US

Spirit Airlines Reverses Course, Will Refund Dying Vietnam Veteran’s Ticket

Spirit Airlines Reverses Course, Will Refund Dying Vietnam Veterans Ticket

Spirit Airlines has reversed course and will refund terminally ill Vietnam veteran Jerry Meekins the cost of his plane ticket. (Image source: WTSP-TV)

The CEO of Spirit Airlines has reversed course and said he will refund a dying Vietnam veteran’s nonrefundable ticket after a barrage of negative attention for the low-cost carrier.

Jerry Meekins, a 76-year-old veteran with terminal esophageal cancer, had booked an airline ticket from Florida to New Jersey for his daughter’s surgery. With his condition worsening, Meekin‘s doctor told him he couldn’t fly, so he tried to get Spirit to refund his $197 fare to no avail. Veterans groups and Facebook users heaped criticism on the airline, but Spirit stood by their nonrefundable ticket policy, saying it’s a way to keep costs down for all passengers.

“Every day we seek to balance customer service with customers’ demands for the lowest airfare possible. But sometimes we make mistakes,” Spirit CEO Ben Baldanza said in a statement. “I did not demonstrate the respect or the compassion that I should have, given his medical condition and his service to our country.”

In addition to personally refunding Meekins’ fare, Baldanza said Spirit “will make a $5,000 contribution, in his name, to the charity of his choice, Wounded Warriors.

Meekins’ girlfriend, Carol Gray, told WTSP-TV he is thrilled with the airline’s change of course and that he was touched by all the attention his story received.

Comments (96)

1 2 3
  • LeadNotFollow
    Posted on May 5, 2012 at 11:49am

    …
    Since the man’s doctor told him he was too sick to fly, the airline should have immediately refunded his ticket price.
    They could have avoided a lot of bad media publicity and boycotting.

    Report Post »  
    • AB5r
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 11:58am

      So then if someone wants to get out of a ticket they just drink too much and get a doctor’s note that they are too sick to fly?

      Maybe the airline should have asked for a second opinion, maybe another doctor would not have said he couldn’t fly!

      Report Post » AB5r  
    • WeekendAtBernankes
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 7:28pm

      @A5 Which is exactly why OP is right. Now millions of people know Spirit made an exception. If they’d just used a little common sense they would have refunded as soon as he explained the situation and avoided the whole mess. No one would know they made an exception because it wouldn’t be an international news story.

      Stink.

      Report Post » WeekendAtBernankes  
    • savannahltd
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 8:06pm

      I agree!

      Report Post »  
    • yougottabekidding
      Posted on May 7, 2012 at 7:36am

      I guess stupidity started costing them money, big time.
      They have shown where they are! NOT MY AIRLINE OF CHOICE, EVER!

      Report Post »  
  • kfogs1957
    Posted on May 5, 2012 at 11:37am

    Here is the rub Spirit Airlines. Myself and many people like me will never fly Spirit again. If it takes this much effort to do the right thing, then you have serious internal issues. In a year you guys will be on the ropes.

    Report Post »  
  • GIDEON612
    Posted on May 5, 2012 at 11:26am

    To tax the consumer for so-called insurance is a bit too much like big gov.

    When you need to buy insurance from the business that you are doing business with to protect you from said business should tell you to avoid such businesses.

    Report Post » GIDEON612  
    • Tigress1
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 11:40am

      From a company perspective, when a company books a seat on a flight that removes that seat from the pool of other potential passengers. When the flight is booked as “full” then other passengers no longer have that date and time as an option. If too many people cancel, the plane still must fly to the other city even though it may be half-empty. Gas ain’t cheap today. People are fickle. Cancellations cost the company money – especially if it happens close to the date of the flight.

      Report Post » Tigress1  
    • J.C. McGlynn
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 12:32pm

      tigress1: Isn’t that the reason there are stand-by passengers?

