Overview
Air Choice One, a former regional airline based in St. Louis, Missouri, ceased operations in July 2022, with its services integrated into Southern Airways Express. The following outlines the flight change policy based on historical information from Air Choice One and general practices of Southern Airways Express. Changes could be made online, via phone, or at airport counters, subject to fare rules and availability.
Key Policy Highlights
- Ceased Operations: Air Choice One no longer operates as an independent airline. Passengers with existing bookings or vouchers should contact Southern Airways Express for assistance with changes or refunds.
- Fare Types: Air Choice One offered Business, Everyday, and Promo/Go Your Way fares. All fare types were subject to change fees, with restrictions varying by fare. Promo fares were typically non-refundable and had stricter change conditions.
- Change Fees: Changes incurred fees depending on the fare type and timing. Business and Everyday fares allowed changes with a fee, while Promo fares had more restrictive policies. Southern Airways Express may apply similar fee structures for rebookings.
- Fare Difference: If the new flight was more expensive, passengers paid the fare difference. No refunds were typically issued if the new flight was cheaper.
- Same-Day Changes: Same-day changes were possible, subject to availability, with fees applied based on the fare type. Southern Airways Express currently allows same-day changes online or via customer service, subject to similar conditions.
- Third-Party Bookings: Tickets booked through travel agencies or third-party platforms, such as Choice Travel Agency, had to be changed through the original booking source.
- Name Changes: Name changes were generally not permitted, though minor corrections (e.g., spelling errors) could be requested with documentation, subject to approval.
- No-Show Policy: Failure to cancel or change a flight before departure resulted in forfeiture of the ticket’s value for all fare types.
How to Change Your Flight
Online (Southern Airways Express):
- Visit the Southern Airways Express website and navigate to the “Manage Flight” section.
- Enter your booking reference and last name to retrieve your reservation.
- Select the flight to modify, choose a new flight, and review any fees or fare differences.
- Complete the payment process, if applicable, and receive confirmation via email.
Offline:
- Contact Southern Airways Express customer service via phone for assistance with changes.
- Visit a Southern Airways Express ticket counter at the airport for in-person modifications.
Special Circumstances
- Airline-Initiated Changes: If Air Choice One canceled or significantly delayed a flight, passengers could rebook without fees or request a refund. Southern Airways Express follows similar practices, offering rebooking or refunds for cancellations.
- Medical or Bereavement: Fee waivers or refunds could be requested for medical emergencies or bereavement with proper documentation, subject to approval.
- Vouchers: Vouchers issued by Air Choice One were non-redeemable for cash and had to be used for travel to specific destinations, such as St. Louis or Chicago, before route changes. Contact Southern Airways Express for current voucher policies.
Additional Notes
- Non-Transferable Services: Extras like baggage or seat selection did not transfer to new flights and required repurchasing.
- Choice Plus Program: Air Choice One’s frequent flyer program, Choice Plus, allowed points to be earned for flights, but its status post-closure is unclear. Contact Southern Airways Express for details.
- Essential Air Service (EAS): Air Choice One operated under EAS contracts, serving smaller communities. Some routes, like Burlington, Iowa, were later transferred to other carriers like Cape Air.
- Contact Information: For assistance with prior Air Choice One bookings, contact Southern Airways Express through their website or customer service channels.
