airlines claim bankruptcy

[caine family of five]

Hi everyone
Has anyone any info as to what too do since I just found out that delta and northwest airways have claimed bankruptcy. I fly out with US airways that has also claimed brankruptcy problems. We don't fly out until jan 2 what do you all suggest I do? I thought about seeing our travel agent about the threat that they will claim bankruptcy,I have lived through a bankruptcy with a business I worked for and I know how fast they can say too bad and so sad you get nothing.
Any help or info would be appreciated
Christine

 

[Chuck S]

I wouldn't be too worried at this point. Continental has been in and out of bankruptcy, United has technically been in bankruptcy for around 2 years. You may see some flights consolidated and times adjusted. Both Delta & NWA are saying the traveler will not notice any differences. I just booked Delta yesterday for a December trip, after the annoucement. I'm not overly concerned.

 

[riu girl]

I went through the same worries about this last fall after I booked with Independence Air (who is stillflying today) for a 12/04 holiday.

Two ways a company files for bankruptcy in the US:

chapter 11 : bankruptcy protection (continue flying for several months/ more like years, until they get their finances straightened out)
chapter 7: close up shop usually the same day they file

I have read that the ONLY US airline who may file chapter 7 is Independence Air at this point.

Also, if you booked on a credit card that has protection for this type of thing, if you don't get your flights your money will be refunded.

If you want to follow your airline closely (which is what I did last fall up until flight time) check out www.flyertalk.com Each airline has a forum

I couldn't stand the possible stress again this fall, so I booked with Southwest since their financial record is so great. plus with DING fares, there is a ton of $$ to be saved.

IMHO, you have nothing to worry about.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

They said on the evening news last night that flights through Delta and NWA should be fine for the next couple of weeks, but if you have anything booked through the holidays, ASK LOTS OF QUESTIONS! This does worry me, as I am traveling home from MCO on Song on New Year's eve. I guess the concern is, as part of the financial "straightening out" process, they'll possibly be dropping flights and staff, which may lead to chaos during the busy holiday season. Sounds like fun to me.

IMHO, you probably will have something to worry about...but why bother? If it happens, it stinks, but can probably be worked around...I hope.

 

[cstraub]

This was the email I recieved today:

As you may know, Delta Air Lines filed to reorganize under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. We have taken this action as part of our ongoing efforts to make Delta a simpler, more efficient and cost-effective airline. On behalf of the tens of thousands of Delta employees worldwide who look forward to welcoming you onboard every day, I want to assure you Delta is open for business as usual:

Your travel plans are secure — We are operating our full schedule of flights, honoring tickets and reservations as usual, and making normal refunds and exchanges. You can count on the convenience and choice you've come to expect from the more than 7,500 daily flights to 502 destinations in 88 countries that we, along with our SkyTeam® and codeshare partners, provide worldwide.
Your SkyMiles® are secure — The award-winning SkyMiles program has not been affected, and you can continue to enjoy the program's benefits—including Delta Crown Room Clubs, double miles on qualifying purchases with the Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express®, and the opportunity to earn and redeem miles on the thousands of flights offered by SkyTeam and our vast network of global airline alliances.
Delta is honored to have been named "the Most Preferred Airline" this year by business travelers* and we thank you for voting our SkyMiles program as the Best Frequent Flyer program in a Travel Savvy magazine survey. From upgraded features on delta.com, to refurbished cabins, to new routes and international destinations, to fewer restrictions and service fees, we're transforming Delta to be even better for you.

We encourage you to send comments and suggestions via e-mail to restructure.delta@delta.com. You can also learn more about our reorganization by visiting delta.com/restructure.

Today, as always, Delta's proud team of dedicated professionals is at your service. As the people of Delta work together to become a more competitive airline, we appreciate your loyalty and the opportunity to meet your personal and business travel needs—now and in the future.

Thank you for choosing Delta.

Sincerely,


Gerald Grinstein
Chief Executive Officer

 

[riu girl]

When I felt I was in a similar situation last year (with Independence air), I was advised by a DISer to purchase one way MCO-BUF SWA FULLY REFUNDABLE tickets in case I was able to get to MCO but not home again. Then if something happened I could fly home with Southwest. If everything worked out fine, SWA would issue a full refund (if I contacted SWA prior to the flight, I don't know how far in advance but SWA could tell you).

Honestly, I didn't want to spend that much $ so I had a one way car rental set up (MCO-BUF) but didn't have to use it. Last year, we were flying MCO-BUF Dec 31 so the last thing I wanted was to get stuck in MCO and have to pay top buck to get home that day.

How long has US air been in bankruptcy protection ?

 

[CarolA]

Hi everyone
Has anyone any info as to what too do since I just found out that delta and northwest airways have claimed bankruptcy. I fly out with US airways that has also claimed brankruptcy problems. We don't fly out until jan 2 what do you all suggest I do? I thought about seeing our travel agent about the threat that they will claim bankruptcy,I have lived through a bankruptcy with a business I worked for and I know how fast they can say too bad and so sad you get nothing.
Any help or info would be appreciated
Christine

Well, you are a little behind on USAir. They have been in bankruptcy for MONTHS. Actually I believe today they appear before a judge to get approval for thier plan to exit bankruptcy.

I am not sure what you plan to theraten your TA with.. It's not like he/she has any control over the bankruptcy of the airlines. He/she cannot get you a refund just because the airline has claimed bankrutpcy.

Since you are on USAir they may even be out of bankruptcy by then.

 

[4formickey]

We booked ATA and they kept teling us that everything was fine, but as they went thru chp. 11 they closed gates and cut flights. just be prepared for anything.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

I am not sure what you plan to theraten your TA with..

The OP didn't say she wanted to THREATEN the TA, just to consult with her about the threat of bankruptcy. Not a bad idea, IMO...it's possible that the TA might have some insight or experience in this, and can advise the OP about backup plans.

 

[caine family of five]

Originally Posted by CarolA

I am not sure what you plan to theraten your TA with..

Quote:
Originally Posted by caine family of five
Hi everyone
Has anyone any info as to what too do since I just found out that delta and northwest airways have claimed bankruptcy. I fly out with US airways that has also claimed brankruptcy problems. We don't fly out until jan 2 what do you all suggest I do? I thought about seeing our travel agent about the threat that they will claim bankruptcy,I have lived through a bankruptcy with a business I worked for and I know how fast they can say too bad and so sad you get nothing.
Any help or info would be appreciated
Christine



hi everyone
CarolA I didn't claim I was going to threaten my TA. I stated I was going to see her. You must of misunderstood and thought I was going to threaten her ,what would she be able to do, well ease my mind as I spent alot of money on tickets and keep me informed. I have worked through this scenario before and we were supposed to be ok and within a month we closed our doors for good and no compensation after ten years of hard work. I would never threaten another human over something so stupid.
Christine

 

[DebbieB]

USAirways is planning to exit bankruptcy on September 27 when the merger with America West is complete:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05260/573302.stm