I would avoid Skybus

[mrf777]

This airline may be the next to fold.


Skybus Airlines vice president of operations announces resignation
Wednesday, April 2, 2008 11:15 AM
By Marla Matzer Rose

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Bud Sittig, one of Skybus Airlines’ longest-tenured employees, has resigned as vice president of operations for the airline. The move comes one week after the abrupt departure of Chief Executive Bill Diffenderffer and his replacement by former Skybus chief financial officer Mike Hodge.

Sittig has been with Skybus since late 2004, two and a half years before the airline started flying in May 2007. Before that, he rose through the ranks at Delta Air Lines as a pilot, manager of flight operations and director of flight safety. He was also a longtime reservist with the National Guard.

Skybus spokesman Bob Tenenbaum said a replacement for Sittig has not been named.

In a letter to Skybus employees, Sittig said his resignation “will be effective with the orderly transfer of responsibilities to the new director of operations in the coming days.”

He explained his decision for leaving, saying he felt "out of step" with some of the issues affecting day-to-day operations. He urged employee support for new CEO Hodge.

mrose@dispatch.com

 

[travelin' tigger]

This airline may be the next to fold.

I'm not going to avoid them just because of a few resignations. At $32RT to FL, I'm willing to take the chance and still book with them. Speaking of which, I've already had 2 trips to FL (totalling $140) and have 3 more booked for over the summer months (totalling $166). Anyway, life is all about chances!!

But YOU can feel free to avoid them - more cheap fares for me!!!

 

[CarolA]

I think the overall feeling is that there may be some finanical difficulties. Book with a credit card for some protection. (That would not include flying you to whereever......but hopefully a refund)

I think thier model has some flaws... we will see what happens.

 

[travelin' tigger]

I think the overall feeling is that there may be some finanical difficulties. Book with a credit card for some protection. (That would not include flying you to whereever......but hopefully a refund)

I think thier model has some flaws... we will see what happens.

I agree with you Carol - basically it's a "wait and see" situation. I always book with a major credit card, but as long as the price is right, I'm willing to take a chance.

 

[scottie]

I just saw a commerical on tv here last night in regards to a big hiring fair they are having at a local hotel this month. Not sure what to make of that.

 

[mrf777]

ATA-American Trans Air just ceased operations.

 

[Lewisc]

ATA wound up being the next but it's not good when two top executives jump ship.

Posters considering Skybus should only pay with a credit card. Posters should also decide what their back up plan is. Drive? Cancel the trip? Book with another airline, at whatever the current fare is? Passengers who are planning the third option should look at how much more it would cost to book another airline instead of Skybus. Unless the savings are signifiant it may make sense to skip Skybus.

 

[mrf777]

I'm not going to avoid them just because of a few resignations. At $32RT to FL, I'm willing to take the chance and still book with them. Speaking of which, I've already had 2 trips to FL (totalling $140) and have 3 more booked for over the summer months (totalling $166). Anyway, life is all about chances!!

But YOU can feel free to avoid them - more cheap fares for me!!!

Do you really think they can survive charging $32 for a ticket when oil is over $100 per barrel? I wouldnt take the chance of being stranded somewhere.

 

[Jeanne B]

Do you really think they can survive charging $32 for a ticket when oil is over $100 per barrel? I wouldnt take the chance of being stranded somewhere.

They only sell the first 10 seats for $10 one-way. I have two weekend trips booked with Skybus this summer but they're both trips that we can easily make other arrangements for or cancel should Skybus cut back or go belly up...I wouldn't book them if I needed to rely on them 100% to get us to our destination (I definitely wouldn't take a chance on them for a cruise).

 

[scottie]

Do you really think they can survive charging $32 for a ticket when oil is over $100 per barrel? I wouldnt take the chance of being stranded somewhere.

With only 10 seats being sold at the $10 fare that leaves a large number of seats open to sell at a higher cost. And the 10 seats are being sponsored by various companies so I am guessing they are footing at least some of the cost difference in the 10 cheap tickets.

 

[Lewisc]

Excellent point. When an airline shuts down, with no notice, some passengers are stuck at their destination. Pay with a credit card and you'll get your $10 back. That won't get you home.

Even legacy airlines have some of the fuel costs "locked in". Whatever cost savings Skybus has from the way they do business is lost with the fuel costs. I don't think Skybus can stay in business if they have to charge "market fares"

I wouldnt take the chance of being stranded somewhere.

 

[CarolA]

With only 10 seats being sold at the $10 fare that leaves a large number of seats open to sell at a higher cost. And the 10 seats are being sponsored by various companies so I am guessing they are footing at least some of the cost difference in the 10 cheap tickets.

That was the PLAN, but I don't think the "sponsorship" is bringing in much money! LOL!


