Overview
Bahamasair, the national airline of the Bahamas, offers a flight change policy that allows passengers to modify their bookings under specific conditions. The policy accommodates changes to flight dates, times, destinations, and names, with rules varying based on fare type, timing, and booking method. Changes can be made online, through the Customer Service Centre, or at the airport, subject to applicable fees and fare differences.
Key Policy Details
- 24-Hour Free Change Policy: Passengers can change their flight without a fee within 24 hours of booking, provided the departure is at least seven days away. This applies to all fare types, including refundable and non-refundable tickets, and is supported by the Bahamas Reporting Corporation for bookings made in the United States.
- Change Fees: For changes made after the 24-hour period:
- Non-Refundable Tickets: Changes are permitted within 24 hours of booking, but after this period, changes are generally not allowed unless specified by fare rules. If permitted, a change fee applies, and the ticket must be reissued with applicable fare differences.
- Refundable Tickets: Changes are allowed before departure, subject to a change fee and any fare difference. Same-day changes for domestic routes and international routes incur specific fees.
- Same-Day Changes: Passengers can request same-day flight changes before or after departure. Changes made prior to departure incur a fee, while changes after departure, or in case of a no-show, may incur a higher fee based on a percentage of the airfare.
- Fare Difference: If the new flight is more expensive, passengers must pay the fare difference. If less expensive, no refund is issued for non-refundable tickets, but refundable tickets may receive a credit for future travel, valid for one year from the original ticket issue date for wholly unused tickets or from the outbound travel date for partially used tickets.
- Change Deadline: Changes must be requested at least four hours before departure for international flights and two hours for domestic flights within the Bahamas. Name changes and corrections must be requested at least 48 hours before departure.
- Name Changes and Corrections: Minor name corrections (e.g., typos or spelling errors) are allowed up to 48 hours before departure, subject to a fee and valid identification. Legal name changes (e.g., due to marriage or divorce) require supporting documents such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree, and a higher fee may apply if a new ticket is issued. Tickets are non-transferable to another person.
- No-Show Policy: If a reservation is not changed or canceled before the scheduled departure, rebooking is not permitted, and the ticket loses its value. This applies to both refundable and non-refundable tickets.
- Schedule Changes: If Bahamasair changes a flight schedule by three hours or more, passengers can change their flight date, time, or destination without a fee, provided the new itinerary is rebooked on the same day and in the same class of service. If no suitable flight is available, passengers may receive a future travel voucher with no additional fees or fare differences.
- Special Circumstances: In cases of serious illness, death, jury duty, or other significant events, change fees may be waived if passengers provide satisfactory documentary evidence and the airline approves the request.
How to Change Your Flight
Passengers can modify their bookings through the following methods:
- Online: Visit the Bahamasair website, access the "Manage Booking" section, enter the confirmation number and passenger’s surname, select the new flight details, and complete any required payment for fees or fare differences. This option is available for tickets purchased online.
- Customer Service Centre: Contact the airline’s Customer Service Centre to request changes. Provide reservation details, and note that a service fee may apply for changes made through this method.
- At the Airport: Visit a Bahamasair ticket counter or kiosk at the airport to modify bookings in person, subject to availability and applicable fees. This is recommended for last-minute changes.
Additional Notes
- Changes are only applicable to flights operated by Bahamasair and are subject to availability.
- Passengers must ensure compliance with entry and exit requirements, such as proof of return or onward travel for non-Bahamians entering the Bahamas, unless exempted by work, spousal, or permanent residency permits, or travel by ship.
- Non-refundable tickets have stricter change restrictions, and failure to comply with fare rules may result in loss of ticket value.
- For award bookings through the frequent flyer program, changes may incur a fee in points or additional charges.
