Travel plans often change unexpectedly. Whether due to work obligations, family emergencies, weather conditions, or simply a change of mind, passengers sometimes find themselves needing to adjust a flight they have already booked. ANA All Nippon Airways, one of the largest and most reputable airlines in Japan, offers several options for passengers who wish to change or modify their reservations. Understanding the process, rules, conditions, and potential costs involved is essential for avoiding unnecessary stress and ensuring a smooth travel experience.
This article will serve as a comprehensive guide that explains how to change an ANA All Nippon Airways booking. It will cover the rules for domestic and international flights, explain different fare categories, outline step-by-step methods for making changes online or offline, and provide useful tips for minimizing fees and complications.
Understanding ANA’s Ticket Types and Fare Rules
Before you attempt to change your booking, it is vital to know which type of ticket you have purchased, since ANA applies different conditions depending on the fare class and booking channel.
Main Fare Categories
- Domestic Japan Fares
- ANA offers several fare types for flights within Japan such as Super Value, Value, and Flex. Each has specific booking and change policies. For example, Super Value fares are discounted but often more restrictive, while Flex fares are more expensive but highly flexible.
- International Fares
- On international routes, ANA offers Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class. Within each cabin, there are multiple fare levels ranging from highly discounted restricted fares to fully flexible refundable tickets.
- Award Tickets
- If you used ANA Mileage Club miles or partner miles to book your ticket, change rules are different from those for cash bookings. Award changes often depend on availability and may involve mileage redeposit fees.
Why Fare Category Matters
Some tickets allow free changes, some permit changes with a fee, and some do not allow changes at all. Therefore, knowing your fare conditions will guide you in deciding how to proceed.
Rules for Changing Domestic Flights in Japan
ANA’s domestic services within Japan are frequent and heavily used by both business and leisure travelers. The change policies are structured to balance flexibility with affordability.
- Super Value Fares
These are discounted tickets available if you book in advance. They usually cannot be changed once purchased. If your plans are uncertain, this fare type may not be the best choice. - Value Fares
These include categories such as Value 1, Value 3, and Value 7, which allow booking closer to the departure date. Changes are possible but must follow the rules set during booking, and fees may apply. - Flex Fares
These are the most flexible domestic fares. They allow free changes, often up to the time of departure, making them ideal for business travelers who need last-minute flexibility.
Rules for Changing International Flights
For ANA’s international network, the rules vary more significantly based on the fare purchased.
- Discounted Economy Tickets
These usually come with heavy restrictions. In many cases, changes are either not permitted or subject to high fees. Availability of alternative dates is also limited. - Standard Economy or Premium Economy
These fare levels often allow changes with a moderate fee. The exact amount depends on the route and rules specified at purchase. - Business and First Class
Higher-end fares are generally more flexible. Many Business or First Class tickets permit free changes, or they involve only small fees. Fully flexible tickets allow modifications anytime. - Award Tickets
If you used ANA Mileage Club miles, you can change the date or time of your flight as long as award seats are available. However, some partner-booked tickets may have stricter rules.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing an ANA Booking Online
One of the simplest ways to change your flight is by using ANA’s website. The system is designed to be user-friendly, but passengers must carefully follow the process.
- Visit ANA’s Official Website
- Go to the ANA global or regional site depending on your location.
- Log in to Manage Booking
- You can access your reservation using your booking reference and last name. If you are an ANA Mileage Club member, you can log in to your account for direct access.
- Select the Flight to Modify
- Choose the specific booking you want to change. Details such as flight number, departure date, and destination will be displayed.
- Check Change Options
- The system will show whether your ticket is eligible for a change and what fees or fare differences apply.
- Select New Flight
- Choose your preferred new flight, date, or route. Ensure that availability exists in your fare class or be prepared to pay the difference for a higher class.
- Review and Confirm
- Review any applicable fees and fare differences. Confirm the new booking.
- Receive Updated Itinerary
- You will receive an updated confirmation email reflecting the changes.
