If you miss a Sunrise Airways flight, the airline’s policies, as outlined in their Terms and Conditions, will apply. Sunrise Airways, a Haitian regional airline founded in 2010, operates scheduled and charter flights across the Caribbean from its hub in Port-au-Prince. Below is an overview of what happens and your options when you miss a flight, based on available information and applicable regulations such as EU Regulation 261/2004 for flights to or from the EU.
No-Show Policy
If you miss your flight without notifying Sunrise Airways in advance, it is considered a "no-show." This typically results in the forfeiture of the ticket value, and subsequent flights in your itinerary, such as return or onward flights, may be canceled. Most Sunrise Airways fares are non-refundable, with different levels of flexibility depending on the fare type (Sun Plus or Sun Flex).
- Notification: To avoid no-show penalties, contact Sunrise Airways at least one hour before departure via their Reservations Center, website, mobile app, or airport counter. Prompt notification may allow rebooking or preserve the validity of remaining flight segments.
- Fees: No-show results in the loss of the ticket value for non-refundable Sun Plus fares. Sun Flex fares offer more flexibility, allowing changes with a fee, subject to fare rules. Rebooking after a no-show may require a new ticket purchase, plus any applicable fees.
- Impact on Itinerary: Missing a flight may lead to the cancellation of the entire reservation, as Sunrise Airways treats the itinerary as a single contract.
Rebooking Options
If you miss a flight due to reasons within your control, rebooking is possible but subject to availability and fare rules. Changes can be made via the Manage Booking portal, mobile app, Reservations Center, or airport counter. Additional charges may include:
- Change Fee: Sun Plus fares are restrictive and may not allow changes after a no-show, requiring a new ticket purchase. Sun Flex fares permit changes with a fee, which varies by route and fare conditions.
- Fare Difference: You must pay any difference between the original fare and the new flight’s fare. No refund is provided if the new fare is lower.
- Standby: If you arrive at the airport shortly after missing your flight, Sunrise Airways may allow standby for the next available flight, subject to availability and fees, though this is not guaranteed.
If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay caused by Sunrise Airways, and both flights are on the same booking, the airline will rebook you on the next available flight at no additional cost, as required by EU Regulation 261/2004 for flights departing from the EU. They may also provide meals, accommodation, or transport for significant delays within their control. For separate bookings, Sunrise Airways is not responsible for missed connections, and you may need to purchase a new ticket.
Compensation and Refunds
Refunds or compensation for missed flights are limited due to Sunrise Airways’ low-cost model:
- Non-Refundable Tickets: Sun Plus fares are non-refundable if you miss the flight, resulting in the loss of the ticket value.
- Refundable Tickets: Sun Flex fares may allow cancellations or changes before departure with a fee, subject to fare rules. Refunds are processed to the original payment method within a specified period.
- 24-Hour Cancellation Rule: For bookings to or from the U.S., you can cancel within twenty-four hours of purchase for a full refund, regardless of fare type, if booked at least seven days before departure. This does not apply to missed flights but can prevent no-show issues if you know you’ll miss the flight.
- Airline-Caused Delays: If you miss a connecting flight due to a Sunrise Airways delay within their control and arrive three or more hours late, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 for flights departing from the EU, ranging from two hundred fifty euros to six hundred euros, depending on flight distance. You may also request a refund for the unused ticket portion or rebooking without fees.
- Airport Taxes and Fees: If you miss a flight, you may request a refund for taxes and fees, subject to an administration fee, within a specified period.
Steps to Take if You Miss a Flight
If you miss your flight, follow these steps:
- Contact Sunrise Airways immediately via their Reservations Center, Manage Booking portal, mobile app, or airport counter to explore rebooking options or confirm travel on subsequent flights.
- Review your ticket’s fare rules on the Sunrise Airways website under Ticket Types to understand applicable fees and refund eligibility.
- If the missed flight was due to an airline-caused delay, submit a compensation or refund request via the website or Reservations Center, providing your booking reference and supporting documents like receipts.
- For tickets purchased through a travel agent, contact the agent directly for changes or refunds, as verification may be required.
- Check in online where available, as airport check-in closes forty minutes before international flights and fifteen minutes before domestic flights, to avoid missing deadlines.
Additional Information
For flights departing from the EU, if you miss a connecting flight due to an airline-caused delay and arrive three or more hours late, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004, provided the delay was within Sunrise Airways’ control. Compensation is not provided for delays due to extraordinary circumstances, such as weather or air traffic control issues. Sunrise Airways operates a fleet including Airbus A320 and Boeing 737-800 aircraft, serving destinations like Miami, Santo Domingo, and Guadeloupe. Customer reviews on platforms like Tripadvisor highlight inconsistent experiences, with some praising punctuality and others reporting poor communication and delays in refund processing, which may affect missed flight resolutions.
