
On short international routes, the real comparison is baggage, seat fees, and change costs added to the base fare, not the headline number.
Japan and Southeast Asia routes are short enough that most travelers end up comparing several budget carriers at once. The catch is that booking on the headline fare alone can backfire once baggage, seat selection, and meals get added one by one at checkout. So instead of just listing airlines, this guide focuses on what to actually check before you book each one.
As you read through, prioritize checking whether free baggage is included and where the arrival airport actually sits, over schedule or route alone. Fare rules and baggage policies below reflect information as of August 2026 and change often, so confirm the latest notice on each airline's official site before booking.