Bearskin Airlines, a regional Canadian carrier based in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and a division of Perimeter Aviation, operates under 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 Bearskin’s official website and related sources. Note that Bearskin discontinued service to Fort Frances, Dryden, and Kenora as of May 11, 2024, due to low passenger volume, but continues to operate in other regions like Sioux Lookout, Thunder Bay, and Winnipeg.
24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation:
- Passengers can cancel flights within 24 hours of booking for a full refund without fees, provided the booking was made at least 7 days before departure. This applies to all fare types (Fixed, Flex, Plus, Freedom) and aligns with U.S. and Canadian regulations for tickets booked directly via Bearskin’s website (bearskinairlines.com), mobile app, call center (+1-877-240-6770), or ticket counters.
- Third-party bookings (e.g., through Kayak, Expedia) are subject to the agency’s cancellation policies, which may differ.
Non-Refundable Tickets (Fixed Fares):
- After the 24-hour window, Fixed fare tickets are non-cancelable and non-refunded, except in cases of airline-initiated disruptions. No cash refunds or travel credits are issued for customer-initiated cancellations.
- Changes (e.g., date or route) may be possible at least 2 hours before departure, subject to a fee (typically $100–$200 plus taxes, depending on route and timing) and fare difference. Contact Bearskin’s Reservations Centre (+1-877-240-6770) for changes.
Refundable Tickets (Flex, Plus, Freedom Fares):
- Flex Fares: Cancellations are allowed at least 2 hours before departure with a fee (around $50–$100 plus taxes). The remaining balance is refunded as a travel credit or to the original payment method, valid for 1 year.
- Plus Fares: Cancellations are free, with a full refund to the original payment method or a travel credit.
- Freedom Fares: Fully refundable with no fees, offering maximum flexibility, including the ability to transfer tickets to another person or change routes/dates without penalties. Refunds are processed to the original payment method.
- Refunds typically take 7–30 business days, depending on the payment method and bank processing.
Flight Cancellations by Bearskin Airlines:
- If Bearskin 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 for unused segments (pro-rata for partially used tickets).
- Rebooking on the next available Bearskin flight at no cost, with comparable routing.
- For delays of 3+ hours, accommodations, meals, or transportation may be provided, per APPR for small carriers.
- For flights departing from or arriving in the EU, EU Regulation EC 261/2004 may apply, offering €250–€600 compensation for cancellations within 14 days, unless caused by extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, strikes). This is rare, as Bearskin primarily operates domestic Canadian routes.
- For uncontrollable disruptions (e.g., weather), refunds or rebooking are offered, but compensation is not required.
No-Show Policy:
- Failing to cancel at least 2 hours before departure results in forfeiture of the ticket value for non-refundable fares (Fixed). No refunds or credits are issued. Refundable fares (Plus, Freedom) may allow credits with no penalties if canceled after the deadline, subject to fare rules.
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 the Reservations Centre for processing.
- Medical emergencies may qualify for refunds or credits on a case-by-case basis with documentation.
- Bereavement fares are available post-travel for immediate family deaths, requiring verification within 30 days.
How to Cancel:
- Phone: Call the Reservations Centre at +1-877-240-6770 (toll-free in North America) or +1-877-240-6770. Provide your reservation number.
- Airport: Cancel at a Bearskin ticket counter, ideal for last-minute changes, though availability varies at smaller airports.
- Travel Agencies: Third-party bookings must be canceled through the agency, which may impose additional fees.
- Confirmation is sent via email. Refunds take 7–30 business days; credits are valid for 1 year and non-transferable.
Cancellation Fees:
- Fixed Fares: Non-cancelable; no refunds or credits after 24 hours.
- Flex Fares: $50–$100 fee per segment, plus taxes.
- Plus/Freedom Fares: No fees; full refunds or credits.
- Additional fees may apply for changes within 2 hours of departure or for third-party bookings.
Key Notes:
- Always check fare rules at booking, as Fixed fares are highly restrictive, while Freedom fares offer maximum flexibility.
- Bearskin’s ticketless system requires only a confirmation number and photo ID at check-in.
- Bearskin’s interline agreement with Air Canada allows seamless rebooking for disruptions on connecting itineraries.
- Due to its small aircraft (e.g., Fairchild Metroliners), cancellations may occur due to weather or operational constraints, especially in remote areas.
