy connecting flights at once?
   • A: In many cases, the flight is not eligible for transfer at the time of sale, and must be booked separately for each segment.
3. Q: Are code-share flights eligible?
   • A: Codeshare other than flights operated by the JAL Group are basically not covered (e.g., FDA and AMX).
4. Q: What should I do if I have trouble connecting to the JAL website?
   • A: Challenge yourself on your PC and smartphone at the same time. Once in the waiting room, do not rush to enter information and do not interrupt the operation.

Save big on Okinawa with JAL’s Time Sale!

Summary: Use the JAL Time Sale wisely!

The JAL Time Sale is a rare opportunity to combine the comfort of a full-service carrier with low fares. In particular, travel to Okinawa destinations such as Naha, Ishigaki, and Miyako can expect substantial discounts compared to regular prices, so if you take advantage of this opportunity, you can greatly reduce the cost of your trip.

• Thoroughly prepare in advance for the sale start time (midnight)
• Understand the limitations of waiting and operating in a virtual waiting room to speed settlement.
• Combine with off-peak season for even greater savings in Okinawa

If you are aware of these factors, you will have a much better chance of surviving the battle for tickets. Although there is an element of luck and concentration of access, you too can become a “time sale winner” by “gathering information in advance” and “practicing calm reservation procedures.

Save big on Okinawa with JAL’s Time Sale!

The sea and sky of Okinawa and the wings of JAL await you. Please take advantage of this strategy and enjoy a fulfilling trip to Okinawa!

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2025.02.09

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special feature article

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