Sun Country Airlines Compensation for Flight Delays and Cancellations

Yurii Semikopenko
08.08.2024

Passengers of Sun Country Airlines who have experienced a delayed or cancelled flight have a legal right to compensation. According to EU 261/2004, an airline is obliged to compensate passengers when there is a significant disruption. Here, we’ll examine your rights and the steps you need to take to get 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 case of delay or flight cancellation.

Sun Country Airlines Compensation for Flight Delay

According to UK and EU regulations, passengers are eligible for up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight arrives late. It’s crucial to note, that this delay compensation depends on the flight’s arrival time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim is the actual time you arrive at your final destination.

Here’s an overview of 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 route length of your flight:

Less than 3 hoursBetween 3-4 hoursFour hours +Distance
0€250€250All flights up to 1500 km
0€400€400All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km
0€400€400All intra-EU flights over 3500 km
0€300€600All non-EU flights over 3500 km

Remember you may not always receive compensation for every flight delay. Sun Country Airlines isn’t required to compensate passengers when extraordinary circumstances beyond their control arise. This includes severe weather conditions, airport issues, or a strike by air traffic controllers. In such situations, you will usually not be given compensation as it is not the airline’s fault.

Sun Country Airlines Compensation for Flight Cancellation

European Union Regulation 261/2004 states that airlines have to notify passengers of flight cancellations at least 14 days before departure. If the airline doesn’t provide timely notification, you might be eligible for compensation of between €250 and €600 per passenger, based on the flight distance. However, 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 NoticeRe-routing Requirements
14 DaysNone
7 – 13 DaysAlternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flight
Less than 7 DaysAlternative 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 entitlement to compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The amount of compensation is determined according to two factors: the flight distance and the length of the delay, in line with the table below:

Under 2 hours2-3 hours3-4 hoursOver 4 hoursNever arrivedDistance
€125€250€250€250€250All flights 1,500 km or less
€200€200€400€400€400Internal EU flights over 1,500 km
€200€200€400€400€400Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km
€300€300€300€600€600Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km

Sun Country Airlines isn’t required to compensate you if they offer an alternative flight that departs and arrives close to the same time as your original flight. Moreover, you generally 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 staff goes on strike.

Are Sun Country Airlines Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?

EU 261 applies to all flights departing from airports in the EU. It also covers flights arriving in the EU if the airline originates in the EU. This includes airlines from EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.

However, Sun Country Airlines isn’t a European airline. Therefore, they aren’t required to pay you compensation if their flights operate outside of Europe. This applies even to their flights to Europe if they start outside the EU.

ItineraryCovered 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 regulations. For this reason, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the process of claiming compensation. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Complete our form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and the problem you faced.
  • Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We know the EU laws well and will strive to secure your 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 obtaining the compensation you’re owed. There may be plenty of time after your flight to submit a claim, but it’s best to file 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 providing 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. The right, established under EU 261, becomes applicable when flight delays exceed two hours. The services provided include:

  • Meals and Refreshments: Passengers are provided with food and drinks 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 have the option to get a full refund or rebook on a different flight. This flexibility is essential for minimizing travel interruptions and assisting passengers to manage unforeseen circumstances effectively.

  • Full Refund: if you request a refund, you can get 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 shall provide rebooking on the next available flight to your destination. You also have the option to select an alternative route if there are seats available. If the next available flight is scheduled for the following day or later, Sun Country Airlines shall arrange accommodation and transfers as needed. Furthermore, you have the right to be rebooked, even in a higher class, at no additional cost to you if that’s the only available option.

It’s crucial 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. Additionally, if your booking includes connecting flights, Sun Country Airlines will assist in rebooking your entire journey, not just the cancelled segment.

Whether opting for a refund or arranging a new flight, the procedures are designed to ensure this process as smooth as possible, understanding the stress and inconvenience caused by cancellations.

Claim your compensation now

Check your claim now, quickly and for free. We enforce your rights for you!