Independence Air to Shut Down

[tlaktan]

<p>Don’t know how many parents have kids travelling to the D.C. area; Independence Air has often been cited as low-fare and affordable. Unfortunately, it’s also shutting down on Thursday:</p>

<p><a href=“http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060102/ap_on_bi_ge/independence_air;_ylt=AosBDyfA9kKLCji0mGEqL.ys0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA2Z2szazkxBHNlYwN0bQ--[/url]”>http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060102/ap_on_bi_ge/independence_air;_ylt=AosBDyfA9kKLCji0mGEqL.ys0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA2Z2szazkxBHNlYwN0bQ--&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>

CHANTILLY, Va. - Independence Air, which won fans with its low fares, announced plans Monday to cease operations just days into the new year.</p>

<p>The carrier said its money troubles will force it to cancel all departures after 7 p.m. Thursday. The end came less than 19 months after the airline’s first takeoff.</p>

<p>“Things traditionally in the airline industry slow down drastically in January, so the total number of people that are going to be affected by this is much less than it would have been during the holiday season,” said Rick DeLisi, a spokesman for Independence Air.

</p>

[lderochi]

<p>Sad news, but definitely not unexpected. I have to punt on a $109 voucher I have from a cancelled trip. I didn’t like the trip all the way over to Dulles, but for pleasure travel their fares were so low that it was often worth it.</p>

[tsdad]

<p>We’re out less than a $100.00 for my wife’s planned trip to meet me in Chicago at the end of the month.</p>

[momofthree]

<p>I have a friend whose DD is coming home to TN via Independence tomorrow, but can’t go back to DC in a week. Just lost the fare, it appears. Independence sent her an email today and she’s now searching the Internet for a means to return. Sheesh.</p>

[jmmom]

<p>My brother was just saying last night that he was going to hurry and fly up here later this week to use up about $300 (?) he’s got with them. A little late, now.</p>

[karthikkito]

<p>If I’m not mistaken, you can (by law) fly standby on another airline for $50 rountrip or $25 one way…it might be $50 one way, but by no means do you have to go out and buy another ticket. Just make sure you standby on a flight that isn’t always packed and you should be fine.</p>

<p>:)</p>

[lderochi]

<p>karthikkito, from the e-mail letter I got:</p>

<p>

Please be aware that under section 145 of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (November 19, 2001) Congress has obligated U.S. airlines to offer stand-by transportation to passengers holding un-refunded tickets for airlines that have ceased operations due to insolvency or bankruptcy. The Act stipulates that passengers must make their request to carriers serving the same routes as the bankrupt carrier and must do so within 60 days of the cessation of service. The U.S. Department of Transportation has ruled that airlines who offer the stand-by transportation may charge $50 one-way per person to cover related expenses

</p>

[dudedad]

<p>In one of several articles in the WA Post today, a FLYi spokesman suggests you contact your credit card company if holding reservations for a refund…</p>