FlyersRights.org calls on DOT to investigate potential Fraud by Spirit Airlines

The Honorable Ray LaHood
Secretary
Department of Transportation

Dear Mr. Secretary:

We write to express our serious concerns about the recent actions of Spirit Airlines and its CEO Ben Baldanza in connection to claims and promises he and his airline have made to passengers leading up to, during and after the current pilot strike. As you are aware, the strike has caused widespread stranding and dislocation of passengers. 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.” The airline has also stated it would provide a $100 voucher in addition to free passage home. So far these claims have proven to be false.

We have direct information from passengers across the nation and in international locations that their tickets issued by Spirit are without value on other airlines. Furthermore we have been informed that Spirit is depriving passengers of information on how they will care for them. One mother called us 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. This is just one example of the dislocation and distress that Spirit’s actions and unfulfilled promises are causing.

We are also troubled by statements and actions taken by Spirit leading up to the strike. The airline was also engaged in active sales of airline tickets leading up to strike, despite the fact that it knew or should have known a disruption in service was imminent. We believe that these actions, coupled with the other false statements, the mistreatment of passengers, the withholding of vital information and broken promises constitute a global fraud upon the flying public. As such, we call upon you to use the full power of your Department to investigate this incident and once you have determined all the facts, apply the strongest sanctions available to make passengers whole while punishing Spirit for its unethical behavior.

Sincerely,

Kate Hanni