Passengers of Sun Country Airlines who have experienced a cancelled or delayed flight are legally entitled to compensation. According to EU 261, an airline is obliged to compensate passengers if there’s a significant disruption. In this article, we will look at your rights and the actions you need to take to receive the compensation you have a right to from the airline.
Sun Country Airlines Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation
Before claiming the Sun Country Airlines compensation, you should be aware of the conditions and the amount of compensation you may expect to get in the event of flight cancellation or delay.
Sun Country Airlines Compensation for Flight Delay
According to UK and EU laws, passengers are eligible for up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight arrives late. It’s crucial to note that this flight delay compensation is based on the flight’s landing time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim is the actual time you arrive at your final destination.
Let’s take a look at how much compensation you can get if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation is determined by various criteria, including the duration of the delay and the distance of your flight:
| Less than 3 hours | Between 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Distance |
| €0 | €250 | €250 | All flights up to 1500 km |
| €0 | €400 | €400 | All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km |
| €0 | €400 | €400 | All intra-EU flights over 3500 km |
| €0 | €300 | €600 | All non-EU flights over 3500 km |
Be aware you may not be compensated for every flight delay. Sun Country Airlines isn’t required to provide compensation when extraordinary circumstances they cannot control happen. This covers severe weather conditions, airport issues, or air traffic controller strikes. In these instances, you will generally not be given compensation as it is not the airline’s fault.
Sun Country Airlines Compensation for Flight Cancellation
EU 261 states that airlines are required to notify passengers of cancellations at least 14 days before departure. If the airline fails to notify you in time, you may be entitled to flight cancellation compensation ranging from €250 to €600 per passenger, depending on the distance of the flight. Nevertheless, if the airline provides you with an alternate flight, it could potentially avoid paying compensation for the cancelled flight if the following conditions are met:
| Advance Notice | Re-routing Requirements |
| 14 Days | None |
| 7 – 13 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flight |
| Less than 7 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 1 hour before and arriving less than 2 hours after the original flight |
When accepting a different flight, passengers retain their right to compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The compensation amount is calculated based on two criteria: the distance of the flight and the length of the delay, according to the table provided below:
| Under 2 hours | 2-3 hours | 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Never arrived | Distance |
| €125 | €250 | €250 | €250 | €250 | All flights 1,500 km or less |
| €200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Internal EU flights over 1,500 km |
| €200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km |
| €300 | €300 | €300 | €600 | €600 | Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km |
Sun Country Airlines doesn’t have to compensate you if they offer an alternative flight that departs and arrives near the same time as your original flight. Also, you usually won’t receive compensation if the flight is cancelled due to circumstances beyond the airline’s control, such as adverse weather conditions or when airline workers go on strike.
Are Sun Country Airlines Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?
European Union Regulation 261 covers all flights departing from airports in the EU. This regulation also extends to flights arriving in the EU if the airline is based in the EU. This includes airlines from EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
Nevertheless, Sun Country Airlines is not a European airline. Consequently, they are not obliged to pay you compensation if their flights operate outside of Europe. This is true even for their flights to Europe if they start outside the EU.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing from EU airports | ✔️ Yes |
| Flights arriving at EU airports | ❌ No |
How to Claim Compensation from Sun Country Airlines
If your travel plans have been affected by a flight delay or cancellation with Sun Country Airlines, it’s important to understand that you might be entitled to compensation under EU laws. For this reason, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the process of claiming compensation. Here’s what you need to do:
- Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We are well-versed in the EU laws well and will make every effort to obtain your rightful compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.
These steps will assist you in filing your claim quickly and improve your chances of receiving the compensation you’re entitled to. You may have plenty of time after your flight to submit a claim, but it’s best to do it as soon as you can while you still remember all the details.
What You Can Get Besides EU Flight Compensation
Sun Country Airlines goes the additional mile to support passengers during travel disruptions by offering services that complement flight compensation.
Right to Care
When flight disruptions happen, Sun Country Airlines is committed to ensuring passenger comfort through the Right to Care provision. This right, established under EU 261, becomes applicable when flight delays exceed two hours. The services provided include:
- Food and Drinks: Passengers are provided with meals and beverages appropriate to the length of delay. This may include vouchers for airport restaurants or direct distribution of snacks and drinks.
- Communication: Sun Country Airlines offers two free phone calls, emails, or fax messages to keep passengers connected with family or business contacts.
- Accommodation: If the delay extends for the night or requires an additional stay, Sun Country Airlines provides hotel room accommodation. This also includes transportation between the airport and the hotel.
- Special Assistance: Extra care is given to passengers with reduced mobility or special needs.
To access these services, you can simply approach airport staff at the airport for immediate assistance.
Rebooking and Refunds
When Sun Country Airlines cancels a flight, passengers can choose to receive a full refund or rebook on an alternative flight. This option is crucial for minimizing travel inconveniences and assisting passengers to manage unforeseen circumstances efficiently.
- Full Refund: if you request a refund, you can receive full reimbursement for the parts of your trip that you didn’t use, including any tickets you only partly used. Also, if the cancellation means your trip no longer serves its original purpose, you may get a flight back to where you first started at the earliest chance.
- Rebooking: if you choose to continue your trip, Sun Country Airlines will provide rebooking on the next available flight to your destination. You also have the option to choose an alternative route if there are seats available. If the next available flight is scheduled for the following day or later, Sun Country Airlines will arrange accommodation and transfers as necessary. Additionally, you have the right to be rebooked, including in a higher class, at no additional cost to you if that’s the only available option.
It’s essential to keep in mind some additional considerations. If you’re rebooked on a lower class than originally booked, you’re eligible for a partial refund of the cost difference. Furthermore, if your booking involves connecting flights, Sun Country Airlines will assist in rebooking your entire journey, not only the cancelled segment.
Whether opting for a refund or arranging a new flight, the procedures are designed to ensure this process as easy as possible, understanding the stress and inconvenience caused by cancellations.