What Is Amakusa Airlines’ “Santa Kosu-wari” Fare?
Amakusa Airlines has launched “Santa Kosu-wari” (Santa costume discount), a discounted fare available only during the Christmas season. It applies to flights from December 1 to December 25, 2026. Passengers who board wearing a Santa hat and Santa costume get discounted fares on all routes—a truly unique promotion.
One-way fares are ¥3,800 on the Amakusa–Fukuoka and Amakusa–Kumamoto routes, and ¥12,800 on the Amakusa–Kumamoto–Osaka/Itami route. Seats are limited on each flight, so if you’re interested, check the booking start date and application method early. This article sums up the fares, costume requirements, booking schedule, and key points to keep in mind.
Promotion Overview
- Name: Santa Kosu-wari (Santa costume discount)
- Travel period: December 1–25, 2026
- Eligible routes: All routes (no discount for travel on the Osaka/Itami–Kumamoto route only)
- Booking window: From 9:00 a.m. on November 1, 2026, until 3 days before your travel date
- How to apply: Dedicated application form
- Payment: Cash or credit card
- Seats: Limited on each flight
- Condition: Wear a Santa costume from check-in until you pass through the arrivals exit at your destination airport
Discounted Fares (One-Way)
Santa Kosu-wari fares are set on a one-way basis. Prices by route are as follows:
- Amakusa–Fukuoka: ¥3,800
- Amakusa–Kumamoto: ¥3,800
- Amakusa–Kumamoto–Osaka/Itami: ¥12,800
Note that there is no discount if you fly only the Osaka/Itami–Kumamoto route. To get the discount to or from Osaka/Itami, you need to travel on the Amakusa–Kumamoto–Osaka/Itami route via Kumamoto.
Estimated Round-Trip Cost
Because fares are one-way, using Santa Kosu-wari for both legs within the travel period works out to ¥7,600 round trip on the Amakusa–Fukuoka or Amakusa–Kumamoto routes, and ¥25,600 round trip on the Amakusa–Kumamoto–Osaka/Itami route. Keep in mind, though, that the costume requirement applies to each flight, and seats are limited on every flight.
Requirements: Santa Costume Rules
The costume rules are the part of Santa Kosu-wari that needs the most attention. It’s not enough to simply add a festive touch—you need to wear the specified outfit and keep it on for the specified part of your journey.
Required Outfit
In addition to a Santa hat, you must wear one of the following:
- A Santa suit (top and bottom)
- A Santa one-piece dress
To be safe, assume that partial outfits—such as just a Santa hat or just a top—do not meet the requirement.
When You Must Wear It
The costume must be worn from check-in until you exit through the arrivals exit at your destination airport. This covers not only your time on board, but also waiting time at the departure airport after check-in and the walk to the arrivals exit after landing. On the Amakusa–Kumamoto–Osaka/Itami route via Kumamoto, you’ll be in costume for longer, so plan accordingly.
The Costume Must Be Visible
December gets chilly, but if your Santa costume is hidden under a winter coat or similar, you cannot use Santa Kosu-wari. To stay warm, try layering underneath the costume so that it remains clearly visible from the outside.
Removing It After Check-In May Cost Extra
Your costume will be checked at check-in, but if you take it off afterward, you may be charged an additional fee. Passing the check isn’t the end of it—remember that the condition runs all the way to the arrivals exit.
How to Book and Key Dates
- Booking opens: November 1, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
- Booking closes: 3 days before your travel date
- How to apply: Dedicated application form
- Costume check: At check-in
- Payment: Cash or credit card
Since bookings close 3 days before your travel date, if you want to fly on December 25, for example, your deadline would be around December 22. You can’t apply on a last-minute whim, so plan ahead.
Also, because seats are limited on each flight, it’s a good idea to apply right when booking opens at 9:00 a.m. on November 1 for dates likely to be in high demand, such as those just before Christmas.
Checklist Before You Fly
- The travel period is December 1–25; flights outside this period are not eligible
- Seats are limited on each flight
- Travel on the Osaka/Itami–Kumamoto route only is not discounted
- You need a Santa hat plus a top-and-bottom Santa suit, or a Santa hat plus a Santa one-piece dress
- The costume must be worn from check-in until the arrivals exit at your destination airport
- You cannot use the fare if your costume is hidden by a winter coat or similar
- Removing your costume after check-in may result in an additional charge
- The announcement doesn’t mention costume rentals, so prepare your outfit in advance
- Payment is by cash or credit card
Who Is This For?
Santa Kosu-wari is perfect for anyone who wants to turn their Christmas-season trip into an event in itself. At just ¥3,800 one-way on the Amakusa–Fukuoka or Amakusa–Kumamoto routes, it’s easy to fit into a December trip home or a holiday getaway. Boarding in Santa outfits with family or friends can make for a memorable trip, too. On the other hand, you’ll be in costume for a long time, and breaking the rules may mean an extra charge—so ask yourself, “Can I stay dressed as Santa all the way to the arrivals exit?” before you apply.
Summary
As long as you follow the rules, Santa Kosu-wari lets you fly Amakusa–Fukuoka or Amakusa–Kumamoto for ¥3,800 one-way—a Christmas-only fare. Three key points: booking opens at 9:00 a.m. on November 1; the deadline is 3 days before your travel date; and your costume must stay on and visible until the arrivals exit. For the latest information and the application form, visit the Amakusa Airlines official website (https://www.amx.co.jp/).
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