Japan’s Skymark Airlines has begun a trial of a special measure under which it will fully refund airfares for ticket cancellations due to the sudden illness of children aged 6 or younger, starting May 20.
By submitting a hospital receipt or medical statement issued within three days before or after the scheduled departure date, passengers can receive a full refund of the airfare without any cancellation fee. A medical certificate is not required, and all illnesses and injuries are eligible, from seasonal colds and influenza to COVID‑19 and other Category V infectious diseases under Japan’s Infectious Diseases Control Law. The waiver of cancellation fees for accompanying adults also applies, but only when the eligible child (0–6 years old) and the companion cancel at the same time. Only refunds are provided; reservation changes are not accepted. Group tickets (IT5) purchased via travel agencies are excluded.
Requests for refunds will be accepted within 10 days from the scheduled departure date via chat support on the official website, the reservations center, or at airport counters in Japan.
Because infants and toddlers are prone to sudden changes in condition, such as high fevers, some family travelers in Japan had hesitated to book flights out of concern for cancellation fees. In response to these concerns, and based on a proposal from Skymark employees who are raising children, the company has introduced this system. The trial period runs until March 31, 2027. Based on the results and feedback gathered during the trial, Skymark plans to consider making the measure permanent around January 2027.
