Bahamasair, the national flag carrier of The Bahamas, has a cancellation policy shaped by its fare types and Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR). Below is a concise overview based on the most reliable information from Bahamasair’s official website and related sources.
24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation:
- Passengers can cancel flights booked at least 5 days prior to departure within 24 hours of booking (or until 11:59 p.m. Central Time the following day, whichever is longer) for a full refund without penalty. This applies to all fare types, including non-refundable tickets, and aligns with U.S. and Canadian regulations for tickets purchased directly through Bahamasair’s website (bahamasair.com), call center (+1-877-240-6770 globally), or ticket counters.
- Third-party bookings (e.g., via Kayak, Expedia) are subject to the agency’s cancellation policies, which may differ and include additional fees.
Non-Refundable Tickets:
- After the 24-hour window, non-refundable tickets (most economy fares, except “Y” class) are not refundable for passenger-initiated cancellations or no-shows. The ticket value is forfeited, and no travel credits are issued.
- Cancellations within 7 days of travel or after the risk-free period incur a fee ($50–$250, depending on fare type, route, and timing). Only taxes and fees may be refunded for unused tickets.
- Same-day ticket changes incur fees: $30 for domestic routes, $100 for international routes.
Refundable Tickets (“Y” Class):
- Refundable “Y” class tickets can be canceled before departure for a full refund to the original payment method, subject to a $15 + VAT processing fee. Refunds are processed within 7 business days for credit cards or 20 business days for cash/check payments.
- Wholly unused tickets are valid for travel commencing within 1 year from the original ticket issuance date. Partially used tickets must complete travel within 1 year from the outbound travel date, with change fees applied.
Flight Cancellations by Bahamasair:
- If Bahamasair cancels a flight, delays it by 3+ hours, or denies boarding due to overbooking, passengers are entitled to:
- A full refund to the original payment method, including taxes, fees, and optional services (e.g., baggage fees) for unused segments.
- Rebooking on the next available Bahamasair flight at no cost, with comparable routing.
- Reasonable overnight accommodations if the delay or cancellation (within Bahamasair’s control) prevents arrival on the expected day, subject to availability.
- For cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, air traffic control), passengers receive a refund or rebooking but no compensation or accommodations.
- For EU/UK-departing flights, EU Regulation EC 261/2004 may apply, offering €250–€600 compensation for cancellations within 14 days, unless due to extraordinary circumstances. This is rare, as Bahamasair primarily serves the Caribbean and U.S.
No-Show Policy:
- Failing to cancel before the ticketed departure time results in forfeiture of the ticket value for non-refundable fares, with no refund or rebooking permitted.
- Refundable “Y” class tickets may still qualify for a refund, minus the $15 + VAT fee, if canceled post-departure with proper documentation.
Special Circumstances:
- Full refunds or fee waivers are available for cancellations due to a passenger’s or immediate family member’s death, with documentation (e.g., death certificate). Contact customer service for case-by-case review.
- Medical emergencies may qualify for refunds or credits, subject to documentation and fare rules.
- For weather-related cancellations, Bahamasair offers refunds or rebooking but advises passengers to confirm policies, as accommodations are not guaranteed for uncontrollable events.
How to Cancel:
- Airport: Cancel at a Bahamasair ticket counter or kiosk, ideal for last-minute changes.
- Travel Agencies: Third-party bookings must be canceled through the agency, which may impose additional fees.
- Refunds require a valid ticket (unexpired, within 1 year of issuance), ticket number, and passenger details. Confirmation is sent via email.
Cancellation Fees:
- Non-refundable tickets: $50–$250 per segment, depending on fare and timing; only taxes/fees refunded.
- Refundable “Y” class tickets: $15 + VAT processing fee.
- Same-day changes: $30 (domestic), $100 (international).
- No-show: Full ticket forfeiture for non-refundable fares.web:4intre
Key Notes:
- Always check fare rules at booking. Non-refundable tickets (except “Y” class) are highly restrictive, with no refunds for cancellations or no-shows.
- Book directly via bahamasair.com or the call center to avoid third-party complications.
- Tickets expire 1 year from issuance; refunds require submission before expiration.
- For EU flights, EC 261/2004 may apply, but Bahamasair’s primary routes (Caribbean, U.S.) limit its relevance.
