Comments on: Spirit Airlines’ CEO flips his customers the bird http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/08/22/spirit-airlines-ceo-flips-his-customers-the-bird/ Living the first class life -- at coach prices Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:55:54 -0700 hourly 1 By: gail http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/08/22/spirit-airlines-ceo-flips-his-customers-the-bird/#comment-30788 gail Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:59:43 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/08/22/spirit-airlines-ceo-flips-his-customers-the-bird/#comment-30788 I made initial reservations to travel to GA on 9 Feb with a return flight to TIA on 26 Feb 08. I spoke with Shawn at the corporate office on 3/1/08. he was going to look into it and get back with me. I never heard from him again although I tried to make contact several times to no avail. The call center you have in the orient is useless when I'm trying to take care of business in the United States. Each person has been very difficult if not impossible to make understand the position I'm in. They don't have the authority to do anything but make reservations. I've been given the runaround long enough. Now, not only am I out the money I was charged twice from Spirit, I'm also out the voucher for $185.01 because I was unaware there was an expiration date. Reinstate my voucher with appropriate expiration date noted for my review. The buck should stop here -- with you. Teresa Gail Godin I made initial reservations to travel to GA on 9 Feb with a return flight to TIA on 26 Feb 08. I spoke with Shawn at the corporate office on 3/1/08. he was going to look into it and get back with me. I never heard from him again although I tried to make contact several times to no avail.

The call center you have in the orient is useless when I’m trying to take care of business in the United States. Each person has been very difficult if not impossible to make understand the position I’m in. They don’t have the authority to do anything but make reservations.

I’ve been given the runaround long enough. Now, not only am I out the money I was charged twice from Spirit, I’m also out the voucher for $185.01 because I was unaware there was an expiration date. Reinstate my voucher with appropriate expiration date noted for my review.

The buck should stop here — with you.

Teresa Gail Godin

]]> By: gail http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/08/22/spirit-airlines-ceo-flips-his-customers-the-bird/#comment-30787 gail Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:44:12 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/08/22/spirit-airlines-ceo-flips-his-customers-the-bird/#comment-30787 I think we should all get together and get a lawyer. File a joint complaint against the airline. This incident with Spirit was the 2nd time they messed me over. The first time I wrote to the CEO, Mr Ben Baldanza, I wrote the following: CEO, Spirit Airlines 3/7/08 My dealings with Spirit Airlines have been dreadful since the day I made reservations on line. 1. I was a lst time user of Internet making reservations. I checked Alta Cty instead of ATL. 2. Called Spirit immediately. 3. Assured problem was taken care of and $70 change fee was waived. 4. Reservations were at that time made by Spirit personnel from TPA to ATL to TPA. At this point, I assumed all was taken care of. Boy, was I wrong! I was charged $179 + $179 + $201 = $559!!!!!!!!! Again, I called and was issued a voucher in the amount of $185.01. I have no idea where that amount came from. The ticket price was $135. I don't want a voucher; I want my money back. I will not fly Spirit again. I was on the flight from TPA to FLL and then to GA (ATL). Please straighten it out and refund my money (except what it actually cost to fly from TPA to ATL roundtrip) which when I checked was $135. I can't believe flying has gotten so difficult. I miss the old days of actually talking to people I understand on the phone. My record locator # __________. All I wanted to do was visit my sick mom in Georgia. Somehow it cost me my money, my patience and a bit of sanity too. What I haven't lost is my determination to right a wrong. And this my friend is wrong. I want a refund of my money. I don't mind paying a fair fare but this is over kill and taking advantage of me. Please fix it for me. Credit my account with cash, not a voucher. I won't fly Spirit ever -- anymore. Thank you, Teresa G. Godin 2nd Ltr, dtd 26 Feb 08 Spirit CEO On 26 Feb 08, Spirit missed its connecting flight in Ft Lauderdale to Tampa, with no other flights until 0700 the following morning. I expect the unexpected when traveling and prepare for those circumstances, i.e., extra clothing, cash, etc. However, when a flight misses another flight and its the last one of the evening, I don't think it proper that a lady should take her sleep on a bench for the evening. But once again, Spirit did not care. Shame on this airline! I was at such a disadvantage, not knowing when we would be leaving -- only "not this evening". I am on medication that requires I have some assistance after a limited amount of time of taking it. This really threw me off! I required a wheelchair; I wandered too far, was lost and absolutely devastated! Shame on Spirit for not caring for the disabled. I feel like I have been beaten and bruised by Spirit from the day I made reservations on-line. A refund is in order -- the right thing to do -- for an absolutely horrific experience with your airline. I was also charged $20 twice (2bags, 2X) to recheck the luggage because of Spirit missing the flight to Tampa!! Some passengers were charged, others were not. To top it off, my checked bag (along with 8 other passengers) didn't arrive in Tampa with me. It was "lost". Kind of frustrating, but just the sort of ending I have come to expect by now from Spirit. Perhaps you should fly your own airline sometime. If you had my experience, you'd write the CEO too. The second letter follows: Dear Mr Baldanza, I flew with your airline in Feb 08 and I've been trying to remedy/solve a situation between Spirit and myself ever since. I have written our office twice since Mar 7th, 2008 and have tried to reach you by phone which must be near impossible because your phone number isn't listed on a Spirit directory or on the web. If I need to get an appointment to see you, I will drive from Tampa to Miramar to have an audience with you if that becomes a necessity. I am now out of $184.01. That is a substantial amount of money for me. I live on Air Force Veteran's disability pay and my Air Force retiree income. Please hear me out, send your response and that will be the end of it, as I'm sure you will see not only the human side of my situation, but more importantly, intellectual reasoning. I made initial reservations to travel to GA on 9 Feb with a return flight to T I think we should all get together and get a lawyer. File a joint complaint against the airline. This incident with Spirit was the 2nd time they messed me over. The first time I wrote to the CEO, Mr Ben Baldanza, I wrote the following:

