Take on low-cost carriers head-on: China Airlines launches “No Luggage Tickets” starting at NT$5,000 (tax excluded) to Tokyo

Reported by Travel Center / Taipei

China Airlines takes on low-cost airlines, introducing new “Joy GO” travel options from tomorrow (May 25), targeting budget travelers, backpackers, light travelers, and DIY travel enthusiasts. Passengers can decide for themselves whether to check in luggage, smartly managing their travel costs while still enjoying China Airlines’ premium onboard services. The first wave features popular routes among Taiwanese travelers: Taipei Taoyuan – Tokyo Narita, with round-trip flight tickets starting at just NT$5,100 (tax excluded).


▲ Illustration of China Airlines. (Photo / Provided by China Airlines)

China Airlines’ brand-new “Joy GO” ticket product will officially go live on the China Airlines corporate website starting at 10:00 AM on May 25. Customers can follow the standard online booking process to purchase all flights departing from Taipei Taoyuan to Tokyo Narita after July 9 (Saturday).

This product has two key features:First, it must be purchased online, is available in limited quantities, and is non-refundable; second, the fare does not include checked baggage fees. Passengers who still need to check in luggage may choose to add checked baggage for either a one-way or round-trip journey.A single 20kg checked bag is priced at USD 30 (approximately NT$980). It can be added directly at the time of ticket purchase or up to 24 hours before flight departure via the website. No checked baggage can be added at the airport.

According to statistics, in 2015, over 4 million Taiwanese traveled on low-cost airlines. Among Taiwanese outbound passengers using low-cost carriers, only about 50% checked in luggage. Considering that Japan is one of the most popular travel destinations for Taiwanese, China Airlines has identified this trend and market demand, allowing checked baggage to become an optional choice for consumers, helping to reduce travel expenses. At the same time, passengers still benefit from frequent flights, favorable timings, complimentary in-flight meals, and entertainment services—making it a highly competitive product.

China Airlines is the first traditional airline in Asia to launch the “Joy GO” concept. In response to the increasingly fierce competition in the aviation industry—a trend that has long been prevalent in highly competitive markets such as Europe and the United States—differentiated ticket products are used to attract various traveler segments. Examples include British Airways, Lufthansa, and Scandinavian Airlines in Europe; Air New Zealand in Australasia; and Air Canada, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines in North America, all of which offer similar products.

To help passengers avoid missing important information, China Airlines has set up special reminders on the booking webpage. Buyers are urged to pay close attention to the relevant terms and conditions. Currently, this innovative product is available for booking on the desktop version of the Taiwan website, with plans to extend access to the mobile web version by the end of June.