Overview
Bearskin Airlines, a regional carrier based in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and a division of Perimeter Aviation, operates under its Contract of Carriage and Canadian aviation regulations set by the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC). 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 (Fixed, Flex, Freedom), ticket conditions, and the reason for missing the flight. For flights to or from the EU, EU Regulation 261/2004 may apply.
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 (e.g., Fixed Fare): If you are marked as a no-show, the ticket value is forfeited, and the entire itinerary, including onward and return flights, is canceled. No credit is issued unless you cancel before departure. Taxes and fees may be refunded if requested within one year of ticket issuance. Rebooking may incur a no-show fee, depending on fare rules.
- Flexible Fares (e.g., Flex, Freedom): If you notify Bearskin Airlines before departure, you may rebook or cancel for a fee plus any fare difference. Freedom Fares offer full flexibility, allowing ticket transfers to another person, cancellations for a refund, or changes to a different route or date. Standby for the next available flight may be requested shortly after departure, subject to availability and fees, which may be waived for Connecting Rewards elite members.
- No-Show Policy: A no-show without prior notification results in ticket forfeiture. For Connecting Rewards award tickets, missing a flight may lead to mileage forfeiture for the missed segment. Rebooking after a no-show incurs a penalty plus fare differences. Notifying Bearskin before departure can avoid no-show penalties and may allow the ticket value to be applied to a future booking, valid for one year from purchase.
- 24-Hour Cancellation Policy: For tickets purchased directly from Bearskin, you can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund if booked at least seven days before departure, even for non-refunded tickets. This applies to all flights, including those to and from the U.S.
- Bereavement Fares: If you miss a flight due to the death or imminent death of an immediate family member, special bereavement fares may be available for rebooking, subject to verification. Contact the Reservation Center to arrange.
Note: Bearskin recommends arriving 90 minutes before departure for flights from Winnipeg and Thompson and 60 minutes for other airports. Online check-in is available 24 hours to two hours before departure. Check-in counters close 60 minutes before departure at Winnipeg and Thompson and 30 minutes at other airports. Gates close 15 minutes prior to departure. Failure to meet these deadlines results in a no-show status.
Missed Connecting Flight Due to Airline Delays
If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation of a Bearskin-operated flight within the same booking, Bearskin will assist as follows:
- Rebooking: Bearskin will rebook you on the next available Bearskin flight or, through its interline agreement with Air Canada, on an Air Canada flight in the same travel class at no extra cost. If no flights are available until the next day, hotel accommodations and airport transfers may be provided for delays within Bearskin’s control.
- Right to Care: For delays within Bearskin’s control lasting two hours or more, Bearskin provides meals, refreshments, and access to communication (e.g., two phone calls or emails). For overnight delays, hotel accommodations and airport transfers are offered where available. Assistance is not guaranteed for delays beyond Bearskin’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 Bearskin’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, Bearskin may offer Connecting Rewards points or vouchers as a goodwill gesture, but cash compensation is not required.
- Refund Option: If you choose not to travel due to a significant delay or cancellation, you may request a full refund for the unused portion of your ticket, including taxes and fees, even for non-refunded tickets. Refunds are processed within seven days for credit card purchases and up to 20 days for other methods.
Note: If your connecting flight is on a separate ticket or with an airline outside Bearskin’s interline agreement with Air Canada, Bearskin is not responsible for missed connections. Contact the operating airline or booking agent. Retain all receipts and documents for claims.
Steps to Take if You Miss a Flight
If you miss your Bearskin Airlines flight, follow these steps:
- Contact Bearskin Immediately: Visit an airport ticket counter or gate agent or contact the Bearskin Reservation Center. If booked through a travel agency, contact the agency directly.
- Provide Booking Details: Have your reservation number and last name ready, available in your confirmation email or Bearskin’s website.
- Explore Options: Request rebooking (subject to fees and fare differences for non-flexible tickets) or standby for a same-day flight, if available. For flexible fares like Flex or Freedom, rebook or cancel with lower or no fees via the Manage Booking section on the Bearskin website. For non-refunded tickets, request a refund for taxes and fees or a full refund if within the 24-hour cancellation window. For bereavement-related misses, request special fares with verification. For delays within Bearskin’s control, request meals, accommodations, or compensation.
- Submit a Claim (if applicable): For delays or cancellations within Bearskin’s control, file a compensation request through the airline’s customer service with your reservation number, 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 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 Bearskin website or app to avoid missing check-in deadlines. Bearskin operates a ticketless system, requiring only a reservation number and valid photo ID at check-in. If you have checked luggage, inform the airline immediately to avoid complications with onward flights. Bearskin’s baggage policy allows a free checked baggage allowance per passenger, with excess fees for additional weight or pieces.