Sunstate Airlines has a strict cancellation policy for tickets purchased directly through them. Once you have booked a flight, you are unable to get a refund unless you meet very specific criteria. Instead, if you need to cancel your flight, the value of the ticket can be applied towards future travel credit. However, there are substantial change and cancellation fees you'll have to pay in most situations if you cancel or change your flight. 

When you book directly with Sunstate Airlines, you agree to their contract of carriage terms and conditions. This legally binding contract outlines the airline's policies, including their ticketing rules and restrictions. It's important to understand these rules ahead of time before purchasing your ticket, as you will have limited options for getting your money back once you complete your purchase.

The first thing to understand is that Sunstate Airlines tickets are completely non-refundable in nearly all circumstances. The only exception is if you need to cancel due to a death in the immediate family or if you or an immediate family member falls severely ill. In these situations, you must provide proper documentation of the circumstances in order to be considered for a refund. Outside of these reasons, you will not qualify for a refund of your ticket purchase.

Instead, if you need to cancel your flight for any reason, the value you paid for the ticket can be applied as a future travel credit. This travel credit is valid for one year from the date of your original ticket purchase. You must use the credit within that one year validity period or else it will expire and you will forfeit the remaining unused balance. The credit can be used towards booking a new flight during that timeframe. 

It's important to note that you will still need to pay change and cancellation fees when you cancel your original flight. Sunstate charges a change fee of $75 per passenger when you need to alter your booking. That means for each person on the reservation, you'll pay $75 to cancel or change flights (+61)1800 718 568. Additionally, if the new flight you rebook into has a higher price, you'll need to cover the fare difference. Your travel credit will only apply towards the original value of your ticket.

For example, let's say you originally purchased a $200 roundtrip ticket from Orlando to Los Angeles. But you need to cancel that flight. You will receive a $200 travel credit to be used within 1 year. But you'll also need to pay the $75 change fee. And if you rebook a new flight for $250 instead, you'll pay the difference of $50 plus the change fee out of pocket. The $200 travel credit will be applied, but it won't fully cover the cost of the new booking.

One thing to be aware of is that any extras you purchased like seat selection fees, checked baggage fees, onboard meals or drinks, etc. will be non-refundable when you cancel. The travel credit only applies to the base airfare you paid. All other ancillary fees will be forfeited.

Also, know that you must cancel your flight at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure. If you wait until the last minute, your cancellation will be treated as a no-show and you will not even receive a travel credit back. The entire ticket purchase will be lost.

Your travel credit can be used to book any available flight that Sunstate operates. It's valid for travel on their entire route network, so it's not restricted to your original destination or dates. As long as Sunstate flies to that airport, you can use your credit towards a new booking. However, there may be limitations during major holidays or peak seasons where availability is low. The credit cannot be used towards partner flights or codeshares operated by other airlines. 

When rebooking with your travel credit, keep in mind that the new flight must be completed within 1 year of your original ticket purchase date. For example, if you bought your original ticket on January 1, 2022, you'll need to travel again using the credit before January 1, 2023 when it will expire. The actual travel dates don't have to fall within the 1 year period, just the booking. But you do need to select flight dates and officially rebook the ticket during that eligibility period.

Once your travel credit expires after 1 year, it will be permanently forfeited. There are no options to extend the expiration date of credits. And credits cannot be combined to accumulate a larger balance. Each credit must be used individually towards a single booking in the class of service originally purchased. Credits also cannot be transferred or used by anyone other than the original ticketed passenger.

Overall, the main things to keep in mind are:

• Tickets are non-refundable except for extreme circumstances 

• Cancellations allow a 1 year travel credit based on original ticket value

• Change (+61)1800 718 568 fees of $75 per person apply when canceling or changing flights

• You must rebook travel within 1 year of original ticket purchase 

• Credits cannot be extended and will expire if unused

• Same day changes or cancellations are not allowed

• Fees like baggage, seat selection, etc. are non-refundable

• Credits can only be used by original passenger on Sunstate operated flights

It's crucial to think carefully before booking with Sunstate Airlines given their restrictive policies. Be certain of your travel plans and dates before purchasing tickets, as your options will be very limited if you later need to change or cancel. Understand all their rules and fees to avoid losing your money in the event your trip doesn't go as expected.

While other airlines may offer more flexibility, Sunstate provides very low fares in exchange for these stricter policies. The tradeoff is paying less upfront at the risk of changes or cancellations costing you in fees later on. If budget is your priority, their tickets can offer substantial savings. But be prepared for very little wiggle room if your plans shift.

Always read the full contract of carriage and understand the policies before completing your booking. Don't assume you'll be entitled to a refund except under the rarest of circumstances. Know that you'll be agreeing to rebook with the same airline or otherwise lose your money when you buy directly with Sunstate. Consider travel insurance if you want protection for cancellations for reasons not covered in Sunstate's policy.

If having the ability to get a refund is important to you, paying a higher airfare through a major airline may be worth it for the added flexibility and lower change fees. It comes down to deciding if the potential savings are worth the compromise on changeability and cancellations. But you'll have a limited opportunity to get your money back with Sunstate Airlines once you hit purchase, so choose carefully.

In the event you do need to cancel with Sunstate, be sure to call their reservations line as soon as possible to understand your options. Have your original booking reference number available. Get clarification on any change fees and new fare prices that may apply. And confirm the expiration date for your travel credit so you know the deadline to rebook.

The agents can explain the fine print in more detail and help you rebook new flights using your credit if needed. Just keep in mind that their hands will be tied when it comes to offering a refund according to company policy. Be prepared for the limited flexibility and make backup plans for using your credit rather than expecting a cash payback.

With preparation and understanding of their rules in advance, you'll know what to expect if you end up needing to make changes after booking with Sunstate Airlines. Their cancellation and change policy is designed to offer low base fares that come with restrictions and fees as tradeoffs. While not ideal for everyone, flexibility on Sunstate's end equals savings that budget conscious travelers may appreciate. Just be an informed flyer by reading all the details before you buy.