Points and miles collection in Japan for the non-Japanese.
SkyMark Forward Seat: Birthday Treat or Just Extra Legroom?
SkyMark’s Forward Seat promises extra legroom, priority boarding, faster luggage release, and a snack—but is it worth the JPY 1,000? On a birthday trip to Okinawa, I tested the option and found the legroom underwhelming, but the convenience perks surprisingly useful. Moving to the second row gave me more comfort, yet skipping the boarding rush and seeing my bag first on the carousel made the upgrade feel justified. A lighthearted look at whether this small splurge adds real value to your flight.
In July 2025, I decided to celebrate my birthday with a trip to Okinawa. Since July marks the start of Japan’s summer season, I knew airfares would be pricey no matter how early I booked. So, I cashed in 40,000 Delta SkyMiles for a Haneda–Naha round trip on the trusty B737-800.
That left me with one decision: should I splurge on SkyMark’s Forward Seat option? For an extra JPY 1,000, you get a bundle of perks—19 cm more legroom in the first row, priority boarding, priority luggage release, seat selection, and even a complimentary snack (drinks are free for everyone, but snacks are reserved for Forward Seat passengers).
Now, here’s the honest part. The legroom alone? Not worth the price. Once you’ve got seatmates squeezed into that first row, it still feels cramped. On both flights, I ended up moving to the second row, which was blissfully empty.
But the priority boarding and luggage release? That’s where the Forward Seat earns its keep. Skipping the boarding scramble and watching my bag appear first on the carousel made the JPY 1,000 feel justified. Add the snack, and it’s a small but satisfying upgrade—especially for a birthday trip.
So, is it worth it? If you value convenience more than legroom, then yes. For me, it was a fun little indulgence that made the journey smoother, even if the seat itself wasn’t the star of the show.