All Nippon Airways Refunds Policy

When plans fall through and you're staring at a high-priced ticket to Japan, the word "refund" is the only thing on your mind. All Nippon Airways (ANA) has a reputation for being incredibly orderly, but that orderliness comes with a side of rigid rules. The All Nippon Airways Refunds Policy isn't just one single rule; it’s a collection of timelines and fees that change depending on whether you’re flying between Tokyo and Osaka or crossing the Pacific.

Getting your money back from ANA is entirely possible, but you have to know which "hoop" to jump through and when. Here is the breakdown of how to navigate their system.

The 24-Hour "Cooling Off" Period

If you just booked your flight and realized you made a massive mistake, breathe. ANA follows the standard international practice for flights involving the U.S., but they also have their own specific perks.

U.S. Routes: If you booked through the ANA U.S. website or call center at least 7 days before departure, you can cancel for a full refund within 24 hours of purchase.
The Catch: This doesn't usually apply to tickets bought through third-party sites like Expedia or Skyscanner. If you used an agent, you’re at the mercy of their refund policy, not ANA’s.
How to do it: You typically have to call the ANA Customer Service Center to ensure the "no-penalty" rule is applied correctly.

Voluntary Refunds: When You Just Can't Go

If you’ve passed the 24-hour mark and simply decided not to travel, this is called a "Voluntary Refund." This is where the All Nippon Airways Refunds Policy gets a bit expensive.

International Tickets

Most international economy tickets (especially "Value" or "Basic" fares) come with a cancellation fee.

Fees: These can range from $150 to $500 depending on your fare class.
Non-Refundable Fares: If you bought a "Special" or "Sale" fare, the base fare is often completely non-refundable. However, you can still claim back the unused taxes and fuel surcharges, which can sometimes be a significant chunk of the total price.

Domestic Tickets (Japan)

For flights within Japan, ANA uses a percentage-based system.

Before Departure: If you cancel before the flight takes off, the fee is usually around 440 JPY (about $3) plus a cancellation charge that scales from 5% to 60% of the fare, depending on how close you are to the flight date.
After Departure: If you miss the flight, you generally only get the taxes back.

Involuntary Refunds: When ANA Messes Up

If your flight is cancelled by ANA—due to a typhoon, mechanical failure, or a schedule change—the rules shift in your favor.

Full Refund: You are entitled to a 100% refund of the unused portion of your ticket, with zero cancellation fees.
The "Significant Delay" Rule: if your international flight is delayed by more than a few hours (usually 3-5 hours depending on the route), you have the right to refuse the new flight and ask for your money back.

Refund Deadlines: Don't Wait Too Long

You can't wait a year to ask for your money back. The All Nippon Airways Refunds Policy has strict "use it or lose it" dates.

International: You must request your refund within one year and 30 days from the date the ticket was issued (or from the date you started your travel).
Domestic: You generally have 30 days from the day after the flight's scheduled departure to file your claim.

How Long Does the Money Take to Arrive?

This is the part that tests everyone's patience. ANA is relatively fast, but your bank might not be.

Credit Card: ANA usually processes the refund on their end within 7 to 10 business days. However, it can take one to two billing cycles for that credit to actually show up on your statement.
Cash/Check: If you paid by cash at a counter or via bank transfer, expect to wait about 20 days for a check or wire to be issued.

How to Request Your Refund

The method you use to buy the ticket determines how you get the money back.

Direct via Website: If you bought your ticket on ANA's site, there is a "Refund" button in the Manage Booking section. This is the fastest way.
By Phone: If the website gives you an error (which happens often with complex itineraries), you'll have to call. Be prepared for a wait time during peak seasons.
The Travel Agent Rule: If you booked through an agent, ANA cannot refund you. You must contact the agency. They are the ones who hold your money, and they may charge an additional "service fee" for the trouble.

Special Circumstances (Illness or Death)

ANA is known for being somewhat empathetic in tragic situations. If you cannot travel due to a medical emergency or the death of an immediate family member, you can often get the cancellation fees waived.

Documentation: You will need to provide a medical certificate or official documentation (translated into English or Japanese) to the ANA refund department.

The All Nippon Airways Refunds Policy is designed to be fair but firm. If you're booking a "Value" ticket, just assume that about $200 of it is gone if you decide to cancel. If you want total peace of mind, the "Flex" fares are the only ones that offer truly painless refunds.