Overview
Bahamasair, the national flag carrier of The Bahamas, operates under its Contract of Carriage and applicable regulations, including Canadian and U.S. Department of Transportation rules for flights to and from Canada and the U.S., and EU Regulation 261/2004 for flights to or from the EU. The missed flight policy outlines options for passengers who miss their flights due to personal reasons or airline-related issues, such as delays or cancellations. Outcomes depend on the fare type (Y class for refundable, non-refunded fares), ticket conditions, and the reason for missing the flight.
Missed Flight Due to Passenger’s Responsibility
If you miss your flight due to arriving late, failing to check in on time, or lacking valid travel documents, the following applies:
- Non-Refundable Tickets: If marked as a no-show, the ticket value is forfeited, and the entire itinerary, including onward and return flights, is canceled. Rebooking is not permitted, and the ticket has no value. Taxes and fees are non-refunded unless the ticket is canceled before departure. To avoid forfeiture, cancel the reservation prior to the scheduled departure time.
- Refundable Tickets (Y Class): If you notify Bahamasair before departure, you may cancel for a full refund, minus a processing fee, or rebook for a fee plus any fare difference. Standby for the next available flight may be possible, subject to availability and fees, which may be waived for Frequent Flyer Programme elite members.
- No-Show Policy: A no-show without prior notification results in ticket forfeiture for non-refunded tickets, with no rebooking allowed. For refundable tickets, notifying Bahamasair before departure can avoid forfeiture, allowing a refund or rebooking with applicable fees. For Bahamasair Frequent Flyer Programme award tickets, missing a flight may lead to mileage forfeiture for the missed segment.
- 24-Hour Cancellation Policy: Tickets purchased directly from Bahamasair can be canceled within 24 hours of booking for a full refund without penalty, provided the booking is made at least five days before departure. This applies to both refundable and non-refunded tickets, with the refund processed to the original payment method.
Note: Bahamasair recommends arriving two hours before departure for both domestic and international flights. Online check-in is available 24 hours to two hours before departure. Check-in counters close 45 minutes before departure, and seats may be reassigned if not checked in by this time. Gates close 15 minutes prior to departure. Failure to meet these deadlines results in a no-show status. Non-Bahamians must provide proof of return or onward travel to enter The Bahamas, such as a return ticket, unless exempt (e.g., work or residency permit).
Missed Connecting Flight Due to Airline Delays
If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation of a Bahamasair-operated flight within the same booking, Bahamasair will assist as follows:
- Rebooking: Bahamasair will rebook you on the next available Bahamasair flight in the same travel class at no extra cost. If the delay or cancellation is within Bahamasair’s control and you do not reach your destination on the expected arrival day, reasonable overnight accommodations may be provided, subject to availability.
- Right to Care: For delays within Bahamasair’s control lasting two hours or more, Bahamasair provides meals, refreshments, and access to communication (e.g., two phone calls or emails). For overnight delays, hotel accommodations and airport transfers may be offered where available. Assistance is not guaranteed for delays beyond Bahamasair’s control, such as weather or air traffic control issues.
- Compensation: For EU-regulated flights delayed three hours or more at the final destination due to reasons within Bahamasair’s control, you may be eligible for compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004, ranging from €250 for flights up to 1,500 km, €400 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km, to €600 for flights over 3,500 km. Compensation is not available for extraordinary circumstances, such as weather or strikes. For non-EU flights, Bahamasair may offer Frequent Flyer Programme points or vouchers as a goodwill gesture, but cash compensation is not required.
- Refund Option: If a flight is canceled or significantly delayed due to airline-controlled reasons (e.g., schedule changes, cancellations), you may request a full refund for the unused portion of your ticket, including taxes and optional fees, even for non-refunded tickets. Refunds are processed within seven days for credit card purchases and 20 days for other methods.
Note: Bahamasair operates point-to-point flights with no interline agreements, so connecting flights on separate tickets or with other airlines are not protected. Contact the operating airline or booking agent for non-Bahamasair connections. Retain all receipts and documents for claims.
Steps to Take if You Miss a Flight
If you miss your Bahamasair flight, follow these steps:
- Contact Bahamasair Immediately: Visit an airport ticket counter or gate agent or contact the Bahamasair Customer Service Center. If booked through a travel agency, contact the agency directly.
- Provide Booking Details: Have your booking reference, e-ticket number, or Frequent Flyer Programme number ready, available in your confirmation email or the Bahamasair app.
- Explore Options: For non-refunded tickets, rebooking is not permitted after a no-show, and a new ticket must be purchased. For refundable tickets, request rebooking (with fees and fare differences) or a refund, minus a processing fee. Cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund if booked at least five days before departure. For delays within Bahamasair’s control, request rebooking, meals, accommodations, or compensation. Use the Manage Booking section on the Bahamasair website for changes or cancellations, available only for web tickets.
- Submit a Claim (if applicable): For delays or cancellations within Bahamasair’s control, file a claim through customer service with your booking reference, boarding pass, and receipts. For EU-regulated flights, claims can be submitted within three to six years, depending on the country. Third-party services like AirHelp or FlightRefunder can assist with claims.
Additional Information
Policies vary by fare type and booking channel. Check the Contract of Carriage or customer service resources for updates. Monitor flight status via the Bahamasair app or website to avoid missing check-in deadlines. Bahamasair operates Economy class only, with one free carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger, subject to size and weight limits. Excess baggage may be sent on a later flight if space is limited. If you have checked luggage, inform the airline immediately to avoid complications with onward flights.