Will Sun Country refund my money?
- Amrita Raj
- Jul 10
- 4 min read
Sun Country Cancellation Policy | 1-800-473-662| 24 hours & Fee
Here’s a detailed breakdown of Sun Country’s refund policies, including your rights under U.S. law and what you can expect based on different cancellation scenarios. Let’s dive in:
✈️ 1. 24‑Hour U.S. DOT Grace Period
If you cancel within 24 hours of booking, and your departure is at least 7 days later, you’re entitled to a full refund of your ticket fare—regardless of whether it’s refundable or not
To use this, cancel via Sun Country’s website, app, or by calling customer service within that window.
2. Cancellation Outside the 24‑Hour Window
a. Refundable Fares
Refundable tickets canceled at least 60 days before departure will typically receive a full refund
If canceled fewer than 60 days before departure, you may still get a refund but would likely pay a fee per segment—usually $50–$100 .
b. Non‑Refundable Fares
For non-refundable tickets, you won’t get cash back after the 24‑hour grace period.
You’ll instead receive travel credit (a voucher) for future travel, minus any applicable cancellation fee, typically in the $50–$100 range per segment, depending on how close to departure you cancel
Timing of Cancellation | Refundable Fare | Non‑Refundable Fare |
≤ 24 hrs after booking (≥ 7 days before flight) | Full cash refund | Full cash refund |
≥ 60 days before departure | Full cash refund | Travel credit, maybe fee possible |
14–59 days before departure | Likely fee before refund | Travel credit minus $50–$100 per segment |
< 14 days before departure | Fee applies; refund less fee | Travel credit minus $50–$100 per segment |
3. Airline‑Initiated Cancellations or Delays
a. Flight Cancellation by Sun Country
If Sun Country cancels your flight, you have the right to a full cash refund, regardless of fare type
You can choose cash or travel credit; it’s entirely up to you.
b. Significant Delays
U.S. DOT guidelines stipulate that if a delay is 3+ hours domestically or 6+ hours internationally, and you choose not to travel, you can claim a cash refund for unused portions
Sun Country also claims to refund in such cases
4. U.S. DOT Rule Changes (Effective Oct 28, 2024)
These regulations standardize airline refund obligations:
Cash refunds are mandatory for flight cancellations or significantly changed flights (3+ hour delays, airport change, etc.), unless the passenger accepts a voucher or alternate flight
Refunds must be processed within 7 business days (credit cards) or 20 days (other forms)
Passengers must be notified of their refund rights in disruptions MarketWatch.
5. COVID‑19, Travel Warnings & Emergencies
If government restrictions (e.g., due to pandemics) or other emergencies prevent travel, airlines must offer transferrable travel credits valid at least five years
Sun Country may also give cash refunds in specific emergency circumstances (e.g., illness, death in family)
Baggage fees & ancillary services not provided must also be refunded.
6. Processing Time & How to Request
Eligible refunds are typically processed within 7–10 business days, sometimes up to 20 days, depending on the payment method
Submit cancellations or refund requests via:
My Trips on Sun Country’s website/app
Calling 651‑905‑2737 or emailing
For package bookings (flight+hotel/car), services are usually non-refundable, though Sun Country may allow cancellations with penalties
7. Tips to Get the Best Refund
Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund if your travel is 7+ days away.
Book refundable fares if you want flexibility—allows full refund even 60+ days out.
Cancel early (≥ 60 days before) to minimize fees.
If Sun Country cancels or severely delays, ask for cash instead of voucher.
Remind them of your rights under new DOT regulations.
Keep all documentation and receipts (especially for delays or emergencies).
If needed, escalate by posting on their social media or contacting DOT’s “Fly Rights” site
8. Reddit Sentiment & Social Perspective
Some travelers report frustrations with Sun Country:
“I’m not sure how they can even stay in business with all the refunds and flight vouchers ... plan on at least a 2‑hour delay, but prepare for a 4+ hour delay or, worse, a canceled flight.”
This suggests having backup plans and being proactive in requesting refunds when delays or cancellations happen.
Summary
Yes, Sun Country will refund you if:
You cancel within 24 hours (travel ≥ 7 days away).
You hold a refundable fare and cancel ≥ 60 days ahead.
Sun Country cancels or significantly delays your flight.
You refuse a changed itinerary or voucher options.
Outside those conditions, non-refundable fares turn into travel credit minus cancellation fees of ~$50–$100 per segment.
Under the DOT’s Oct 2024 reforms, you have more power to refuse vouchers and get cash refunds, to be processed promptly.
✅ What You Should Do Now
Identify your fare type (refundable vs. nonrefundable).
Cancel by phone or online, using the 24‑hour rule or applicable policies.
Track your refund status—you’re entitled to receive it within 7–20 days depending on payment method.
If you’re delayed or canceled: explicitly ask for a cash refund under DOT rules.
Stand your ground—Sun Country and DOT require them to notify and refund you, not force you into vouchers.
If you share your specific booking details (fare type, booking date, travel dates, whether Sun Country canceled or rescheduled your flight), I can help you estimate the exact refund amount and draft a cancellation request message.
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