Airline Sticking To Policy Of Non-Refundable Airfares
Spirit Airlines' refund policy is not earning it much public support after the airline refused to refund the ticket price for a Vietnam veteran suffering from cancer. Jerry Meekins purchased a $197 airfare to visit his daughter in Atlantic City this May. She is having surgery and Jerry wants to be with her to bring her home from the hospital and care for her as she recovers. The problem is Jerry has terminal esophageal cancer which he's been fighting for two years, and his immune system is weakened from treatment to the point that he can't fly.
The Tampa Bay Times reports that Jerry contacted Spirit Airlines' customer service department last week to see about a refund but was told the tickets are non-refundable without exception. Spirit's policy is that a death before or during the scheduled flight might qualify for at least a partial refund, but the airline would require a death certificate as proof. This lack of compassion has motivated Jerry to not just get his money back, but to see the airline changes its policy to avoid a similar situation in the future. A spokesman from the airline said in a communication with the Tampa Bay Times that all tickets are nonrefundable, but passengers have the option to purchase travel insurance which covers a variety of unexpected circumstances. Airlines policies on refunds for medical emergencies and illnesses vary, and management would have the final say on reimbursement.
Meekins has said Spirit's unwillingness to refund a fare for a sick or dying passenger is un-American. Regardless, he will still try to get to New Jersey next month to see his daughter; he'll just have to drive if he's able. He said "If I have to crawl up there, I'm going."
Aero Linx: International Business Aviation Council Ltd IBAC promotes the growth of business aviation, benefiting all sectors of the industry and all regions of the world. As a non->[...]
"During the annual inspection of the B-24 “Diamond Lil” this off-season, we made the determination that 'Lil' needs some new feathers. Due to weathering, the cloth-cove>[...]
Also: Bushcat Woes, Hummingbird 300 SL 4-Seat Heli Kit, Carbon Cub UL The newest Junkers is a faithful recreation that mates a 7-cylinder Verner radial engine to the airframe offer>[...]
Also: Seaplane Pilots Association, Rotax 916’s First Year, Gene Conrad After a decade and a half of struggling with the FAA and other aero-politics, G100UL is in production a>[...]
Also: Martha King Scholarship, Montaer Grows, Textron Updates Pistons, FlySto The FAA is hiring thousands of air traffic controllers, but the window to apply will only be open for >[...]