Increase in "Transfer of Airline Tickets" Posts on Social Media: The Trap of "Transferable Airline Tickets" Targeting "Fan Expeditions" and Measures to Prevent Visiting Tourists from Getting Involved

Increase in "Transfer of Airline Tickets" Posts on Social Media: The Trap of "Transferable Airline Tickets" Targeting "Fan Expeditions" and Measures to Prevent Visiting Tourists from Getting Involved

2025年12月20日 16:50

1. What's Happening on Social Media Now—"#航空券譲" Tied to "Travel Demand"

Posts like "#航空券譲" are increasing on social media, with listings of flight numbers, desired prices, and prompts for DM negotiations, even including images of the tickets. Some posts include popular idol/artist tour schedules, indicating a search or offer of tickets to match these dates, suggesting a link to the rising demand for year-end and New Year events and travel. FNN Prime Online


At first glance, it may seem like a "relay of goodwill" where someone who can't go passes their ticket to someone who wants to go.
However, airline tickets are fundamentally different from concert tickets. They are operated under a system of identity verification and security, designed specifically for **"the person listed on the ticket (reservation information)."**



2. Why Airlines Strongly Oppose—"Only the Named Person Can Board"

Airlines have repeatedly stated that "the transfer or resale of airline tickets is not allowed." JAL advises that "passenger changes are not possible" and "airline tickets cannot be transferred to third parties," requiring cancellation and refund followed by a new purchase if the passenger changes. JAL｜Domestic/International Airline Ticket Reservations+1


ANA also states that "airline tickets are valid only for the customer whose name is listed in the 'passenger name' field, and name changes or transfers are not possible," and mentions the possibility of penalties or legal action if unauthorized boarding is discovered. ANA


In reports, airlines warn that "if it is confirmed that the name on the airline ticket and the passenger are not the same person, boarding will not be allowed." FNN Prime Online



3. It's Not Just "Can't Board"—Five Risks Hidden in Transferred Airline Tickets

Risk 1: You're "Stuck" the Moment It's Discovered at the Airport

The timing of checks is not consistent, and if discovered at the last minute, there may be no alternative flights, or they may be expensive or not timely. Especially during year-end, New Year, or popular event weekends, alternative options tend to be scarce. FNN Prime Online



Risk 2: No Refund (Neither from the Airline nor the Other Party)

Transfer transactions are private dealings between parties from the airline's perspective, with weak grounds for relief. Cancellation fees may also apply depending on fare conditions. JAL｜Domestic/International Airline Ticket Reservations+1



Risk 3: Fraud (Reusing Images/Reservation Numbers)

Typical SNS transaction scams, such as selling the same image to multiple people or cutting off contact after payment, are likely to occur. ANA's guidance also warns under the assumption that tickets cannot be used by anyone other than the named person. ANA



Risk 4: Personal Information Leakage

Airline ticket images contain travel information such as names, flight numbers, and dates, which can be misused. The "goodwill disclosure" by the poster can lead to other troubles.



Risk 5: Legal Risk (Criminal Issues Depending on the Situation)

Reports indicate that lawyers point out the possibility of being charged with fraud if using transferred airline tickets, which are prohibited. FNN Prime Online



4. Why "Fan Activity Travel" Is Particularly Risky—Due to "Time Constraints"

Popular tours are concentrated on weekends and holidays, and local performances often have limited transportation options. The further the travel, the less room for error on the day.
This is why the temptation of "cheap airline tickets coming your way" directly leads to danger.



5. What to Do If There's a Schedule Change or Sudden Cancellation? Here's the Correct Procedure

The conclusion is simple."If the passenger changes, cancel and rebook.".
JAL advises that since passenger changes are not possible, if necessary, cancel and refund, then purchase anew. JAL｜Domestic/International Airline Ticket Reservations
ANA similarly requires a refund and new purchase if the passenger changes. ANA


The desire to avoid losing money on non-refundable fares drives people towards transfers.
Therefore, at the time of purchase, it's crucial to design a plan that absorbs "schedule risks" with changeable fares or insurance (special contracts).



6. Key Points for Foreign Visitors to Japan—"Name Representation" and "Purchase Route"

6-1. For International Flights, the Rule Is "Passport Name and Airline Ticket Name Must Match"

JAL clearly states that for international flights, if the passport name and airline ticket name do not match, boarding is not possible, and warns that name corrections cannot be made after booking (such as spelling mistakes, reversed first and last names, handling of middle names, etc.). JAL｜Domestic/International Airline Ticket Reservations
In other words, an airline ticket obtained through SNS that is not in your passport name is fundamentally invalid.



6-2. Opt for "Support" from Official/Authorized Agents (OTAs) Over Personal SNS Transactions

Travel to Japan is prone to schedule changes due to weather, delays, or health issues.
Official or reliable purchase routes have clear conditions and contact points. In contrast, SNS transactions end if the seller disappears, and the language barrier makes recovery more difficult.



6-3. For Domestic Flights in Japan, Operate Under the Assumption of "No Boarding with Name Mismatch"

JAL also specifies in domestic reservations that passenger changes and third-party transfers are not allowed. JAL｜Domestic/International Airline Ticket Reservations
Betting on the feeling that "domestic flights are less likely to be checked" is dangerous.



7. If You've Already Purchased a "Transferred Airline Ticket"—Actions to Prevent Further Damage

The most important thing is not to hold onto it until the day.

  1. Assume the possibility of not being able to board under the premise of "name change not allowed." JAL｜Domestic/International Airline Ticket Reservations+1

  2. As soon as possible, confirm with the purchase source (airline/agent)..

  3. Consider relief through payment methods (such as credit card disputes).

  4. Preserve evidence (DMs, transfer records, post screenshots) and report to SNS.

  5. If you need to reach your destination,secure an alternative flight through official routes to ensure your travel.



8. The Background of "Unintentional Buying and Selling"—This Is Why Awareness Is Necessary

JAL explains that the reason for their warnings is that transfers have been observed on online auctions and SNS for some time, and there are cases where they are done "without ill intent." J-CAST News
However, the stance of airlines remains consistent.
Transfers/resales are prohibited/name changes are not allowed/boarding is not permitted if discrepancies are found. FNN Prime Online+2JAL｜Domestic/International Airline Ticket Reservations+2



9. For Foreign Travelers: A Checklist for Safe Travel (Preservation Version)

Before Purchase


After Purchase—Before Departure


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