      Report Post » J.C. McGlynn  
    • Tigress1
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 2:32pm

      @J.C. MCGLYNN, One would think so, but apparently it is a lot more complicated than I understand:

      http://www.pprune.org/airlines-airports-routes/413093-load-factor-calculation.html

      Report Post » Tigress1  
  • disenlightened
    Posted on May 5, 2012 at 11:15am

    …people who want the luxury of a refundable ticket should pay for one and people should not expect special treatment…however…this one could have been handled quietly and immediately before it hurt Spirit…Spirit should have looked at the man’s situation and behind closed doors given him his money back and a hug, maybe a box of chocolates and a cigar, then whispered in his ear not to tell anyone.

    Report Post » disenlightened  
  • Tigress1
    Posted on May 5, 2012 at 11:14am

    I feel the need to defend Spirit Airlines as the Capitalist that I am. People who are bashing the airline and the CEO’s sound like a bunch of Progressive plants!

    Spirit Airlines has been around for 10 years. You would think that they would have a policy on whether or not they want to give veterans “perks” by now. However, this situation sounds like the employees are bound and tied by a bureaucracy that probably has it’s roots in the government. They were probably scared to death to “bend the rules”, after all, the government insists that once you bend the rules it becomes POLICY. A veteran getting sick and needing a refund is probably rare. (Most veterans tend to be humble and don’t draw attention to this fact that they are veterans, therefore, I’m inclined to believe that someone else told the media that the man is a veteran.) Companies are like people in that they cannot envision EVERY POSSIBLE SCENARIO and have a policy already in place. When a strange event happens THEN they write a policy. If they don’t, they can expect gov. inspectors to come in and pitch a hissy-fit about why they don’t have a policy for this once-in-a-100-years event in their 500 page book of policies.
    In short, Spirit Airlines bowed to the demands of the public and we will see if it becomes policy, therefore, we shouldn’t demonize them, etc. When the public becomes mob rule on this issue, then we need to do some self-reflection about whether we want a military class in our society.

    Report Post » Tigress1  
    • Charley1
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 12:49pm

      I’ve got to disagree. I’m a businessman, and a Capitalst to the core. When my clients thank me for doing something a bit out of the ordinary, I explain to them I am a stereotypical greedy businessman…I want them to give me money every month or so until the end of time. That said, if I DO NOT treat my clients with the respect and caring that they deserve, they will stop doing business with me, and stop paying me.
      Spirit had that choice, treat their clints right, or c**p on them. They chose poorly. If a business has to get roasted in the court of public opinion in order to do the right thing, they are not worth doing business with. Spirit damned well will not get my business.

      Report Post »  
    • toddgibbs
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 6:03pm

      my 2 cents:
      It wasn’t SPIRITS policy to do this -or that… it was the CEO’s flippant comment that the dyeing veteran should have bought “ticket insurance”…?

      I really don’t think that the guy planned on getting terminally ill (i could be wrong)… I am not even sure that the CEO: Ben Baldanza planned on having his life and liberties placed in jeopardy, but they were and are – and this guy was fighting for them! … maybe HE, the CEO, should have bought Military Insurance.

      These people are fighting for your freedoms… and to not refund a ticket price because he is dying and can not fly is the height of arrogance!

      Report Post » toddgibbs  
  • Donald
    Posted on May 5, 2012 at 11:02am

    Spirit airlines will soon be “Irrevelant”
    Enjoy those $100.00 carry-on baggage charges–Bye bye

    Report Post » Donald  
  • barber2
    Posted on May 5, 2012 at 10:29am

    Good. Sometimes there should be exceptions to the rules. ( ever since the Discrimination Card became the only game in town, exceptions have become “ dangerous ” to make . Immediate law suits result )

    Report Post »  
  • AB5r
    Posted on May 5, 2012 at 10:27am

    Someone should have told that clown to man up and quit being such a baby. Oh boo hoo, I bought a ticket that is non-refundable but I don’t want to fly now, boo hoo. I want my money back even though it is against the policy, I am special, I am so special that I am going to make a huge ruckus in the media and since I can play the “military” card and “old man” card and also the “dying” card it will be a slam dunk and the company will have to give in just to avoid the publicity from the moronic media. $200 dollars – how much is that clown paying for medicine and treatments for whatever problems he has? What is he going to waste the money on once he gets it back that it is so important that he needed to make a spectacle of himself.