CEO, Spirit Airlines 3/7/08

My dealings with Spirit Airlines have been dreadful since the day I made reservations on line.

1. I was a lst time user of Internet making reservations. I checked Alta Cty instead of ATL.
2. Called Spirit immediately.
3. Assured problem was taken care of and $70 change fee was waived.
4. Reservations were at that time made by Spirit personnel from TPA to ATL to TPA.

At this point, I assumed all was taken care of. Boy, was I wrong!

I was charged $179 + $179 + $201 = $559!!!!!!!!! Again, I called and was issued a voucher in the amount of $185.01. I have no idea where that amount came from. The ticket price was $135. I don’t want a voucher; I want my money back. I will not fly Spirit again.

I was on the flight from TPA to FLL and then to GA (ATL). Please straighten it out and refund my money (except what it actually cost to fly from TPA to ATL roundtrip) which when I checked was $135. I can’t believe flying has gotten so difficult. I miss the old days of actually talking to people I understand on the phone.

My record locator # __________. All I wanted to do was visit my sick mom in Georgia. Somehow it cost me my money, my patience and a bit of sanity too.

What I haven’t lost is my determination to right a wrong. And this my friend is wrong. I want a refund of my money.

I don’t mind paying a fair fare but this is over kill and taking advantage of me. Please fix it for me. Credit my account with cash, not a voucher. I won’t fly Spirit ever — anymore.

Thank you,

Teresa G. Godin

2nd Ltr, dtd 26 Feb 08

Spirit CEO

On 26 Feb 08, Spirit missed its connecting flight in Ft Lauderdale to Tampa, with no other flights until 0700 the following morning.

I expect the unexpected when traveling and prepare for those circumstances, i.e., extra clothing, cash, etc. However, when a flight misses another flight and its the last one of the evening, I don’t think it proper that a lady should take her sleep on a bench for the evening. But once again, Spirit did not care. Shame on this airline! I was at such a disadvantage, not knowing when we would be leaving — only “not this evening”. I am on medication that requires I have some assistance after a limited amount of time of taking it.

