Sunrise Airways (S6), a Haitian regional airline, has a restrictive cancellation policy that varies by fare type and timing. Below is a concise overview based on the latest information from their official website (sunriseairways.net), sunriseairway.com, and reliable sources like Alternative Airlines and KAYAK.
24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation:
- You can cancel any flight within 24 hours of booking for a full refund to the original payment method, provided the flight departs at least 7 days (168 hours) later, per U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) rules for U.S. bookings. This applies to all fare types (Basic, Plus, Premium) booked directly through sunriseairways.net, the Sunrise Airways app, or customer service.
- Exceptions: Group bookings (10+ passengers) and some promotional fares may not qualify.
After 24 Hours:
- Standard Policy: Once issued, tickets are generally non-cancellable and non-refunded, per Sunrise Airways’ terms and conditions. However, some sources indicate limited flexibility for certain fares.
- Sun Plus and Sun Flex Fares: These offer more flexibility than Basic fares. Cancellations up to 48 hours before departure are free, with the ticket value issued as a Future Travel Voucher (valid for 1 year, non-transferable). After 48 hours, a penalty fee (typically $50–$200, depending on fare type and destination) applies, and the remaining value is issued as a voucher.
- Basic Fares: Non-refunded after 24 hours, with only airport taxes potentially refunded. Cancellation fees ($50–$200) may exceed the ticket value, resulting in no voucher or refund.
- No-Show Policy: Failing to cancel before departure incurs a 100% penalty, forfeiting the entire ticket value, including taxes, unless the fare allows no-show penalties (rare).
- Cancellation Deadline: Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours before departure for eligible fares to avoid higher fees or forfeiture.
Special Circumstances:
- Airline-Canceled Flights:
- If Sunrise Airways cancels a flight due to reasons within their control (e.g., technical issues), you’re entitled to a full refund (including non-refunded fares) or rebooking on the next available flight. If no flight is available, the airline may arrange accommodation near the airport.
- For EU departures or arrivals on Sunrise Airways-operated flights, EC 261 regulations may apply, offering up to €600 ($650) in compensation for cancellations with less than 14 days’ notice, unless due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, political unrest in Haiti).
- Recent disruptions, such as the temporary suspension of flights to Cuba due to pending government approval, have prompted refunds or rebooking options.
- Delays: If a flight is delayed by 2+ hours due to carrier reasons, you may cancel for a full refund. EU routes may qualify for EC 261 compensation (€250–€600) for delays over 3 hours.
- Weather-Related Cancellations: For disruptions like hurricanes, Sunrise Airways may offer fee-free refunds or rebooking. Check sunriseairways.net for travel advisories, especially for Haiti routes affected by weather or political instability.
Additional Notes:
- Operational Context: Sunrise Airways operates domestic flights in Haiti (e.g., Port-au-Prince, Cap Haitien) and international routes to the Caribbean (e.g., Miami, Santo Domingo). Recent airport closures in Haiti (e.g., Toussaint Louverture) due to political unrest have led to cancellations, with limited insurance coverage affecting operations.
- Fare Types: Basic fares are the most restrictive, while Plus and Premium (Sun Plus, Sun Flex) offer more flexibility, including free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure and benefits like priority boarding or baggage allowances.
- Travel Insurance: Given the restrictive policy and reported delays, purchasing travel insurance with Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage is recommended for flexibility.