    Report Post » AB5r  
    • jfc1068
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 10:43am

      You, Sir or Madam, are a pig.

      Report Post »  
    • midnightvelvet
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 10:51am

      I agree that the airline had a perfect right not to refund the ticket price, but your comments are more than a little harsh.

      Report Post »  
    • GiveObamaTheBoot2012
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 10:53am

      Your comment shouldn’t even be worth my time, but I’m tired of Liberal TROLL POS like you. You make excuses and exceptions for the gross failures of liberalism/progressivism/socialism/communism everyday, yet you shred this guy apart! You suck!

      Report Post »  
    • Cap8tain
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 10:54am

      Sub-Human PIG!

      Report Post » Cap8tain  
    • AB5r
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 11:16am

      He should have learned to think about someone other than himself when he was in the service. That he isn’t ashamed to make a spectacle of himself, that none of his family stopped him, is a real shame.

      Report Post » AB5r  
    • Aidan MacAnBhaird
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 2:26pm

      I have witnessed slugs troll. I have met cool-aid drinkers so vile of their fellow citizens as to literally leave a foul taste in my mouth. But I have yet to hear faeces speak. Sadly, I will only be able to have the gross displeasure of reading your filth. How you could make so many assumptions; all negative, while claiming what you do is beyond the realms of even irrational comparison. The only humour in your espousing is that you appear to believe you are bloody brilliant. Pog ma thon. On second thought, nay; wouldn’t want to risk the contaminates.

      Tiocfaidh ar la

      Report Post » Aidan MacAnBhaird  
    • jg2pto
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 2:48pm

      Just a troll, nothing to see here.

      Report Post » jg2pto  
    • Watchyer6
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 2:51pm

      You’re a real humanitarian, aren’t you?

      Report Post » Watchyer6  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 2:52pm

      AB is just a progressive DEMOCRAT bombthrower. Ignore the idiot and thank this serviceman.

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
  • TRILO
    Posted on May 5, 2012 at 10:24am

    I feel bad that the man is terminal and I will pray that he does not suffer. I thank him for his service to our country. However, I’m sorry, but I will be the scrooge. If the ticket was non-refundable why should the ticket price be refunded? Hundreds maybe thousand of tickets have gone unrefunded by Spirit without incident from people of all walks of life, backgrounds, occupations, etc. Now how is Spirit or anyother airline for that matter going to deny any other ticketholder a refund when all they will need to do is go to the media?

    When I used to fly more often, before the TSA nightmare, I would buy flight insurance especially if the ticket prices were expensive. Read and know the terms of your purchase. Non-Refundable is Non-Refundable. If you do not want to buy insurance than take the gamble that you will not need to cancel your trip.

    Why do people always seem to preach follow the rule/law EXCEPT when it is for someone they want to take sides with? Consistency in this world would be a nice change.

    Report Post » TRILO  
    • jfc1068
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 10:45am

      Compassion would be a better change. You, Sir or Madam, are also a pig.

      Report Post »  
    • midnightvelvet
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 10:47am

      I agree with you, but in the touchy-feely world in which we live, they should have recognized a PR shipwreck when they saw it. Dumb move on their part, though completely justifiable. I haven’t flown lately; I don’t care to be sexually harrassed. I think I remember a refundable ticket is not that much more expensive. I‘m surprised he didn’t get one of those, considering he knew his condition was terminal and could deteriorate quickly. Still…gotta feel for the poor guy.

      Report Post »  
    • Grandma T
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 4:31pm

      You are right. From now on anyone can claim an emergency and expect a refund from Spirit without bothering to buy the refund insurance. It would be very expensive for the airline to check out every story. The man said he couldn’t fly, but he instead took
      a long road trip to get there. The road trip would be much more exhausting. I think he just changed his mind, decided to drive, and wanted his money back. In the future the airlines will eliminate the insurance and just up the prices for everyone.

      Report Post »  
    • Grandma T
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 4:36pm

      I agree with you. Airlines do not have the manpower to check out who is giving them a credible excuse and who is not that is why they have the insurance which this man chose not to buy.

