TransMeridian ceases operations

[MAH4546]

This came out of nowhere. Not on their website yet, in fact, not on the web, but it has been reported on local Orlando and Toledo-area news.

 

[MAH4546]

For some reason they are still accepting reservations...

Sanford, FL, September 29, 2005 – It is with disappointment that Orlando Sanford International Airport confirms TransMeridian Airlines (TMA) has
ceased operating all commercial flights as of September 30, 2005.

TMA began service at Orlando Sanford with flights to Syracuse, NY in June 2003. In addition to the Syracuse service, TMA previously operated the following flights from Orlando Sanford: Aguadilla, Puerto Rico; Allentown, PA; Atlanta, GA;Chicago/Rockford, IL; Cincinnati, OH; Harrisburg, PA;
Louisville, KY; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Louis - MidAmerica; Toledo, OH; Washington, DC (Dulles);

Passengers are encouraged to make alternative arrangements for travel as no replacement flights are currently available from Orlando Sanford. To the
Airport’s knowledge, TMA has made no arrangements with other airlines for transporting previously booked passengers. TMA passengers are encouraged to contact their credit card companies or travel insurance
companies to seek compensation for their TMA booking.

Flights operated on behalf of Vacation Express are expected to operate on Friday, Saturday, and Monday. Passengers flying with Vacation Express should reconfirm their flight times by calling Vacation
Express at 1-800-309-4717.

 

[safetymom]

Here is a link to the press release.

http://www.orlandosanfordairport.com/documents/press_releases/TMACessation.pdf
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Sanford Airport Authority TBI Airport Management, Inc.
Diane Crews Gregory A. Dull
Phone: 407-585-4010 Phone: 407-585-4500
Email: dcrews@OrlandoSanfordAirport.com Email: Greg.Dull@tbiusinc.aero
TransMeridian Airlines Ceases Operations
Airline Operated from Orlando Sanford since June 2003
Sanford, FL, September 29, 2005 – It is with disappointment that Orlando Sanford
International Airport confirms TransMeridian Airlines (TMA) has ceased operating all
commercial flights as of September 30, 2005. TMA began service at Orlando Sanford with
flights to Syracuse, NY in June 2003. In addition to the Syracuse service, TMA previously
operated the following flights from Orlando Sanford: Aguadilla, Puerto Rico; Allentown, PA;
Atlanta, GA; Chicago/Rockford, IL; Cincinnati, OH; Harrisburg, PA; Louisville, KY; San Juan,
Puerto Rico; St. Louis - MidAmerica; Toledo, OH; Washington, DC (Dulles);
Passengers are encouraged to make alternative arrangements for travel as no replacement
flights are currently available from Orlando Sanford. To the Airport’s knowledge, TMA has
made no arrangements with other airlines for transporting previously booked passengers. TMA
passengers are encouraged to contact their credit card companies or travel insurance companies
to seek compensation for their TMA booking.
Flights operated on behalf of Vacation Express are expected to operate on Friday,
Saturday, and Monday. Passengers flying with Vacation Express should reconfirm their flight
times by calling Vacation Express at 1-800-309-4717.
For more information about SFB, visit the airport’s website at
www.OrlandoSanfordAirport.com.

 

[Lori-n-NY]

Our local news channel are also reporting this. I'm in Syracuse and have family that uses TMA often and they will hate giving up the direct flight.

I hope people who have tickets with them can get things worked out without alot of problems. TMA should be giving refunds..but they are advising you call your credit card company...does not sound good. This is another reason to book using credit card and not debit card.
Lori

 

[safetymom]

I can dispute charges with my debit card.

 

[Brian Noble]

Wow, that's unfortunate. I was *this close* to booking on TMA for this February too. I guess my guardian angel was looking out for me that day.

 

[corvair]

I have flights out of harrisburg to sanford the week of thanksgiving....i am so bummed....i have been trying to get through to transmerritian...but keeps saying all circuits are busy....now what do i do...should i call my credit card company now.....i was so looking forward to my trip...now i have to scramble to get flights...and way expensive.....help......... amy

 

[ScrapAng]

I'm in the same boat. $1000 in tickets. I've called my CC company. They said they would file a claim (sending me paperwork) but if there was no money to get from TMA I would be out the money. This is MC through my checking account. As far as I know, this is the only direct flight from Toledo. Kind of kills the $179 I got back on the new code yesterday. Can't get through to TMA either.

