Travel plans can change unexpectedly, and understanding an airline’s cancellation policy is crucial when booking a flight. If you’re flying with Flair Airlines, Canada’s ultra-low-cost carrier, it’s essential to know how their cancellation policy works. Unlike traditional airlines, low-cost carriers often have stricter rules and fewer refund options. Here’s a breakdown of Flair Airlines’ cancellation policy to help you make informed travel decisions.
1. Understanding Flair Airlines’ Fare Structure
Flair Airlines offers several types of fares, each with its own rules for changes and cancellations. The most common fare options include:
- Basic
- Value
- Unlimited
The flexibility of your booking depends largely on the type of fare you’ve purchased.
2. Cancellation Within 24 Hours of Booking
Flair Airlines allows customers to cancel a reservation within 24 hours of booking for a full refund, as long as the flight is more than 7 days away. This is in line with standard industry practices and gives passengers a short grace period to make changes without penalty.
3. Cancellation After 24 Hours
Once the 24-hour window has passed, Flair Airlines does not offer full refunds for cancellations on most fare types. However, you may still be eligible for a travel credit, depending on the fare class and the timing of your cancellation:
Basic Fare: Non-refundable and non-changeable after 24 hours. If you cancel, you typically won’t receive any refund or credit.
Value Fare: Offers slightly more flexibility. You may receive a travel credit if canceled more than 7 days before departure, though cancellation fees will apply.
Unlimited Fare: The most flexible option. Cancellations may be allowed up until a few hours before departure, with a smaller fee or no fee at all, depending on the circumstances.
4. How to Cancel a Flight with Flair Airlines
To cancel a flight:
Visit the Flair Airlines website and log into your account.
Go to “Manage My Booking.”
Select the flight you wish to cancel.
Follow the on-screen steps to process the cancellation.
Cancellation fees and eligibility for credits will be displayed before you finalize the process.
5. Travel Credits and Refunds
If you’re eligible for a credit, Flair will typically issue it in the form of a travel voucher, which can be used for future bookings. These credits:
- Are usually non-transferable.
- Must be used within a certain period (often 12 months).
- May not cover all fare types or additional services.
- Cash refunds are generally not available unless required by law (e.g., in the event of a flight cancellation by the airline).
6. Flight Cancellations by Flair Airlines
If Flair Airlines cancels your flight, you are entitled to either:
- A full refund, or
- Rebooking on another flight at no additional cost.
You may also be eligible for compensation under Canadian Transportation Agency regulations, depending on the reason for the cancellation and the amount of notice provided.
7. Tips for Minimizing Cancellation Fees
Book with flexibility in mind – Choose a higher fare class if your plans may change.
Use travel insurance – It can help cover unexpected cancellations.
Monitor your flight status – If the airline cancels or changes your flight, you may have more refund options.
Act quickly – Cancel within 24 hours if you’re unsure about your travel.
Final Thoughts
Flair Airlines’ cancellation policy is designed to support its low-cost model, which means fewer flexible options compared to traditional carriers. However, with the right knowledge and a bit of planning, you can navigate their policies effectively and avoid unexpected fees. Always review the fare rules during booking and consider travel insurance for added peace of mind.
