Caribbean Airlines, the flag carrier of Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Guyana, offers a cancellation policy that provides flexibility based on fare type, booking channel, and timing. Below is a concise overview based on the most reliable information from Caribbean Airlines’ official website and other sources. The policy aligns with Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) and U.S. Department of Transportation rules for applicable routes.
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 and includes at least one sector to/from North America (U.S. or Canada). This applies to all fare types (Lite, Classic, Flex, Biz, Biz Flex) and is valid only for tickets booked directly through Caribbean Airlines’ website (caribbean-airlines.com), mobile app, call center (+1-877-240-6770 in the U.S.), or ticket offices.
- This policy does not apply to domestic flights within Trinidad and Tobago or tickets booked through third-party platforms (e.g., Expedia, CheapOair), which follow the agency’s rules.
Non-Refundable Tickets (Lite, Classic, Biz):
- After the 24-hour window, non-refundable tickets can be canceled up to 2 hours before domestic flights or 4 hours before international flights, but only taxes and fees are refunded after a cancellation fee (typically $50 for domestic, $100–$500 for international, depending on route, fare type, and timing). The fare portion is forfeited.
- Cancellations within 24 hours of departure may incur higher fees (e.g., $100–$400). No-show passengers forfeit the entire ticket value, including taxes, with no refund or credit.
- Changes (e.g., date, time) incur a fee (e.g., $50 for domestic, $100–$200 for international) plus any fare difference, unless within the 24-hour window.
Refundable Tickets (Flex, Biz Flex):
- Flex and Biz Flex fares can be canceled before departure with a $50 processing fee, with the remaining balance refunded to the original payment method or issued as a travel credit valid for 1 year. Refunds take 7–20 business days.
- These fares offer flexibility for changes or cancellations without significant penalties, ideal for business travelers.
Flight Cancellations by Caribbean Airlines:
- If Caribbean Airlines cancels a flight, delays it by 2+ hours, or denies boarding due to overbooking, passengers are entitled to:
- A full refund to the original payment method, including taxes, fees, and add-ons (e.g., baggage, seat selection).
- Rebooking on the next available flight at no cost, with comparable routing.
- Compensation for delays or cancellations within the airline’s control (e.g., mechanical issues), including accommodations or meals for significant disruptions, per APPR for Canadian routes.
- 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 (e.g., weather, strikes). This is rare, as Caribbean Airlines focuses on Caribbean and North/South American routes.
- For uncontrollable disruptions (e.g., weather, hurricanes), passengers receive a refund or rebooking but no compensation.
No-Show Policy:
- Failing to cancel at least 2 hours (domestic) or 4 hours (international) before departure results in full forfeiture of the ticket value for non-refundable fares, with no refund or credit. Refundable fares may still qualify for a refund, minus the $50 fee.
Special Circumstances:
- Full refunds or fee waivers are available for cancellations due to a passenger’s or immediate family member’s death or serious illness, with documentation (e.g., death or medical certificate). Refunds may be issued to a family member if the ticket holder is unable to claim due to sickness or death.
- Weather-related cancellations (e.g., hurricanes) typically result in refunds or rebooking, but compensation depends on the situation. Contact customer service for case-by-case handling.
How to Cancel:
- Airport: Cancel at a Caribbean Airlines ticket counter or kiosk, ideal for last-minute changes.
- Travel Agencies: Third-party bookings (e.g., CheapOair) must be canceled through the agency, which may impose additional fees.
- Confirmation is sent via email. Refunds take 7–20 business days; credits are valid for 1 year and non-transferable.
Cancellation Fees:
- Non-refundable tickets: $50 (domestic), $100–$500 (international) after 24 hours; only taxes/fees refunded.
- Refundable tickets: $50 processing fee.
- No-show: Full forfeiture for non-refundable fares; refundable fares may incur fees.
- Changes: $50 (domestic), $100–$200 (international) plus fare difference.
Key Notes:
- Always check fare rules at booking. Lite and Classic fares are restrictive; Flex and Biz Flex offer flexibility.
- Third-party bookings complicate cancellations; book directly via caribbean-airlines.com to avoid agency fees.
- The 24-hour policy applies only to North American routes and direct bookings, not domestic Trinidad and Tobago flights.
- For EU routes, EC 261/2004 may apply, but most routes are Caribbean/North American, limiting its relevance.
