Essential Refund Guide: Japanese & Korean LCCs
May 21, 2025
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!
Key Highlights: Different "Personalities" of Japanese vs. Korean LCCs
South Korean LCCs
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
Japanese LCCs
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."
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.
Japan:
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.
South Korea:
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.
Japan:
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
South Korea:
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.
Japan:
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
South Korea:
Before/After departure:
Cash refund after fees: LJ, 7C, ZE, BX, RS
6. Void Tickets—Timeliness Is Everything
Japan:
Within 24 hours of issuance: Only IJ supports voiding
Not supported: BC, HD, 7G, 6J, JH, MZ, MM
South Korea:
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:
A passport copy
An English-language medical certificate
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
Note: Atlas cannot validate VCC card status in advance. Refunds using VCC for JH and MZ will not be processed.
Warning – HD, 7G, 6J:
Require original payment card number and validation.
VCC users risk rejection if card is expired.
Note: Atlas cannot view or confirm VCC details due to compliance restrictions.
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.
Easy to Remember Refund Guidelines for Agents
When Booking:
“Special fares? Check refundability.
Group bookings? Split before refund.”
When Refunding:
“Pre-flight: lower fees.
Post-flight: check rules.
Involuntary? Keep all screenshots.”
When Communicating:
“Explain rules to customers.
Show evidence to airlines.”
Two-Letter Airline Codes
Japan:
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
South Korea:
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
Last updated
Was this helpful?