This really threw me off! I required a wheelchair; I wandered too far, was lost and absolutely devastated! Shame on Spirit for not caring for the disabled. I feel like I have been beaten and bruised by Spirit from the day I made reservations on-line. A refund is in order — the right thing to do — for an absolutely horrific experience with your airline.

I was also charged $20 twice (2bags, 2X) to recheck the luggage because of Spirit missing the flight to Tampa!! Some passengers were charged, others were not.

To top it off, my checked bag (along with 8 other passengers) didn’t arrive in Tampa with me. It was “lost”.

Kind of frustrating, but just the sort of ending I have come to expect by now from Spirit. Perhaps you should fly your own airline sometime.

If you had my experience, you’d write the CEO too.

The second letter follows:

Dear Mr Baldanza,

I flew with your airline in Feb 08 and I’ve been trying to remedy/solve a situation between Spirit and myself ever since. I have written our office twice since Mar 7th, 2008 and have tried to reach you by phone which must be near impossible because your phone number isn’t listed on a Spirit directory or on the web. If I need to get an appointment to see you, I will drive from Tampa to Miramar to have an audience with you if that becomes a necessity. I am now out of $184.01. That is a substantial amount of money for me. I live on Air Force Veteran’s disability pay and my Air Force retiree income. Please hear me out, send your response and that will be the end of it, as I’m sure you will see not only the human side of my situation, but more importantly, intellectual reasoning.

I made initial reservations to travel to GA on 9 Feb with a return flight to T

]]> By: gail http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/08/22/spirit-airlines-ceo-flips-his-customers-the-bird/#comment-30785 gail Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:28:13 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/08/22/spirit-airlines-ceo-flips-his-customers-the-bird/#comment-30785 I've never flown such a horrible airline in my life and I fly quite frequently. I have sent 2 letters to Mr Baldanza personally. One sent confirmation of receipt which was delivered and one sent certified/confirmation of receipt which was returned unopened and "refused" hand written on it). I want my refund, as promised by his airline. I hope he or his office reads these complaints because I'm going to rewrite the letter in its entirety right here. (Sorry to bore others, but I'm trying everything I know to get my money back). "CEO, Spirit Airlines Corporate Office 2800 Executive Way Mirimar, FL 33025 Dear Mr Ben Baldanza This is the 2nd letter I've sent to you personally and 12th piece of correspondence sent to your company without response. I do expect a response of some kind -- it's still the polite thing to do (protocol). I will restate my situation once again before Il obtain a lawyer and contact the Better Business Bureau and television news. As stated previously, in 9-2-09 letter to you and mailed with "confirmation of receipt". "Dear Mr Ben Baldanza, I flew your airline in Feb08 and your folks messed up my flight reservations and cost. They would not give my money back, but offered a voucher in the amount of $185.01. (Although I never expected to fly your airline again it was the only way to get my money back). Today I tried to use the voucher and was told it's expired. No one told me I had a deadline/expiration date. That's a lot of money and I can assure you, I'd not have simply thrown away/wasted it. Please fix this problem with a refund or a credit. Thanks for your assistance in this manner. Please reply to my letter. Do I have a credit or not? If not, why not? I am trying to be patient with you and Spirit Airlines, but this has gone on long enough. Respond to my correspondence. I'm slowly losing my patience. Either issue a credit or give my money back to me. Sincerely, Teresa (last name) SMSgt (Retired) United States Air Force I’ve never flown such a horrible airline in my life and I fly quite frequently. I have sent 2 letters to Mr Baldanza personally. One sent confirmation of receipt which was delivered and one sent certified/confirmation of receipt which was returned unopened and “refused” hand written on it). I want my refund, as promised by his airline. I hope he or his office reads these complaints because I’m going to rewrite the letter in its entirety right here. (Sorry to bore others, but I’m trying everything I know to get my money back).

