Spirit Airlines Strikes Again - Passengers Abandoned

/PRNewswire/ -- FlyersRights.org, the nation's foremost airline passenger advocacy group, today called upon Spirit Airlines CEO Ben Baldanza to keep his promise to secure safe passage for passengers stranded by the airline's ongoing pilot strike. On June 9th, just before Sprit Airlines pilots walked off the job, Spirit spokeswoman Missy Pinson told The Associated Press that the carrier was "partnering with other air carrier providers to continue to serve our customers" and would provide a $100 voucher in addition to free passage home. So far these claims have proven to be false.

"Despite its claims and promises, Spirit appears to have no intention to care for its customers in light of the strike and has no plan in place to address stranded passengers across the globe--who are now forced to fend for themselves," said FlyersRights.org Executive Director, Kate Hanni. "Tickets issued by Spirit are without value on other airlines and Spirit is depriving passengers of information on how they will care for them thereby perpetrating a global fraud upon its customers."

Although Baldanza promised to reroute passengers on other carriers and to refund passengers' money, FlyersRights.org is receiving hotline calls telling a very different story. One mother called to say that her daughter and a friend are stranded in Aruba. The family was assured before the trip that Spirit would not strand the girls, but they have now told them to buy their own tickets, and they will be reimbursed later. Or, they can come back in a week for a booking on Spirit. The girls' credit cards and cell phones do not work in Aruba, and they have no cash even for food. Spirit officials in Aruba confirmed that Spirit has no agreements with any other airline.

FlyersRights.org Executive Director Kate Hanni also noted that she and her entire membership would be calling upon the Congress, the Secretary of Transportation and the Justice Department to investigate Spirit as a result of its apparent fraud upon flying public. FlyersRights.org has also published information for stranded passengers to use.

In response to the crisis FlyersRights.org recommends the following to stranded Spirit passengers:

1. If you have not received a refund and the promised $100.00 voucher, call your credit card immediately and challenge the charge.

2. File a claim in small claims court for all expenses related to being stranded and/or pre-pays for trips not taken.

3. File a complaint with the DOT, who can assist you with remedies.

4. Do NOT fly Spirit Airlines. Low cost air carriers, in general, will do NOTHING for you in the event of any irregular operation, even their own operations.

5. If you are stranded by Spirit please contact FlyersRights.org via our website.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Spirit Airlines Gives Free Flights to Those Donating to Haiti Relief Effort

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Spirit Airlines has announced plans for providing relief to the people of Haiti.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to all of the people in Haiti during this terrible tragedy”

“Our hearts and prayers go out to all of the people in Haiti during this terrible tragedy,” says Spirit Airlines CEO and President Ben Baldanza. “Our initial focus is on raising funds for relief agencies that are best equipped to aid in the overall relief and Spirit stands ready to give a billion miles to those that assist in this effort.”

Spirit will give 5,000 FREE Spirit miles to everyone who donates at least $5 to the Red Cross, UNICEF or Yéle Haiti, enough miles for a free flight*. The ultra low cost carrier will give up to a billion miles.

Those interested in joining Spirit Airlines in their fundraising relief efforts for Haiti should visit www.spiritair.com/haiti after making at least a $5 donation to one of the following organizations:

* Yéle Haiti (www.yele.org)
* Red Cross (www.redcross.org)
* UNICEF (www.unicef.org)

Spirit will in turn credit 5,000 miles to their FREE Spirit accounts, enough for a free flight*. For complete details, visit www.spiritair.com/haiti.

Since Spirit Airlines started flying to Haiti in 2007, it has lowered fares over 40 percent, saving Haitians over $10 million.**

Spirit Airlines Flight Information Update:

* Spirit’s Wednesday, January 13 and Thursday, January 14 flights between Fort Lauderdale and Port-au-Prince, Haiti, are cancelled.
* Spirit will reinstate service to Haiti when the airport is open to commercial airlines.
* Spirit is providing updates at www.spiritair.com with details about flights and the relief effort as they become available.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage

US Airways Kicks off 3rd Annual Holiday Travel Storytelling Contest

(BUSINESS WIRE)--For the third consecutive year, US Airways (NYSE: LCC) invites travelers to share their favorite holiday travel memories with the rest of the world. The winning submission will take home a $500 US Airways Gift Card to be used anywhere US Airways flies, and two runners-up will take home a $250 and $100 US Airways Gift Card. Last year, entries ranged from humorous (folks trapped in their cars by their Christmas trees tied to their roof) to poignant (family members getting together for what they knew would be their last holiday) to one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments (the late Luciano Pavarotti performing impromptu outside New York's LaGuardia Airport.) Last year’s winner heralded from Cheltenham, Pa., and provided a heartwarming account of Christmas spirit where one pilot’s announcement made a memorable Christmas Eve for all of the children (and grownups too) on his plane.

“Not to take anything away from all of the very serious economic news all around us, this is simply an opportunity for travelers to share their positive stories about holiday travel with the rest of the world,” said Elise Eberwein, senior vice president, people and communications for US Airways. “Whether reflecting on new adventures in exotic locations or returning home and reconnecting with friends from other lifetimes, airline travel is the one constant that makes all of those things events possible.”

To enter the contest, participants can submit their digital story consisting of a photo (3 MB limit) and brief narrative by Jan. 2, 2009 to holidaycontest@usairways.com. Photos and story submissions will be judged by a panel of US Airways employees and will be based on the following criteria: 36 percent originality, 78 percent creativity and 100 percent overall holiday spirit. The most compelling holiday travel story will be announced on Jan. 5, 2009 and awarded a $500 US Airways Gift Card, valid for travel to nearly 200 US Airways destinations. Second and third place winners will also be announced on Jan. 5, 2009 and receive a $250 and $100 US Airways Gift Card respectively. More information about the contest, including rules and restrictions, is available at www.usairways.com (click on ‘Share your story & win’).

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page