The problem with Skybus is that they have NO appeal to folks like me traveling on business. And that's the "profit" group. Part of it's just that we are spoiled and like the perks (first class upgrades, miles for flights to Europe etc LOL!) Part of it is that there's probably NOT a huge demand for flights between Greensboro and St. Petersburg or their other "small" out of the way airports for us.


I don't have a "dog in this fight" but just looking at the overall model, I never have gotten it.

 

[scottie]

I will keep my fingers crossed then they remain around long enough for us to enjoy their service for our June flight we have booked !

 

[Lewisc]

You don't think Skybus can make money with all the soda, food and other stuff they sell their passengers?

The $10 fare becomes more like $30 if the passenger checks a bag and buys a soda. You don't an airline like Skybus can be profitable with that model?

Delta still hasn't updated their website with their new baggage rules. Sounds like their model is to spring the new charges when passengers show up to airport. Give passengers notice and many (most?) will just bring one bag.

That was the PLAN, but I don't think the "sponsorship" is bringing in much money! LOL!


The problem with Skybus is that they have NO appeal to folks like me traveling on business. And that's the "profit" group. Part of it's just that we are spoiled and like the perks (first class upgrades, miles for flights to Europe etc LOL!) Part of it is that there's probably NOT a huge demand for flights between Greensboro and St. Petersburg or their other "small" out of the way airports for us.


I don't have a "dog in this fight" but just looking at the overall model, I never have gotten it.

 

[CarolA]

You don't think Skybus can make money with all the soda, food and other stuff they sell their passengers?

The $10 fare becomes more like $30 if the passenger checks a bag and buys a soda. You don't an airline like Skybus can be profitable with that model?

Delta still hasn't updated their website with their new baggage rules. Sounds like their model is to spring the new charges when passengers show up to airport. Give passengers notice and many (most?) will just bring one bag.

I think they need to raise the price on those sodas. Say $20 a coke?

 

[uva185]

The real problem comes not if they cease operation but during irregular operations (such as weather or mechanical cancellations or delays) They only have 10 planes to operate all of their flights. If one flight has a mechanical problem or gets delayed somewhere due to weather it will cause a huge ripple effect on subsequent flights. It may end up taking days to get to your destination if their planes are full. They are not partnered with any airline (like Southwest) so they cannot send you on another airline if their is a delay.

The real problem I have with this airline is lack of customer service. It sets a terrible precedent as US airlines race toward the bottom.

 

[travelin' tigger]

I wouldnt take the chance of being stranded somewhere.

That's your opinion. Two of my three trips are to visit family - if it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen!! My week at the end of August will be backed up with tix on SW (Ding or otherwise). Those I can cancel and use the ticketless travel funds for a future trip.

I realize it's a crapshoot going into this and I'm willing to take the chance. Who knows, maybe I'll win in the end and have a couple of trips to FL for under $200 - maybe not...

 

[Lewisc]

You're kind of agreeing with the poster you quoted. Are you really "stranded" if you stay with family members for a few extra nights? The problem of being "stranded" if Skybus goes bust during your trip isn't a big problem for you.

The fact that you plan to have backup reservations with Southwest for your vacation means you agree relying on Skybus is a risky choice.

Your situation is a lot different from the posters who are relying on Skybus for their Disney vacation and who don't really have a plan "B" if Skybus stops running.

That's your opinion. Two of my three trips are to visit family - if it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen!! My week at the end of August will be backed up with tix on SW (Ding or otherwise). Those I can cancel and use the ticketless travel funds for a future trip.

I realize it's a crapshoot going into this and I'm willing to take the chance. Who knows, maybe I'll win in the end and have a couple of trips to FL for under $200 - maybe not...

 

[travelin' tigger]

You're kind of agreeing with the poster you quoted. Are you really "stranded" if you stay with family members for a few extra nights? The problem of being "stranded" if Skybus goes bust during your trip isn't a big problem for you.

Sorry I guess it was wrong of me to use that quote. All I'm stating is MY OPINION. And Skybus RIGHT NOW works for me!! LewisC, I know you've been giving your opinions all along about how you feel about the risks of using Skybus - thank you, but I'm just trying to support the other side of the coin with my experiences and opinions in order to help other DISers make their vacation decisions!!!

The fact that you plan to have backup reservations with Southwest for your vacation means you agree relying on Skybus is a risky choice.

Yes, I've stated this in my previous posts, so I now have a backup plan.

Your situation is a lot different from the posters who are relying on Skybus for their Disney vacation and who don't really have a plan "B" if Skybus stops running.

Alot of people also had plans with ATA - maybe not to Disney but their Hawaiian vacations. Yes, there's a chance Skybus could pull the plug any day now, but isn't this the way of the airline business these days with the rising costs of jet fuel??????

I appreciate your opinions, just give me equal time to express mine!!!

 

[CarolA]

I have to be honest, I don't fly any airline where I have to have a "back up plan" LOL!

Now, things happen that I don't expect (ATA shutting down) but I deal with them then. I don't have a "back up plan" when I book the flight.