ValuJet customers cope with shutdown
June 18, 1996
Web posted at: 12:45 p.m. EDT(CNN) -- ValuJet customers throughout the nation were left aghast Tuesday, as many arrived at airports without a plane to catch.
The Atlanta-based airline suspended operations at midnight after a federal inspection found deficiencies in the carrier's operations. The airline has said it hopes to resume service within 30 days.
The Federal Aviation Administration investigation came after a ValuJet DC-9 crashed May 11 in the Florida Everglades, killing all 110 people on board.
Many customers hoping to catch flights Tuesday found the shutdown an inconvenience. Some expressed anger; others were more understanding.
"I'm very perturbed and irritated by it," said a man who arrived at the airport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with his family.
He said he was told they would be given a refund and that the airline would help find another flight. But when he arrived Tuesday, he encountered several problems before eventually receiving a refund. (200K AIFF or WAV sound)
"They've pretty much lost a customer for life," he said.
Another ValuJet customer described himself as loyal to ValuJet. But he too was frustrated Tuesday with the airline's service. (130K AIFF or WAV sound)
"It's just not right to leave people without a little bit of help," he said, before wheeling his bags out of the door.
At a different airport, Eric Shouest was pleased with the airline's hospitality: "They're very courteous -- excellent customer service as usual," he said.
ValuJet accommodated customers by giving them vouchers and refunds to pay for their continuing flights on other airlines. However, the customers were told they would have to pay the cost of the differences on return flights.
"It's a real big inconvenience," one woman said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Related stories:
- ValuJet Time Line
- Suspension 'grossly unfair,' says ValuJet - June 18, 1996
- ValuJet Grounded - June 17, 1996
- Crash victims' families ask FAA to ground ValuJet - June 12, 1996
- Search is over for ValuJet wreckage and remains - June 10, 1996
- FAA documents show ValuJet flew plane with fuel leak - June 8, 1996
- Report: ValuJet to overhaul maintenance after crash - June 7, 1996
- Tests may never reveal how ValuJet passengers died - June 6, 1996
Related sites:
- ValuJet stock quote
- Valujet Homepage
- Federal Aviation Administration
- U.S. Department of Transportation
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