      Report Post »  
  • dvwrld
    Posted on May 5, 2012 at 10:23am

    Too little too late Spirit.
    I will never fly this airline.
    Stupid ass jerks.

    Report Post » dvwrld  
  • Stu D. Baker-Hawk
    Posted on May 5, 2012 at 10:22am

    The damage is done, and all because of a pig-headed CEO. Idiots!

    Report Post »  
    • G-WHIZ
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 10:41am

      ceo of Spirit must be a progressive lib/dem…spend [O.P.M.]…CHEEP with their own private$$…and only WHEN CAUGHT…do the right thing, once….then dont’t get caught again.

      Report Post »  
  • patbarker
    Posted on May 5, 2012 at 10:21am

    Meekins got his money back…though a tragic illness is involved, seemed to be a little publicity seeking in this story. Wounded Warriors got 5k and all the self righteous folks got to go on a(nother) rant. So it’s settled.

    As long as Spirit has low fares, I would fly their airline…the fact they said they blew it and did what seemed to be the right thing, even more so!

    Report Post »  
  • Sirfoldallot
    Posted on May 5, 2012 at 10:12am

    Great idea but 2 late

    Report Post » Sirfoldallot  
  • Fantastic Four
    Posted on May 5, 2012 at 10:10am

    We The People still have the power as long as the MEDIA stays on our side

    Report Post » Fantastic Four  
  • IMCHRISTIAN
    Posted on May 5, 2012 at 10:07am

    My thoughts and prayers are with the Meekins family. They have had their share of health problems and if he was trying that hard to get to his daughter while she was about to have surgery he is a loving father.

    If Spirit had the spirit within them they would have considered what could have been done in good conscience before possible customers complaints. Some day they (spirit airlines exec.& government) may find out how REGULATIONS may work against them too. God Bless the Righteous!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • Tigress1
    Posted on May 5, 2012 at 10:05am

    I am probably in the minority on this site regarding this issue, but I’ll say it anyway. I am 100% in favor of airlines giving free rides and baggage for soldiers who are returning from our current wars. I also am in favor of airlines making certain policies as “perks” for veterans if they choose. We all should show respect to soldiers because they and their family are making huge sacrifices for us, therefore, it is fitting for us to do the same for them. However, sometimes I think that some people want to make the military a separate “class” of Americans. This is entering dangerous ground. The military should be held to the same rules as all the rest of Americans. We don’t need a military or warrior class! The Japanese made the Samurai’s a “warrior class”. Average Japanese people dreaded the presence of the Samurai‘s because the Samurai’s could do whatever they pleased. They could walk past you and whack off your head simply because you looked at them! When we start forcing companies to give everything to veterans for free, (not of the companies’ own volition) we are entering the creation of a warrior or military “class”. Tread carefully!

    Report Post » Tigress1  
    • Stu D. Baker-Hawk
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 10:51am

      You’re comparing apples to oranges. Historically, Japanese society was maintained under the notion of absolute authority and control, doing what you were told… without question, without fail. Our society, on the other hand, has always been diametrically opposed to that of Japan’s. Which leads me to the following: Until you’ve spent countless Christmas holidays, anniversaries and birthdays away from your family, until you’ve walked a late-night post when it was ten degrees below zero (or 120 degrees in the shade!), until you’ve endured the terror of coming under fire and wondering if this day was going to be your last, and until you’ve earned at least ten-percent below what the civilian sector earns for a similar job (if there is even a job equivalent), all to protect the very freedoms you have enjoyed all your life, then and ONLY then will I seriously consider your view that our military heroes should not be given special consideration (i.e., coming under the same ‘rules’ as everybody else). The vast majority of Americans wouldn’t even consider volunteering for the rigors and hardships of military service, and I’m of a mind to think you would be included in that group. Speaking as a retired 21-year active-duty member who now works with these fine men and women as a DoD civilian employee, I can honestly say that we, as a nation, aren’t doing nearly enough for our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, and it’s a shame.

