Overview
Japan Airlines allows passengers to modify flight bookings, including changes to dates, times, or cabin class, subject to fare rules and availability. Changes must be made before departure to avoid no-show penalties, which result in cancellation of the reservation and loss of ticket value for non-refundable fares. Fees and fare differences may apply based on fare type and timing. Route changes are not permitted for travel within Japan or for certain international fares.
Key Conditions
- Changes are permitted for tickets purchased through Japan Airlines’ website, mobile app, call center, ticket counters, or authorized travel agents. Tickets must start with a specific prefix to follow standard change policies.
- Modifications to codeshare or interline flights are subject to the operating airline’s policies.
- Changes must be made before departure, with online changes allowed up to a few days before the first flight or a shorter period after travel commences. Same-day changes must be made a short time before departure.
- Name changes are not permitted, but minor corrections (e.g., fixing a few letters or format sequence) are allowed with supporting documents like a passport or government-issued ID.
- Tickets are valid for one year from issuance for wholly unused tickets or from the first travel date for partially used tickets, unless otherwise specified.
24-Hour Change Policy
Passengers can change their booking within one day of purchase without a fee, provided the flight is at least a few days away and was booked directly through Japan Airlines. This applies to most fare types, except certain promotional or award tickets. Fare differences may apply if the new flight is more expensive.
Fare Type Policies
- Special Saver (Economy): Changes are not permitted; tickets are non-refundable.
- Saver (Economy): Changes incur a fee, with fare differences if the new flight is more expensive. Non-refundable.
- Standard (Economy): Changes incur a fee, with fare differences if applicable. Non-refundable, but one-time fee waivers may apply for international flights.
- Flex (Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First): No change fees, but fare differences apply if the new flight is more expensive. Refundable under certain conditions.
- Special Fares: No change fees for itineraries originating from specific regions like the United States, Canada, or Mexico to Asia (excluding certain destinations), with fare differences if applicable.
Same-Day Change Policy
Same-day changes, including upgrades to Class J or First Class, are allowed a few hours before departure, subject to availability. Passengers pay fare differences and applicable taxes, with no additional change fees for eligible fares. Waitlisted passengers are notified at the airport if seats become available.
Change Fees
- Fees for Saver and Standard fares vary by route, fare class, and timing, with higher fees for international flights compared to domestic flights.
- Flex and Special fares have no change fees, but fare differences apply if the new flight is more expensive.
- Fare differences are charged if the new flight is more expensive; no refund or credit is issued if the new fare is lower.
- Award tickets may incur fees or mileage adjustments for changes, subject to availability and JAL Mileage Bank rules.
- Service fees may apply for changes made via call center or ticket counters, charged per passenger per ticket.
How to Change a Flight
Passengers can modify their bookings through the following methods:
- Online: Visit the “Manage Booking” section on the Japan Airlines website or mobile app, enter the booking reference or ticket number and last name, select new flight details, and pay any fees or fare differences. Online changes are available for e-tickets purchased on the Japan Airlines website, paid by credit card, and meeting fare rule conditions.
- Customer Service: Contact the Japan Airlines call center with ticket details for assistance, especially for same-day changes or bookings not eligible for online modification. A service fee may apply.
- In-Person: Visit a Japan Airlines ticket counter or airport office to process changes, subject to availability and fees.
- Travel Agency: If booked through a third party, contact the agency to manage changes, which may involve additional fees.
Flight Disruptions
- For cancellations or significant schedule changes, passengers can rebook on the next available Japan Airlines flight without fees or fare differences, or request a refund for unused segments, depending on fare rules.
- Refunds for cancellations due to illness are possible without fees if a medical certificate is provided.
- Notifications are sent via email or phone if contact details are provided. Passengers can check rebooking options on the “Manage Booking” section.
Additional Notes
- Passengers should review fare rules at booking to understand change restrictions and costs.
- Changes to bookings with checked baggage or additional services (e.g., meals, seats) require verification, as services may not transfer to the new flight.
- Travel credits issued for changes are valid for one year, non-transferable, and applicable only to Japan Airlines flights.
- Changes for multi-passenger bookings or those with special discounts may require call center assistance.
