Japan Airlines Missed Flight Policy

Overview

Japan Airlines’ (JAL) missed flight policy outlines options for passengers who fail to board their scheduled flight due to personal reasons, airline-related delays, or other circumstances. The policy is governed by JAL’s Conditions of Carriage, fare rules, ticket type, EU/UK Regulation 261/2004 for flights to/from the EU/UK, U.S. DOT regulations for flights to/from the U.S., and Japan’s Civil Aeronautics Law.

Key Policy Details

• No-Show Policy: If you fail to check in at least 60 minutes before departure (international) or 20 minutes before departure (domestic), or arrive at the boarding gate (15-20 minutes before departure), you are considered a "no-show." For non-refundable tickets (e.g., Saver, Special Saver), the ticket value is forfeited, and the entire itinerary, including return or connecting flights, is canceled as tickets must be used in sequence. A no-show fee (e.g., $50-$350 USD, depending on fare type and route) may apply, though some reports indicate disputed fees being refunded if services were not rendered. Notify JAL before departure via the website or airport counter to preserve ticket value as a credit (valid for one year). Unused taxes and fees are refundable, less an administrative fee (e.g., $20-$30 USD).
• Non-Refundable Tickets: No cash refunds are provided for missed flights on non-refundable tickets. Rebooking is possible, subject to availability, change fees (e.g., $50-$200 USD or 20% of fare price, depending on fare type and route), and fare differences. Changes must be made via the Manage Booking section, airport counters, or the original booking channel (e.g., travel agency). If the same fare is unavailable, a higher fare applies with no refund for lower fares. Some fares (e.g., promotional) may not allow changes.
• Refundable Tickets: Refundable tickets (e.g., Flex, First Class) can be refunded for the unused portion, less a service fee (e.g., $20-$50 USD), if requested within one year from issuance or 30 days after ticket validity expires. Refunds are processed as vouchers or to the original payment method through the original purchase channel. Domestic refunds are processed within 5 business days; international refunds take approximately 2 weeks.
• 24-Hour Cancellation Policy: For tickets purchased directly from JAL (ticket number starting with “131”), you can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund if the flight is at least 7 days away. This applies to all fare types and must be requested via the Changes to Your Upcoming Flight section. Tickets purchased through travel agencies may not qualify.
• Missed Flights Due to Public Transportation Delays: If you miss a flight due to a delay in public transportation (e.g., train, bus), obtain a suspension/delay certificate and present it at a JAL counter. JAL may waive no-show fees or allow rebooking without charge, subject to fare rules and documentation.
• Missed Connections Due to Delays: If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation of a JAL-operated flight within the same booking, JAL will rebook you on the next available JAL flight or a partner airline’s flight (e.g., oneworld partners) at no cost, often with assistance from oneworld Global Support teams at select airports. If the delay exceeds 3 hours at your final destination and is within JAL’s control (e.g., mechanical issues), you may be eligible for compensation: €250 for flights up to 1500 km, €400 for 1500-3500 km, or €600 for over 3500 km under EU/UK 261, or up to $650 USD under U.S. DOT rules. For delays of 2+ hours (short-haul) or 4+ hours (long-haul), JAL provides meals, refreshments, and communication access; for overnight delays, hotel accommodation and transportation are offered, subject to availability, with reimbursement up to JAL’s limits (original receipts required).
• Extraordinary Circumstances: No compensation is provided for missed flights due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, air traffic control, or security issues). JAL will assist with rebooking or refunding unused taxes and fees, less an administrative fee. Customers are responsible for expenses (e.g., accommodation, transport) in such cases.
• Denied Boarding: If you miss a flight due to overbooking and checked in on time, JAL will seek volunteers first. If involuntarily denied boarding, JAL will rebook you on the next available flight (including partner airlines) and may provide compensation (€250-€600 under EU/UK 261 or $200-$650 USD under U.S. DOT rules, depending on delay duration). Volunteers receive agreed-upon compensation, typically a travel voucher.
• Special Circumstances: For missed flights due to sickness or a travel companion’s sickness, JAL may refund the ticket without a cancellation fee if a medical certificate is submitted. For other reasons (e.g., bereavement), fee waivers or refunds may be considered with valid documentation (e.g., death certificate) via the Customer Care department, reviewed case-by-case.

Steps to Take if You Miss Your Flight

• Contact JAL immediately via the website, mobile app, or airport counter before departure to cancel or reschedule to avoid no-show fees and preserve ticket value as a credit (valid for one year). Provide your booking reference (e.g., six-letter code like ABC123).
• If you missed your flight due to a public transportation delay, obtain a suspension/delay certificate and present it at a JAL counter for potential fee waivers or rebooking.
• Check your ticket’s fare rules in the Manage Booking section to understand applicable fees, restrictions, or refund eligibility. Changes and cancellations can be made online up to 3 hours (international) or 20 minutes (domestic) before departure; after departure, only refunds are possible.
• Submit compensation or refund claims via the Refund Form or Customer Care online form, including your name, booking reference, and supporting documents (e.g., boarding passes, receipts, medical certificates). Refunds take 5-14 days (domestic) or approximately 2 weeks (international); claims are acknowledged within 30 days.
• Keep all documentation for claims or expense reimbursements. Report baggage issues within 7 days for damage or 21 days for delays.
• Check travel insurance policies for coverage of missed flights due to valid reasons (e.g., illness, accidents).

Additional Information

If JAL cancels or delays your flight by 3+ hours (domestic) or 6+ hours (international), you may choose a refund, rebooking, or compensation. For disruptions within JAL’s control, rebooking on other carriers (e.g., ANA) or modes of transport (e.g., Shinkansen) may be offered. For disruptions due to force majeure (e.g., weather), you can change to a flight within 30 days of the original departure date without fees, or request a refund. Refunds for canceled flights are processed within 7-14 days (credit card) or 20 days (other methods). Compensation claims for EU/UK flights can be filed up to 3 years after the flight. Retain all receipts for expenses (e.g., hotels, meals) and submit claims within 21 days for delays or 7 days for baggage issues. For more details, review JAL’s Conditions of Carriage or Customer Service Plan.