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Times Staff WriterThe abrupt shutdown Tuesday of Southeast Airlines left some passengers stranded and others wondering if they can get refunds for unused tickets. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
Can I get a refund on a ticket I can't use now?
Yes, if the ticket was paid for with a credit card. Since Southeast was a public charter airline, it is required by federal law to place all money collected for tickets into an bank escrow account. When a flight is completed, the airline must certify the number of passengers aboard, and that many fares are then released from the account. Anyone who canceled a reservation and is due a refund or has a credit for a future ticket should be able to get the money back. Contact your credit card company.
What if I paid with cash or by check?
Under the law, that money should have been placed in escrow. But if Southeast failed to escrow those funds, they probably have been spent and are lost to the customer.
Why won't other airlines honor my ticket?
Southeast is a charter airline and had no reciprocity agreements with regularly scheduled airlines to honor each other's tickets. Charters generally do not have such agreements.
If I'm stranded, do I have to pay for a full-fare ticket on another airline?
Not necessarily. ATA and USA 3000 Airlines, which fly from St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport just as Southeast did, are offering low fares to stranded Southeast passengers on a seat-available basis. The airlines will fly passengers to an airport as close to their original destinations as possible. In addition, AirTran, which flies from Tampa International Airport, is offering to fly stranded Southeast passengers on standby for $50 a seat plus tax.
What if I decide to drive home?
Hertz and Budget have dropped their one-way drop-off fees for Southeast passengers, and Alamo has cut their drop-off fee by 50 percent.
What do I do if the airline has my luggage?
Contact the airport where you checked it.
Compiled by staff writer Jean Heller.