“CEO, Spirit Airlines
Corporate Office
2800 Executive Way
Mirimar, FL 33025

Dear Mr Ben Baldanza

This is the 2nd letter I’ve sent to you personally and 12th piece of correspondence sent to your company without response. I do expect a response of some kind — it’s still the polite thing to do (protocol).

I will restate my situation once again before Il obtain a lawyer and contact the Better Business Bureau and television news.

As stated previously, in 9-2-09 letter to you and mailed with “confirmation of receipt”.

“Dear Mr Ben Baldanza,

I flew your airline in Feb08 and your folks messed up my flight reservations and cost. They would not give my money back, but offered a voucher in the amount of $185.01. (Although I never expected to fly your airline again it was the only way to get my money back).

Today I tried to use the voucher and was told it’s expired. No one told me I had a deadline/expiration date.

That’s a lot of money and I can assure you, I’d not have simply thrown away/wasted it.

Please fix this problem with a refund or a credit. Thanks for your assistance in this manner.

Please reply to my letter. Do I have a credit or not? If not, why not? I am trying to be patient with you and Spirit Airlines, but this has gone on long enough. Respond to my correspondence. I’m slowly losing my patience. Either issue a credit or give my money back to me.

Sincerely,

Teresa (last name)
SMSgt (Retired)
United States Air Force

]]> By: LORETTA BYRD http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/08/22/spirit-airlines-ceo-flips-his-customers-the-bird/#comment-30160 LORETTA BYRD Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:42:51 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/08/22/spirit-airlines-ceo-flips-his-customers-the-bird/#comment-30160 I TRAVEL SPIRIT FROM FLL TO LAS VEGAS OCT 5,09 THEY LOST MY LUGGAGE I HAD NO CHANGING CLOTHS FOR THE EVENING, I STAYED UP UNTIL 6:30AM OR LATER IN MY ROOM WHILE EVERYONE ELSE WAS ENJOYING VEGAS UNTIL MY LUGGAGE CAME IN. I NEVER RECEIVE AN APOLOGY OR A DISCOUNT AND EVERY YEAR I TRAVEL WITH SPIRIT I'M THINKING NOT FOR NEXT YEAR BECAUSE I HAVE A GROUP TRAVELING WITH ME AT LEAST (20 TO 50 PEOPLE) I THINK I BETTER MAKE OTHER PLANS. THAT WAS A BAD EXPERIENCE FOR ME. I TRAVEL SPIRIT FROM FLL TO LAS VEGAS OCT 5,09 THEY LOST MY LUGGAGE I HAD NO CHANGING CLOTHS FOR THE EVENING, I STAYED UP UNTIL 6:30AM OR LATER IN MY ROOM WHILE EVERYONE ELSE WAS ENJOYING VEGAS UNTIL MY LUGGAGE CAME IN. I NEVER RECEIVE AN APOLOGY OR A DISCOUNT AND EVERY YEAR I TRAVEL WITH SPIRIT I’M THINKING NOT FOR NEXT YEAR BECAUSE I HAVE A GROUP TRAVELING WITH ME AT LEAST (20 TO 50 PEOPLE) I THINK I BETTER MAKE OTHER PLANS. THAT WAS A BAD EXPERIENCE FOR ME.

