A reminder of the luxurious days of air travel

Today, and January 20th annually is Overseas Group Travel Day 海外団体旅行の日 (kaigai dandai ryouko no hi). "Overseas Group Travel Day" commemorates the launch of Japan Airlines’ first overseas group tour package, JALPAK, in 1965.

This milestone came just after Japan lifted its postwar restrictions on international travel in 1964. It opened the door for ordinary citizens to explore the world. JALPAK quickly became synonymous with overseas package tours. It offered travelers a sense of prestige; especially thanks to the iconic travel bags given to participants. They were a status symbol of the era. Do you remember the days of travel bags? I am too young to have experienced the really elaborate ones, but in the 1990s they still gave out travel bags on some airlines, even in the early 2000s I occasionally received one. Now you're lucky to get a pair of earphones and a wet wipe!!

Although JALs luxury image has softened over time, the legacy remains: JALPAK helped transform international travel from a privilege of the few into an accessible dream for many Japanese people.