Does ANA Let You Change Flights? A Complete Guide to Changing Flights with All Nippon Airways
Travel is full of surprises—some welcome, some not. Whether it’s a last-minute business meeting, a personal emergency, or just a shift in plans, the ability to change your flight without too much hassle is crucial. If you’re flying with All Nippon Airways (ANA) and wondering, “Does ANA let you change flights?”, the answer is yes—but the ease, flexibility, and cost of doing so depends on a few important factors.
ANA, Japan’s largest airline and a member of the Star Alliance, provides several options for modifying your flight, but policies vary depending on your fare type, route, ticket origin, and timing of the change. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how ANA’s flight change policies work, the costs involved, and strategies to make the process smoother.
Can You Change an ANA Flight?
Yes, ANA allows passengers to change flights, including:
- Departure date or time
- Flight number
- Origin or destination (in some cases)
- Seat class or cabin upgrades
However, eligibility and fees vary significantly depending on:
- Ticket type (refundable vs. non-refundable)
- Fare class (Flex, Basic, Super Value, etc.)
- Whether the flight is domestic or international
- When you request the change
Understanding these conditions is crucial to avoid unexpected costs or losing your fare entirely.
Types of Fares and Their Change Policies
ANA offers various fare types for both domestic and international routes. Each comes with specific terms regarding changes and cancellations.
A. International Flights
Flex Fare (Economy, Business, First Class)
- Most flexible
- No change fees
- Can change date, time, and route
- Only fare difference may apply
Standard Fare
- Moderate flexibility
- Changes allowed with a fee
- Fare difference must be paid
Value and Super Value Fares
- Discounted and restricted
- May not allow changes or may charge high fees
- Route changes often not permitted
- Generally, only date/time changes allowed
B. Domestic Flights (Within Japan)
Premium and Flex Fares
- Full flexibility
- Free changes up to departure time
- Available through ANA’s website, app, or customer service
Value Fares
- Changeable before departure
- Fare differences apply
- Fees vary based on how close you are to the flight date
Super Value Fares
- Deeply discounted
- No changes allowed after booking
- Must cancel and rebook (if eligible)
How to Change an ANA Flight (Step-by-Step)
ANA offers several convenient methods to modify your booking:
A. Online via ANA Website
- Go to ANA’s website
- Click on “Manage Booking”
- Enter your booking reference and last name
- Choose “Change Flight”
- Select new dates, times, or routes
- Review fees and fare difference
- Confirm and pay (if applicable)
B. ANA Mobile App
- Works the same as the website
- Provides alerts about schedule changes and upgrade options
C. Customer Service
Call ANA (U.S. number: 1‑800‑235‑9262) if:
- You booked through an agent
- You’re modifying a complex or multi-city itinerary
- You’re changing award tickets (miles)
Flight Change Fees: What to Expect
ANA’s change fees vary widely depending on:
- Ticket type
- Route (domestic vs. international)
- How close you are to the departure date
Domestic Flights:
- Flex and Premium fares: Free changes
- Value fares: ¥440 to ¥2,200 fee (~$3–$15 USD), depending on timing
- Super Value fares: Usually non-changeable
International Flights:
- Flex fares: Free changes
- Standard fares: Change fee ranges from $100 to $300 USD
- Value fares: Often non-changeable or require cancellation and rebooking
Fare difference must be paid in addition to any fee.
Can You Change the Flight Date or Time?
Yes, in most cases, changing the flight date or time is allowed as long as:
- Your fare class permits it
- You make the request before departure
- Seats are available on the new flight
For example:
- A business traveler on a Flex fare can change a 10:00 AM flight to 6:00 PM the same day with no fee.
- A budget traveler on a Super Value fare may not be allowed to change at all and must cancel and rebook.
Can You Change the Destination or Route?
Changing the origin or destination is more restrictive. Here’s what you should know:
Domestic Flights:
- Route changes may not be allowed for lower-tier fares.
- For Flex or Premium fares, call ANA to inquire.
International Flights:
- Route changes often require:
- Upgrading to a higher fare class
- Paying the difference in fare
- Paying a route change fee (varies by region)
Note: If you’re flying into Tokyo (Narita) and want to switch to Haneda, ANA may allow this depending on your ticket and seat availability.
Changing Award Flights (ANA Mileage Club)
If you booked your ticket using ANA miles, the process and rules differ.
Can You Change Award Flights?
Yes—ANA allows free changes to award tickets before departure, but:
- You must request the change at least 96 hours before the first flight.
- You can change the date/time, not the passenger name.
- Miles are refunded if you cancel, minus a processing fee (~3,000 miles or currency equivalent).
For partner airlines booked via ANA miles (e.g., United, Lufthansa):
- Change rules may be stricter
- Changes must comply with partner airline policies
Can You Change Flights After Check-In?
Generally, no. After you check in:
- Online changes are disabled
- You must call ANA or speak to an airport agent
- Changes may only be possible if your fare allows same-day changes
Same-day changes (for a later or earlier flight) are more flexible for domestic travel and premium tickets.
Flight Changes Due to Schedule Disruptions or Cancellations
If ANA cancels or delays your flight, you’re entitled to a free change or full refund—regardless of fare class.
In this case:
- ANA will often offer you alternative flights
- You can rebook without any fees
- You may also request a refund instead
Examples:
- Weather delays
- Mechanical issues
- Schedule changes more than 2 hours
These are considered involuntary changes, and you have more flexibility in rescheduling.
Booking Through Travel Agents or OTAs
If you booked through a third party (e.g., Expedia, Travelocity):
- You must request changes through the same booking platform
- Their change policies may differ from ANA’s
- Additional service fees may apply
Tip: Booking directly with ANA gives you more control over your reservation.
Tips to Make Flight Changes Easier with ANA
- Book Flex or Standard fares if your plans may change
- Use the ANA Mileage Club: Elite members often get waived fees
- Act early: Fees increase closer to departure
- Check your fare rules before booking
- Be polite but firm with customer service agents—ANA is known for excellent service, and flexibility increases with respectful communication
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How many times can I change my ANA flight?
There’s no fixed limit, but each change may come with fees or fare differences unless your ticket is fully flexible.
Q2: Can I change my ANA flight on the day of travel?
Yes, but only for eligible fares and subject to seat availability. Same-day changes are easiest on domestic flights.
Q3: Do I need to pay if the new fare is cheaper?
No refunds are provided if your new flight costs less than the original—you’re still responsible for the original fare.
Q4: What if I miss my flight—can I change it then?
Missing your flight typically voids the ticket, especially for non-flexible fares. Call ANA before departure if you anticipate a delay.
Q5: Can I change my flight using ANA miles?
Yes—date and time changes are usually allowed up to 96 hours before departure.
Conclusion
So, does ANA let you change flights? Absolutely. ANA offers a range of options for modifying your itinerary, from simple time changes to complete route adjustments. However, your ability to do so—and the cost involved—depends heavily on your fare class, timing, and where you booked your ticket.
If you prioritize flexibility, consider purchasing Flex or Standard fares, or using ANA Mileage Club miles for more generous change policies. For travelers on a budget with Value or Super Value fares, options may be limited, so plan ahead or consider travel insurance for added protection.
Whether you’re flying domestically within Japan or internationally to the U.S., Europe, or Asia, ANA provides well-structured change policies and excellent customer support to help you adjust your plans with minimal stress.
Would you like this turned into a downloadable checklist or a short FAQ version for a travel site or blog? Let me know!