# Essential Refund Guide: Japanese & Korean LCCs

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Have you ever asked yourself, ***"Why is the refund fee more expensive than the flight ticket?"*** or "Why did the airline suddenly claim it's non-refundable?"

Don’t worry—this detailed guide will walk you through the refund rules of Japanese and South Korean low-cost carriers (LCCs), equipped with practical, expert insights!

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## Key Highlights: Different "Personalities" of Japanese vs. Korean LCCs

* <mark style="color:blue;">**South Korean LCCs**</mark>

South Korean LCCs are fiercely competitive, accounting for 65% of domestic and 30% of international routes. Their refund policies tend to be more "flexible." Refunds are possible both before and after departure (with service fees deducted), and the bar for involuntary refunds is comparatively low

* <mark style="color:blue;">**Japanese LCCs**</mark>

In contrast, Japanese LCCs are more "cautious." Only 35% of domestic and 15% of international flights are LCCs. Their refund policies are "strict"—voluntary refunds after departure are usually not allowed, and involuntary refunds may require delays exceeding four hours. They're strictly "rule-following."

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## Agent Toolkit: 9 Common Refund Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

#### **1. Refund Early—It Pays Off**

For most airlines, even those permitting post-departure refunds, pre-departure refund success rates and processing speed are significantly higher.

**Atlas Tip**: Don't wait until the last minute, even if post-departure refunds are allowed.

#### **2. Group Bookings—Split Before You Refund**

* **Scenario**: A customer books for 3 people and wants to refund 1 ticket.
* **Pitfall**: Refunding the whole PNR may result in canceling all tickets.
* **Solution**: Always split the PNR and refund only the intended passenger.

#### **3. Refund Deadlines—Miss It, Lose It**

**Reminder**: Each LCC has different refund timeframes. Missing them can result in losing the refund.

<mark style="color:blue;">**Japan:**</mark>

* Within 10 days post-departure:
  * **7G, 6J, JH, MZ, MM**: Voluntary refunds not allowed; only involuntary.
  * **BC:** Post-departure voluntary refunds cover only taxes; full involuntary refunds only if done before departure.
* Within 30 days post-departure:
  * **HD:** Voluntary refunds post-departure cover only taxes; involuntary allowed.

<mark style="color:blue;">**South Korea:**</mark>

* Within 1 year after issuance: **7C, BX**
* Within 30 days post-departure: **RS, ZE**
* Within 60 days post-departure: **LJ**

#### **4. Involuntary Refunds—Know the Valid Scenarios**

Some airline self-service portals don't support involuntary refunds. Confirm before processing.

<mark style="color:blue;">**Japan:**</mark>

* Before departure:
  * **BC:** Flight cancellation or schedule changes >1 hour
  * **HD, 7G, 6J, JH, MZ, MM:** Cancellations or delays >4 hours
* After departure:
  * **IJ, 7G, JH, MZ, MM:** Flight cancellations

<mark style="color:blue;">**South Korea:**</mark>

* Before departure:
  * **LJ, 7C, RS, ZE:** Cancellation or change >1 hour
* After departure:
  * **LJ, 7C, ZE:** Cancellation or change >1 hour
  * **BX, RS:** Cancellations only

#### **5. Voluntary Refunds—Watch for These Details**

Even if the airline supports voluntary changes, rules differ.

<mark style="color:blue;">**Japan:**</mark>

* Before departure:
  * Cash refunds after fee: **IJ, BC, HD, 7G, 6J, JH, MZ**
  * Voucher only: **MM**
* After departure:
  * Tax refund only: **IJ, BC, HD**
  * No refund: **7G, 6J, JH, MZ, MM**

<mark style="color:blue;">**South Korea:**</mark>

* Before/After departure:
  * Cash refund after fees: **LJ, 7C, ZE, BX, RS**

#### **6. Void Tickets—Timeliness Is Everything**

<mark style="color:blue;">**Japan:**</mark>

* Within 24 hours of issuance: Only **IJ** supports voiding
* Not supported: **BC, HD, 7G, 6J, JH, MZ, MM**

<mark style="color:blue;">**South Korea:**</mark>

* Within 24 hours of issuance: Supported by **LJ, 7C, ZE, BX, RS**

#### **7. Medical Refunds—Required Documents**

**Customer**: “Can I get a refund if I’m sick?”

**Answer**: Depends on the airline.

For those that allow it, you’ll need:

* <mark style="color:blue;">**A passport copy**</mark>
* <mark style="color:blue;">**An English-language medical certificate**</mark>

#### **8. VCC Refunds—Avoid Getting "Stuck"**

**Warning – JH & MZ**:

* Refunds deduct fees first, then return the balance.
* VCC users must ensure:
  * Card isn’t expired
  * Balance ≥ refund fee (typically ≤ ¥8000)
  * Card supports multiple authorizations

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Note**: Atlas cannot validate VCC card status in advance. Refunds using VCC for JH and MZ will not be processed.
{% endhint %}

**Warning – HD, 7G, 6J**:

* Require original payment card number and validation.
* VCC users risk rejection if card is expired.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Note:** Atlas cannot view or confirm VCC details due to compliance restrictions.
{% endhint %}

#### **9. Post-Flight Refunds—Language Barriers**

**Warning – BX & RS**:

* PNRs are not accessible online after departure.
* Refunds require calling Korean-speaking customer support.

**Solution**: Advise customers to confirm bookings before departure.

* Atlas currently does not handle post-flight refunds for BX and RS.

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## Easy to Remember Refund Guidelines for Agents

<mark style="color:blue;">**When Booking:**</mark>

“Special fares? Check refundability.

Group bookings? Split before refund.”

<mark style="color:blue;">**When Refunding:**</mark>

“Pre-flight: lower fees.

Post-flight: check rules.

Involuntary? Keep all screenshots.”

<mark style="color:blue;">**When Communicating**</mark><mark style="color:blue;">:</mark>

“Explain rules to customers.

Show evidence to airlines.”

***

## Two-Letter Airline Codes

#### <mark style="color:blue;">**Japan:**</mark>

* **BC**: Skymark Airlines – Tokyo-based LCC for domestic/international routes
* **MM**: Peach Aviation – Kansai-based, covering Asia
* **IJ**: Spring Airlines Japan – China-Japan JV focused on tourism
* **7G**: StarFlyer – Boutique airline, Kitakyushu hub
* **6J**: Solaseed Air – Kyushu/Okinawa regional
* **HD**: Air Do – Connects Hokkaido to major cities
* **MZ**: Amakusa Airlines – Short-haul feeder airline
* **JH**: Fuji Dream Airlines – Feeder airline connecting smaller cities

#### <mark style="color:blue;">**South Korea:**</mark>

* **7C**: Jeju Air – Largest LCC in Korea
* **BX**: Air Busan – Asiana’s subsidiary
* **RS**: Air Seoul – Asiana’s international low-cost arm
* **ZE**: Eastar Jet – Restructured LCC flying to CJK regions
* **LJ**: Jin Air – Korean Air’s vacation-focused LCC

{% hint style="info" %}

### **Final Note:**

While refund policies of Japanese and South Korean LCCs may seem complex, with clear understanding and careful handling, you can save customers money and earn a trustworthy reputation as a professional agent.
{% endhint %}