Skybus Airlines, a no-frills, low-cost carrier, became the third airline to shut down in less than 10 days. Skybus followed ATA and Aloha's example on April 5. Skybus also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Skybus was not an ARC participating carrier.
In a statement, Skybus said it had struggled to overcome the combination of rising jet fuel costs and a slowing economic environment. These two issues proved to be insurmountable for a new carrier.
Passengers holding reservations for Skybus flights scheduled to depart on or after Saturday, April 5, 2008 should contact their credit card companies to arrange to apply for a refund. More information for customers and others will be made available on the Skybus web site (www.skybus.com) as it becomes available, Skybus said.
All flights for Friday, April 4 were completed, Skybus said. Skybus was formed last year and headquartered in Columbus, OH.
ASTA advised agents that ticket holders who paid by credit card should contact their credit card company. Future bankruptcy updates will be provided at www.skybus.com .
ASTA also said JetBlue will offer affected Skybus customers a special $50 one-way standby fare. This fare will be honored for any JetBlue destination within 100 miles of the original Skybus destination. Skybus customers must call JetBlue Reservations at 800-JETBLUE (800-538-2583) to list as standby customers and must show proof of Skybus purchase at the airport upon check in. All travel must be completed by April 13, 2008. Details can be found on JetBlue's Web site.www.jetblue.com
ASTA also said US Airways will also offer a $50 standby fare for travelers who were scheduled to fly on Skybus to/from Columbus, Ohio and Greensboro, NC. The $50 fee applies per non-stop leg and does not include applicable taxes and fees. See www.usairways.com for more information.
