ANA Faces Backlash Over New Domestic Fare System

All Nippon Airways (ANA) has faced criticism over a new three-tier domestic fare system launched on May 19. The fare structure divides economy fares into three categories: Flex, Standard and Simple. Passengers purchasing Flex or Standard fares can confirm their seat assignments when they make reservations, while those with Simple fares cannot finalize a seat until online check-in begins 24 hours before departure.

This has posed particular challenges for families hoping to sit together, as seats may become unavailable during busy travel periods such as summer holidays. Complaints intensified in early June after some passengers reported being unable to board flights booked with Simple fares. ANA President Juichi Hirasawa denied that passengers with Simple fares would be the first to be removed when there were insufficient seats, stating that the airline would never ask passengers to transfer to another flight solely because of the fare type purchased.

The controversy has led some travelers to perceive that choosing a cheaper ticket could result in greater inconvenience. ANA introduced the new fare system partly due to declining financial performance on its domestic operations, with about 60% of the airline's domestic routes currently operating at a loss. The airline aims to utilize dynamic pricing more flexibly and strengthen its ability to compete with low-cost carriers.

ANA is also considering allowing Simple-fare passengers to reserve seats in advance for an additional fee to address the issue of securing adjacent seats, especially for families traveling with children.