Changing an ANA Booking Through the Mobile App
ANA also provides a mobile app that supports booking management. The steps are similar to the website, but it is often more convenient when you are on the move.
- Log into the ANA app with your account or booking reference.
- Navigate to the booking you want to change.
- Follow the prompts to select new flight options.
- Pay any difference in fare or fees.
- Receive the updated booking confirmation in the app and via email.
Changing an ANA Booking via Customer Service
For passengers who prefer personal assistance or who encounter difficulties online, ANA’s customer service centers are available worldwide.
- Call the Customer Support Hotline
- Provide your booking reference or Mileage Club number.
- Explain Your Request
- Clearly state what kind of change you need: date, time, destination, or passenger details.
- Verify Fees
- The agent will inform you of applicable fees, fare differences, and availability.
- Confirm Change
- Authorize payment of any additional charges and confirm the new itinerary.
- Receive Confirmation
- The new booking details will be sent via email.
Customer service can also help with complex cases such as multi-city itineraries, award bookings, or tickets purchased through travel agencies.
Changing a Booking Made Through a Travel Agency
If you purchased your ticket via a third-party travel agency or online platform, you must usually contact that provider to make changes. ANA may not be able to directly modify such tickets due to contractual restrictions. Always check with your issuing agency first.
Possible Fees and Costs
Changing a booking with ANA may involve additional costs. These usually fall into two categories:
- Change Fees
- A fixed fee charged for modifying a booking. The amount varies by fare class and route.
- Fare Difference
- If the new flight is more expensive than the original, you must pay the difference. If the new flight is cheaper, some fare classes do not refund the difference.
- Service Fees
- In rare cases, there may be service fees for making changes over the phone or at airport counters.
Special Considerations for Award Tickets
If you booked with ANA Mileage Club miles, keep these points in mind:
- You can usually change dates or times as long as seats are available.
- Origin and destination changes are more limited.
- If you cancel, miles may be redeposited, but a fee may apply.
- Award availability is limited, so flexibility is essential.
Tips for Minimizing Stress When Changing an ANA Booking
- Check Fare Rules Before Purchase
Always read the conditions carefully at the time of booking. Flex fares may cost more initially but save money and stress later. - Act Early
The earlier you request a change, the more options and availability you will have. - Use Online Tools
Online and app platforms are often faster and cheaper than phone or counter services. - Be Flexible
If you are flexible with your travel dates and times, you are more likely to find a suitable alternative without high costs. - Keep Documentation
Save your original booking confirmation, updated itinerary, and any receipts for fees. This helps avoid confusion later. - Consider Travel Insurance
If your change is due to illness or emergency, insurance may cover costs.
Real-Life Examples of Changing an ANA Booking
- A business traveler booked a discounted Economy ticket from Tokyo to Singapore. A sudden meeting required travel a day earlier. The ticket rules allowed changes with a fee plus fare difference. By contacting ANA online, the traveler successfully adjusted the itinerary without cancelling the trip.
- A domestic traveler within Japan purchased a Flex fare from Tokyo to Osaka. On the day of travel, bad weather forced rescheduling. Because Flex fares allow free changes, the passenger switched to a later flight without paying anything extra.
- A mileage user booked Business Class from Los Angeles to Tokyo using ANA Mileage Club miles. Later, they decided to leave two days earlier. Award space was available, so the change was completed online without additional mileage, only a small service fee.
Conclusion
Changing an ANA All Nippon Airways booking is straightforward if you understand the fare rules and follow the correct process. Domestic and international tickets come with different conditions, and the ability to change depends heavily on the type of fare purchased. Flexibility generally costs more upfront but offers peace of mind when plans shift.
Passengers can make changes online through the ANA website or app, by calling customer service, or through their travel agency if that was the original booking channel. Fees and fare differences may apply, but with careful planning, passengers can minimize costs.
Whether you are a business traveler needing last-minute adjustments, a leisure passenger whose plans have shifted, or a mileage user seeking new dates, ANA provides structured options to manage your booking efficiently.
By understanding the system and acting promptly, you can adjust your ANA flights with confidence and continue your journey smoothly.