When travel plans involve the scenic San Juan Islands, things don't always go according to script. Whether it's a sudden shift in the Pacific Northwest weather or a change in your personal itinerary, understanding the San Juan Airlines Cancellation Policy is the best way to manage your trip without unnecessary stress. Because this is a regional carrier operating smaller aircraft, their rules are more specific than the "big" airlines, focusing on timing and the type of flight you’ve booked.

The Foundation of the Policy: Non-Refundable by Default

The first thing to keep in mind is that San Juan Airlines typically operates on a non-refundable ticket model for their scheduled flights. This means that once you purchase a seat, the funds are committed to that specific departure. However, "non-refundable" doesn't mean you have no options; it just means the process involves credit or specific fees rather than an automatic return of cash to your credit card.

If you find yourself unable to travel, the most critical step is communication. Notifying the airline before the flight departs is the difference between retaining some value of your ticket and losing the entire fare.

Cancellation Deadlines and Fees

The San Juan Airlines Cancellation Policy relies heavily on a "48-hour" rule. The closer you get to your departure time, the more the policy tightens.

More Than 48 Hours Before Departure

If you realize a few days in advance that you can't make the flight, you are in the best position.

• Scheduled Flights: Cancellations made more than 48 hours out are generally subject to a $25 cancellation fee per seat.

• The Result: After the fee is deducted, the remaining balance is often held as a credit for future travel, though you should check if a direct refund is available for your specific fare class.

Less Than 48 Hours Before Departure

This is the "critical zone." If you cancel within the 48-hour window:

• Standard Rule: The cancellation fee typically jumps to 100% of the reservation charges.

• Exception: Some internal policies allow for a partial credit if you cancel within 24 hours of the flight, but this often incurs a 25% penalty fee.

No-Shows

If the flight takes off and you aren't at the gate—and you haven't called to cancel—the ticket is considered "forfeited." In the world of small-plane aviation, a "no-show" is particularly difficult because the airline may have turned away other passengers for that specific seat and calculated fuel for your weight. No-shows are subject to a 100% cancellation fee.

Charter Flight Cancellations

Booking a private charter is a different experience, and the San Juan Airlines Cancellation Policy reflects the higher stakes of reserving an entire aircraft.

• Deposits: Charters usually require a 50% deposit at the time of booking.

• 48-Hour Threshold: Just like scheduled flights, the 48-hour mark is the point of no return.

• More than 48 hours: Canceling a charter early usually results in a 25% cancellation fee of the total charter price.

• Less than 48 hours: If you cancel a private charter within two days of the flight, you are responsible for 100% of the cost. Because the pilot, the plane, and the ground crew were reserved exclusively for you, the airline cannot recoup that lost time.

Weather-Related Cancellations

One of the most common questions for island travelers is: "What happens if the fog rolls in?" This is where the San Juan Airlines Cancellation Policy becomes very passenger-friendly.

If San Juan Airlines has to cancel a flight due to weather, mechanical issues, or pilot shortages, you are entitled to a 100% refund.

The airline understands that in the San Juan Islands, the weather is out of everyone's control. If the pilot determines it is unsafe to fly, you won't be penalized. You will usually be offered two choices:

1. Rebooking: Getting moved to the next available flight once conditions clear (at no extra cost).

2. Full Refund: A complete return of your payment if you decide to find an alternative way home (like the ferry).

Rebooking and Changing Your Flight

Sometimes you don't want to cancel; you just want to go a little later or a day earlier.

• Change Fees: For scheduled flights, changing your seat to a different time or date typically incurs a $10 fee per seat.

• Fare Differences: If the new flight you want is at a higher price point (common during peak holiday weekends), you will need to pay the difference in addition to the change fee.

• Charter Changes: If you need to move a charter time or date, there is usually a $25 administrative fee, provided the aircraft and pilot are available for the new time.

How to Cancel or Change Your Ticket

Because San Juan Airlines is a smaller operation, they don't always have a complex automated "cancel" button on their website for every fare type. The most reliable way to handle a change is the "old school" way:

1. Call the Desk: Contact their main office in Bellingham. Talking to a live person is the fastest way to see what your specific options are.

2. Have Your Info Ready: Keep your confirmation number and the names of the passengers handy.

3. Check the Time: If it’s after 5:00 PM the day before your flight, the office might be closed or operating on limited staff, so try to make your changes during standard business hours.

Summary Table: Fees at a Glance

Closing Advice for Island Travelers

The San Juan Airlines Cancellation Policy is designed to keep a small, vital airline running smoothly. While the fees might seem strict for last-minute changes, they exist because every seat on a 3-to-5 passenger plane represents a huge percentage of that flight's capacity.

If you think your plans might be shaky, it is always worth asking about "Flex" options at the time of booking or looking into third-party travel insurance that covers "cancel for any reason" scenarios. Most of the time, as long as the weather is clear and you give them a few days' notice, the team is happy to help you get where you're going.