]]> By: bob stover http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/08/22/spirit-airlines-ceo-flips-his-customers-the-bird/#comment-29449 bob stover Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:08:58 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/08/22/spirit-airlines-ceo-flips-his-customers-the-bird/#comment-29449 I too was a victim--I bought my tickets on phone line and told the agent on line that I was traveling with a very small dog, but the dog was a service dog for my wife who has a very bad diebites problem, by the way we were flying to san jose coasta rica, well the agent said quickly that on an international flight that the dog could not go, no matter what, and I tried to show him the papers on the dog and he wouldn't see them, so I asked for the supervisor, she came over and said the same thing, and I told them I wanted my 765.00 back and was refused. this didn't go over with me at all, so I gave my e-mail adress to them and went next door and bought a ticket with american for 800.00 dollars for my home just outside of little rock arkansas. when I got home I had an e-mail from the costmer service--he was very nice to me and told me he was very sorry that this had happen. he offerd to pay me back what I had spent on the ticket for coasta rica and round trip tickets for my family any where sprit flew, so I told him I would be satisfied if the other 800.00 was paid. I am waiting for the results now but am happy that he is working to help me---fould out latter that it was un lawful to be turned down with a service dog.----I think everybody needs a second and maybe a third chance------bob stover I too was a victim–I bought my tickets on phone line and told the agent on line that I was traveling with a very small dog, but the dog was a service dog for my wife who has a very bad diebites problem, by the way we were flying to san jose coasta rica, well the agent said quickly that on an international flight that the dog could not go, no matter what, and I tried to show him the papers on the dog and he wouldn’t see them, so I asked for the supervisor, she came over and said the same thing, and I told them I wanted my 765.00 back and was refused. this didn’t go over with me at all, so I gave my e-mail adress to them and went next door and bought a ticket with american for 800.00 dollars for my home just outside of little rock arkansas. when I got home I had an e-mail from the costmer service–he was very nice to me and told me he was very sorry that this had happen. he offerd to pay me back what I had spent on the ticket for coasta rica and round trip tickets for my family any where sprit flew, so I told him I would be satisfied if the other 800.00 was paid. I am waiting for the results now but am happy that he is working to help me—fould out latter that it was un lawful to be turned down with a service dog.—-I think everybody needs a second and maybe a third chance——bob stover

]]> By: michael Stevens http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/08/22/spirit-airlines-ceo-flips-his-customers-the-bird/#comment-29340 michael Stevens Wed, 23 Sep 2009 21:27:57 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/08/22/spirit-airlines-ceo-flips-his-customers-the-bird/#comment-29340 My experience with No spirit air is great.i was flying on flight nk336 tampa to Ft. Lauderdale.as I was trying to get comfortable in those seat I slide my feet under the seat in front of me.Little did I know that part of the metal trim that holds the paneling to the wall was bent down.It sliced my toe under the nail.As I waited for help I reached into where the magazines and barf bags are to look for something to put on my toe.What I found was a couple of day old throw up.My hand went right in !!! When a steward (happen) to come by he reluctantly got me a warm bottle of water ,2 napkins and a year old bandage that I was afraid to use. I have tried twice now E-mailing them and haven't received a word. If anyone has any advice I would welcome it . My experience with No spirit air is great.i was flying on flight nk336 tampa to Ft. Lauderdale.as I was trying to get comfortable in those seat I slide my feet under the seat in front of me.Little did I know that part of the metal trim that holds the paneling to the wall was bent down.It sliced my toe under the nail.As I waited for help I reached into where the magazines and barf bags are to look for something to put on my toe.What I found was a couple of day old throw up.My hand went right in !!!
When a steward (happen) to come by he reluctantly got me a warm bottle of water ,2 napkins and a year old bandage that I was afraid to use.
I have tried twice now E-mailing them and haven’t received a word.
If anyone has any advice I would welcome it .

]]> By: Dr Paul http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/08/22/spirit-airlines-ceo-flips-his-customers-the-bird/#comment-28850 Dr Paul Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:49:30 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/08/22/spirit-airlines-ceo-flips-his-customers-the-bird/#comment-28850 Date 8/5/2009. Subj: Spirit Airlines Stealing Customer Miles. Spirit Airlines has put a time limit and expiration date on Frequent Flyer miles. No matter if you have thousands of miles or been with them for years, if you don't book a flight within a couple months, Spirit will delete the miles on the books you were building. All the miles will be removed without warning. Despite several e-mails with Spirit, they refuse to put back the miles. Time to boycott Spirit Airlines. Date 8/5/2009.

Subj: Spirit Airlines Stealing Customer Miles.

Spirit Airlines has put a time limit and expiration date on Frequent Flyer miles.
No matter if you have thousands of miles or been with them for years, if you don’t book a flight within a couple months, Spirit will delete the miles on the books you were building. All the miles will be removed without warning.