      Report Post »  
    • Tigress1
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 11:25am

      @Stud.baker-hawk, I am not comparing apples to oranges! America has been losing it’s freedom. There are segments in our society that WANT absolute control! I love our military! I am a military brat and a daughter of a veteran! I also agree with you that we don’t do enough for our veterans. However, companies must be FREE to choose what they can and cannot do for our veterans. We are FREE to pick and choose what companies we give our business to as well. The public has every right to be outraged about certain policies that some companies may have and to express that outrage in the hope that the company will change. I just don’t think we should elevate the military to such a high level that they become a different class. Get it?

      Report Post » Tigress1  
    • Grandma T
      Posted on May 6, 2012 at 5:03pm

      It wasn’t until after the Vietnam War that we had the all volunteer military. The majority of veterans of prior wars were DRAFTED and spent only the required time in the military. The military in the past actually kept track of those who had volunteered on their military records. All veterans should be praised for their service. Many businesses give discounts to military families. This is up to the individual business and should not be coerced when the rules were clearly spelled out in advance.

      Report Post »  
  • lynnissmart
    Posted on May 5, 2012 at 9:56am

    Spirit – I got news for you…..you got “no Spirit” at all….!!!! Won’t fly this pos airline!!! period….

    Report Post »  
  • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
    Posted on May 5, 2012 at 9:48am

    Semper Fi brother. See you at the Bay Pines VA.

    Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
  • TWO BITS
    Posted on May 5, 2012 at 9:47am

    That’s the “Spirit”! It is often difficult to fight the system, but thankfully Mr. Meekins benefited from the news cycle. I’m very pleased that Wounded Warriors will also benefit.

    Report Post » TWO BITS  
  • RightUnite
    Posted on May 5, 2012 at 9:39am

    Of course they will, after the outrage from the public… Now, had the offered the refund as they should have, they would have been the heros!! Now, they will lose a lot of business even though they finally will offer the refund, as well they should.

    Report Post »  
    • pavnvet
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 10:11am

      Sorry Spirit, it took a ton of public pressure for you to do the right thing. I wonder how much this has, and will cost your pathetic airline? Obviously, this POS CEO never served his country.

      Report Post » pavnvet  
  • mrsmileyface
    Posted on May 5, 2012 at 9:35am

    Well it only took 2 weeks after the story broke that they figured out this is a bad PR move. Idiots.

    Report Post » mrsmileyface  
    • G-WHIZ
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 10:55am

      What if this fine old man had died while his family fought for the refund?? When I was a kid, and my father’s ww2-vet friend(s) would visit , I would give them a hug and say(softly) “thankyou”. Through others, I had herd their real war stories, and that shook me to my core. about 5yrs later, only one came to visit…After, I asked my dad…he said:“ think about it”. To this day…I still think about it.

      Report Post »  
  • 80mesh
    Posted on May 5, 2012 at 9:34am

    c’mon blaze … you have turned MSM with these adverts that come on with full volume and no way to mute them …grrrrr.
    the ads run 5 by 5 flawless… then the news vids stall and run choppy… you have become 2nd rate i expected better but alas you have failed us

    you have become “them”

    Report Post » 80mesh  
  • KingCanon
    Posted on May 5, 2012 at 9:32am

    Motive or motivation?

    Report Post » KingCanon  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on May 5, 2012 at 9:32am

    Glad to see the ceo came to his senses and refunded the ole vet,without the media exposure the ending would have been quite different though.

    Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 10:16am

      I agree with you, but without the media attention, Spirit could not have verified his medical condition or his service record for that matter. A lot of people will say anything to get their money back and the airlines don’t have the recources to investigate each individual case. That’s why they offer ticket insurance for an extra $20 or so. Obviously this man is legit and deserves the refund, but how many a day are trying to get a refund that don’t deserve it? I bet nation wide that it’s a pretty large number.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on May 5, 2012 at 10:28am

      resources.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
  • RightPolitically
    Posted on May 5, 2012 at 9:30am

    With this major PR blunder Spirit has only increased its exposure to ridicule and decreased business. Good! They have an ARROGANT business model.

    Report Post » RightPolitically  
1 2 3

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love