Best refundable ticket from TYO
Nov 29, 2025 | 12:36 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2025
Posts: 23
Best refundable ticket from TYO
Family of two + toddler visiting Japan in January 2026. I’ve read that it’s recommended to have a return ticket before arrival. But I’m trying to snag a last minute biz ticket from TYO back to the U.S. while traveling.
Want to buy a placeholder ticket but not sure if below are feasible. Options I’m considering:
For the actual return tickets I'm aiming to book two biz class or three economy with points. Can purchase economy right now, but do not want want to lock up points unnecessarily just in case I am able to find a biz class.
Thanks!
Want to buy a placeholder ticket but not sure if below are feasible. Options I’m considering:
- Book a fully refundable TYO→ICN ticket, or
- Use a 24-hour cancellation policy (book on United or Air Canada right before leaving the U.S. and cancel after clearing immigration).
For the actual return tickets I'm aiming to book two biz class or three economy with points. Can purchase economy right now, but do not want want to lock up points unnecessarily just in case I am able to find a biz class.
Thanks!
Nov 29, 2025 | 1:13 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: NRT
Programs: Tokyo Monorail Diamond-Encrusted-Platinum
Posts: 10,048
A refundable one-way ticket from Japan to an Asian hub *(e.g. Tokyo / Osaka / Fukuoka to Seoul / Busan / Shanghai etc.) is probably the most straightforward placeholder for immigration. Alternatively, TYO→ICN award booking should not require that many miles.
Nov 29, 2025 | 9:00 am
#3
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 631
I would book the economy or premium economy award tickets and cancel if/when affordable business class seats become available.
I am assuming that it is still true that the miles will be instantly redeposited upon cancellation. The only thing that gets locked up is your ability to fly home on the flights/date you want, albeit in economy.
Looks like it would 100K milles for jp to usa biz class with United miles for a United Visa cardmember.
ETA: it might actually involve changing your existing tickets, but pretty sure it is cancel and rebook
I am assuming that it is still true that the miles will be instantly redeposited upon cancellation. The only thing that gets locked up is your ability to fly home on the flights/date you want, albeit in economy.
Looks like it would 100K milles for jp to usa biz class with United miles for a United Visa cardmember.
ETA: it might actually involve changing your existing tickets, but pretty sure it is cancel and rebook
Last edited by mrwunrfl; Nov 29, 2025 at 9:10 am
Nov 29, 2025 | 4:51 pm
#6
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 631