Despite several e-mails with Spirit, they refuse to put back the miles.

Time to boycott Spirit Airlines.

]]> By: DreAllDay.com » The Big Payback http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/08/22/spirit-airlines-ceo-flips-his-customers-the-bird/#comment-28277 DreAllDay.com » The Big Payback Sat, 13 Jun 2009 11:29:33 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/08/22/spirit-airlines-ceo-flips-his-customers-the-bird/#comment-28277 [...] My three cents: It’s obvious that parts of this letter have been cut-and-pasted from Spirit’s database of ‘Customer Complaint Responses,’ but the guy had to have read the letter being that he specifically responded to details of the letter that reached him (also note that this guy Schoggins was not one of the original recipients). Anyway though, a $50 credit? Not good enough, IMO. A shitty flight experience deserves at least one free round-trip flight; the punishment must fit the crime, so to speak. But what should we expect from an airline whose CEO accidentally hits the “Reply All” button when instructing one of his employees to give a proverbial “fuck you” to a disgruntled consumer (more)… [...] [...] My three cents: It’s obvious that parts of this letter have been cut-and-pasted from Spirit’s database of ‘Customer Complaint Responses,’ but the guy had to have read the letter being that he specifically responded to details of the letter that reached him (also note that this guy Schoggins was not one of the original recipients). Anyway though, a $50 credit? Not good enough, IMO. A shitty flight experience deserves at least one free round-trip flight; the punishment must fit the crime, so to speak. But what should we expect from an airline whose CEO accidentally hits the “Reply All” button when instructing one of his employees to give a proverbial “fuck you” to a disgruntled consumer (more)… [...]

]]> By: Mark S. http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/08/22/spirit-airlines-ceo-flips-his-customers-the-bird/#comment-28118 Mark S. Thu, 28 May 2009 09:07:16 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/08/22/spirit-airlines-ceo-flips-his-customers-the-bird/#comment-28118 I want to write him myself, is there anyone who can send me his e-address, have actually have some constructive suggestions for him. And I must add that most of the staff of the airline are great. Including a pilot who tried to land 4 times at Guatemala City in reduced fog conditions and ended-up diverting to Cancun fueling up and going back in time for clear weather. Costing cheap-skate airlines a lot of cash. The counter staff who have realized I was truthful when told I tried to pre-pay luggage but the website woul't accept..... on & on, I love this airline and know its limitations come with the benefits I love most = cheap flights to great places..... I did see the CEO on some show and he said basically that you could get a free coke, but he doesn't want to charge $80-200 more like the others, and he is so correct. I take an empty water bottle or two though security, fill it up at water fountains and carry on. When in flight I often ask attendents for their clean water from the company's large bottle = never a problem yet! LIAT Airways is another great tropics airline to take! But nothing comes close to Spirit, period! I'm a retired Marine on a tight budget, not a company hack making lies for the CEO..... Mark guatmark@yahoo.com I want to write him myself, is there anyone who can send me his e-address, have actually have some constructive suggestions for him. And I must add that most of the staff of the airline are great. Including a pilot who tried to land 4 times at Guatemala City in reduced fog conditions and ended-up diverting to Cancun fueling up and going back in time for clear weather. Costing cheap-skate airlines a lot of cash. The counter staff who have realized I was truthful when told I tried to pre-pay luggage but the website woul’t accept….. on & on, I love this airline and know its limitations come with the benefits I love most = cheap flights to great places…..
I did see the CEO on some show and he said basically that you could get a free coke, but he doesn’t want to charge $80-200 more like the others, and he is so correct. I take an empty water bottle or two though security, fill it up at water fountains and carry on. When in flight I often ask attendents for their clean water from the company’s large bottle = never a problem yet! LIAT Airways is another great tropics airline to take! But nothing comes close to Spirit, period! I’m a retired Marine on a tight budget, not a company hack making lies for the CEO…..