 

[gypsydoodlebug]

I just flew Transmeridian Sept. 9-12...everything was nice! That's too bad.

 

[CarolA]

I have flights out of harrisburg to sanford the week of thanksgiving....i am so bummed....i have been trying to get through to transmerritian...but keeps saying all circuits are busy....now what do i do...should i call my credit card company now.....i was so looking forward to my trip...now i have to scramble to get flights...and way expensive.....help......... amy

You need to call your credit card company and find out the dispute policy.

You are going to have more luck with them.

If you used a tradional credit card you should be fine. If you used a debit cards all bets are off. That is a much longer process, the funds have to be refunded from the airline first. They are suppose to be in a trust fund so if TMA did what they were suppose to do you will eventually get your money.

This is why I just don't fly charters!!!

 

[manning]

Use a credit card NOT a debit card!!!!!!!!!!!

The rules are different.

 

[Brian Noble]

Don't bother trying to call TMA. The news releases I've seen make it clear that they have no intention of refunding anything directly to anyone. I'd be surprised if anyone is being paid to even answer the phones.

 

[corvair]

I called harrisburg airport directly...and they told me that Transmerridian has disconnected their phone service....i did use a credit card..so hopefully get refunded....

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

From http://www.transmeridian-airlines.com/

TransMeridian Airlines

News Release

TransMeridian Airlines Shuts down All Operations and will File for Protection Under Section 7 of the US Bankruptcy Code

Lithia Springs , GA. , September 29, 2005 - Today TransMeridian Airlines announced the shut down of all flight operations effective immediately. The Atlanta based supplemental carrier was unsuccessful in negotiations to restructure its debt.

All flight operations have been terminated. Passengers who purchased tickets on cancelled flights should contact their travel agent or credit card company.

Since its founding in 1995, TransMeridian has carried more than a million passengers to more than 150 destinations within the United States , Mexico , South America and the Caribbean . The management of TransMeridian would like to thank all of its customers for their patronage and continued support over the years.

The airline is now working on efforts to assist employees affected by the shutdown. Airline officials expressed their sincere gratitude to their hundreds of dedicated workers who served the charter airline.

Passengers seeking more information can contact the company by email at communications@tmair.com

For media requests, contact:

Frank Fraboni

Communications Director

TransMeridian Airlines

404-915-9967​

 

[Brumeiser]

We have flown to Vegas and right after we used them they discontinued their flight from Toledo to Vegas. Now we just got back this past Monday and they are now bankrupt. Bummer is all I can say. The flight we came down on and came back both flights were packed with people. Now what do we do for flights? I really enjoyed the Sanford Airport small, not much of a line for security and the crew was very enjoyable. My wife enjoyed the flight so much that she is now willing to fly on all future Florida trips. Now I will have to check other airports like Detroit, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton etc. and see what is out there. Any suggestions for anyone in Ohio or Michigan on what airlines you use. Thanks

 

[Pete W.]

I just flew Transmeridian Sept. 9-12...everything was nice! That's too bad.

We flew Southeast Airlines last summer from ABE to SFB, then TransMeridian this year and had positive experiences both times. Now both airlines are gone. Is it something we did?

I feel bad for those who have TransMeridian tix. Hopefully they receive prompt credit and can make alternate arrangements.

 

[bicker]

For the best protection with a credit card, be sure to purchase your airline tickets no more than 60 days prior to your flight. If you purchase your tickets earlier, then you lose most of the protection purchasing your tickets with a credit card affords you.

 

[CarolA]

For the best protection with a credit card, be sure to purchase your airline tickets no more than 60 days prior to your flight. If you purchase your tickets earlier, then you lose most of the protection purchasing your tickets with a credit card affords you.

Actually that varies by credit card. I read a whole study someone did on this on www.flyertalk.com so I called several of my credit cards. Diners Club said that no matter when they would protect me. My understanding is Amex is the same for some cards. (I hate Amex so I don't know) Basically they are basing in on failure to deliver services. So the only way to know for sure what your coverage is would be to read your card rules or call. I had an MBNA Platnium at the time and supposedly I would have been fine there. (I cancelled it since they have no customer service!)

 

[vossjemi]

I'm soooo sorry for you guys who had tix w/TMA. I feel bad for recommending them a few weeks ago to someone. I sure hope you get your $ back. My parents did get their $ back a few years ago when they had Vanguard tix to Vegas and they went bankrupt a week before their trip, so there is some hope.

 

[safetymom]

bumping