Spirit is Right to Deny Refund

Read article here:  Vets mull boycott of Spirit Airlines after dying former Marine denied refund


Spirit Airlines has rightfully denied a refund to a dying veteran.

Former Marine Jerry Meekins, 76, of Clearwater, FL requested a refund when his doctor told him it would be dangerous for him to fly due to end stage cancer.  Meekins wanted to travel to be with his daughter while she undergoes surgery.  He drove instead.

While it would certainly have been kind of the airline to refund Meekins' money, and I personally would have done it, I believe Spirit was right to deny his request.

I fly Spirit a lot.  They are a discount airline with cheap tickets.  They make their profit by selling services a-la-cart.  Upgrades to preferred seating (aisles, windows, etc.), carry-on bags, checked bags, snacks, beverages, virtually everything is sold at an extra cost.  The carrier offers trip insurance for $14 when you check out.  If you elect not to buy the insurance, you accept the risk if your trip is cancelled.

Meekins accepted the risk.  He chose a discount carrier to save money.  He chose not to buy insurance to save money.  He accepted the risk and lost.

The fact that Meekins is a former Marine is a non-issue.  This story is not military related in any way.  Spirit's refusal to refund the ticket is not disrespectful to veterans.  For veterans to try making this a veteran issue reduces the credibility of real veteran issues.  Meekins wasn't denied because he was a veteran.  He was not denied customary veteran courtesies.  He is just a customer who took a risk and lost.  Using his military service in an effort to gain special privilege is wrong.  (As far as I know, this part of the controversy has been created by veterans groups and not Meekins himself.)

Spirit should stick to its guns.  We the public should stop trying to pressure Spirit Airlines to violate its policies and refund this ticket.