Mark
guatmark@yahoo.com

]]> By: James M http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/08/22/spirit-airlines-ceo-flips-his-customers-the-bird/#comment-27609 James M Fri, 17 Apr 2009 03:41:24 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/08/22/spirit-airlines-ceo-flips-his-customers-the-bird/#comment-27609 One more point. My major complaint was that we noticed in both Washington DC and in Ft Lauderdale, there was a blatant difference in treatment for white travelers on Spirit Airlines. Those passengers that were hispanic or black were treated with courtesy while white passengers were treated with scowls and short snappy responses in a demeaning and impatient tone. Non-whites were also afforded preferential treatment. In Ft Lauderdale, there were a few white passengers that had to wait until all non-whites in line had been served, even though many of those passengers were ahead in the line. Actually, in our line, there were only two small groups of white passengers. I now understand somewhat how minorities may feel by discriminatory treatment that they may receive even in 2009. But if Spirit employees feel empowered by their corporate culture to impose "payback" on white passengers fine. I have no intention of flying Spirit ever again. One more point. My major complaint was that we noticed in both Washington DC and in Ft Lauderdale, there was a blatant difference in treatment for white travelers on Spirit Airlines. Those passengers that were hispanic or black were treated with courtesy while white passengers were treated with scowls and short snappy responses in a demeaning and impatient tone. Non-whites were also afforded preferential treatment. In Ft Lauderdale, there were a few white passengers that had to wait until all non-whites in line had been served, even though many of those passengers were ahead in the line. Actually, in our line, there were only two small groups of white passengers.

I now understand somewhat how minorities may feel by discriminatory treatment that they may receive even in 2009. But if Spirit employees feel empowered by their corporate culture to impose “payback” on white passengers fine. I have no intention of flying Spirit ever again.

]]> By: James M http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/08/22/spirit-airlines-ceo-flips-his-customers-the-bird/#comment-27608 James M Fri, 17 Apr 2009 03:19:54 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/08/22/spirit-airlines-ceo-flips-his-customers-the-bird/#comment-27608 We will never fly Spirit again. I thought for a moment that if I wrote and complained to the CEO, that he would care and possibly give me a free ticket. This article puts that to rest. Anyway, if he did give me a free ticket, then I would have to fly Spirit to use it. Of course I could give a free ticket away....perhaps to my worst enemy. But there is no-one on this earth that I hate so much as to give them a free ticket to anywhere on Spirit Airlines. We will never fly Spirit again. I thought for a moment that if I wrote and complained to the CEO, that he would care and possibly give me a free ticket. This article puts that to rest. Anyway, if he did give me a free ticket, then I would have to fly Spirit to use it.

Of course I could give a free ticket away….perhaps to my worst enemy. But there is no-one on this earth that I hate so much as to give them a free ticket to anywhere on Spirit Airlines.

]]> By: Amy R. http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/08/22/spirit-airlines-ceo-flips-his-customers-the-bird/#comment-27250 Amy R. Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:38:23 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/08/22/spirit-airlines-ceo-flips-his-customers-the-bird/#comment-27250 SpiritAirline is the worst company to deal with. I was bumped three days in a row at las vegas airport. My flight was overbooked and I was on standbye. They sent our luggage to Detroit and bumped us in Las vegas. We had no clothes, no hotel, no rental car and no patience. The ticket agent was aweful! I video taped her because I couldn't believe that a supervisor for Spiritsair could be such a &itch!!! I followed her around with my camera and asked for help. She stuck her hand in my face (thats on tape!) I am posting it on UTUBE for all to see. SpiritAirline is the worst company to deal with. I was bumped three days in a row at las vegas airport. My flight was overbooked and I was on standbye. They sent our luggage to Detroit and bumped us in Las vegas. We had no clothes, no hotel, no rental car and no patience. The ticket agent was aweful! I video taped her because I couldn’t believe that a supervisor for Spiritsair could be such a &itch!!! I followed her around with my camera and asked for help. She stuck her hand in my face (thats on tape!) I am posting it on UTUBE for all to see.

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