Flair Airlines, a Canadian low-cost carrier, has a cancellation policy that emphasizes affordability but imposes strict conditions, particularly for non-refundable fares. Below is a concise overview based on the latest information from Flair’s official website and other sources:
Within 24 Hours of Booking: For Canada-U.S. or international flights (departing or landing outside Canada), you can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund without fees, provided the departure is at least 7 days away. This does not apply to domestic flights within Canada, where cancellations incur fees even within 24 hours.
After 24 Hours:
- Cancellations: Permitted up to 48 hours before departure, subject to fees:
- 7+ days before departure: $39 USD plus tax per passenger, per flight.
- 48 hours to 7 days before departure: $59 USD plus tax per passenger, per flight.
- Within 48 hours of departure: No cancellations or refunds are allowed.
- A future travel credit (minus fees) is issued, valid for 24 months from the original booking date. No refunds or credits are provided for no-shows, missed flights, or cancellations within 48 hours.
- Non-Refundable Fares: Most Flair fares are non-refundable. After the 24-hour window, cancellations result in travel credits, not cash refunds, except in specific cases.
Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR): Available for purchase at booking on select routes and dates. Allows cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for an 80% refund of the booking value, minus the CFAR fee (varies by route and booking value). Refunds are processed to the original payment method. CFAR applies to the entire booking, not individual flights, and remains valid if you change your flight, but the cancellation deadline is tied to the original departure time.
Airline-Cancelled Flights: If Flair cancels your flight or delays it by 3+ hours:
- Within Airline’s Control: You can receive a full refund, rebooking on the next available flight, or compensation under Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR). Compensation for delays/cancellations within Flair’s control and notified 14 days or less before departure ranges from CAD 125–1,000, based on delay duration and flight type. Submit claims via Flair’s online form, with responses within 30 days.
- Outside Airline’s Control: Flair arranges alternative flights within 48 hours. If unavailable, you can opt for a full refund or return to your point of origin at no cost. No compensation is provided for uncontrollable events (e.g., weather, strikes).
- Refunds are processed within 7 days for credit card payments, including unused ancillary services (e.g., baggage fees).
Special Circumstances:
- Medical Emergencies or Death: If a passenger or their immediate family member (within 28 days of departure) is seriously ill or dies, Flair allows:
- A full refund of the unused ticket portion without fees.
- Rescheduling without change fees.
- A penalty-free travel credit valid for 6 months.
- Valid proof (e.g., medical or death certificate) and unused ticket portions are required. This applies to all passengers on the same booking.
- Jury Duty: Cancellations for jury duty may qualify for a full refund with documentation.
- Standard cancellation fees apply for other medical or personal emergencies, with no exceptions.
How to Cancel:
- By Phone: Call Flair’s Customer Support at +1-877-240-6770.
- At Airport: Visit a Flair check-in/baggage drop counter or ticket office.
- Through a Travel Agent: For bookings via agents (e.g., Expedia, Flighthub), contact the agent directly.
Refund Process:
- Full refunds (e.g., within 24 hours for international flights or airline cancellations) are processed to the original payment method within 7–10 business days.
- Travel credits for cancellations after 24 hours are issued minus fees and expire after 24 months. Credits are non-refundable if unused.
- Submit refund requests via flyflair.com’s refund form or contact customer support.
Additional Notes:
- No-Show Policy: Passengers who fail to board without cancelling in advance forfeit all fares and receive no refund or credit.
- TravelFlex and Big Bundle: These options allow one free flight change (date, time, destination) up to 3 hours before departure, but cancellations still incur standard fees. Fare differences apply for changes.
- Domestic vs. International: The lack of a 24-hour free cancellation for domestic flights has drawn criticism, as it deviates from expectations of a universal grace period.
- Ancillary Services: Baggage fees, seat selections, and other add-ons are non-refundable unless the flight is cancelled by Flair.
- APPR Protections: For flights to, from, or within Canada, passengers may be entitled to meals, accommodation, and communication for disruptions within Flair’s control, per Canada’s APPR.
