Silverjet Sob Stories

June 2, 2008 at 9:35 AM | by kjb | 3 Comments

It wasn't too surprising to learn that Silverjet was the latest all business class carrier to ground its planes. After all, we've seen all business class carriers go down before. Unfortunately, some travelers had tickets on Silverjet.

Passenger Grant Godwin had his sweet Dubai birthday party ruined:

Twelve of us were supposed to be flying out to Dubai this evening for my 40th--disappointed is not the word.

Passenger Allan Cabridge was planning a trip to the States:

I'm a businessman and regularly use Silverjet to fly to America. I'm shocked and disappointed to learn of its closure ... I'm just glad I'm flying with another airline today.

At least when you travel on a ticket that costs upwards of £1,000, you can probably afford some alternate transportation. The most unfortunate population in the recent string of closures is employees.

One employee who didn't give her name said:

We got a phone call this morning, saying we had to come and collect our stuff. We don't know if we're even getting paid. What next? I don't know--the pub?

Finally, another employee heard internal rumors about the airlines' fate, but it seems like the rumor turned to truth without any notice:

All we can hope is that we are paid. People talk and we had a feeling this would happen but it's still a shock. They haven't handled it well. We should have been told.

Even though the airline, as one passenger eloquently stated, was "taking the piss," there is still a glimmer of hope in the Silverjet brand. Rumors are swirling that buyers are looking into the brand, so maybe the carrier will come roaring back. Or maybe not.

Related Stories:
· Silverjet Collapse Hits almost 10,000 Travelers [UK Times]
· Silverjet in Talks for Early Sell-off [UK Times]
· Shock and Anger as Silverjet Runs out of Cash [The Guardian]
· Silverjet coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: g4spr]

3 Comments

Return to » Silverjet Sob Stories

Comet
Jaunted Member

refund? You'll be lucky.
In the quest for a refund, Misinformation rules. I bought a �1000 ticket using my Amex Card to fly Silverjet to Newark at the end of June. When it all went prayer shaped, I contacted Silverjet and got that recording. I contacted my insurer who said I am not covered for carrier insolvency (no surprise!), but advised me to contact ABTA. Wrong - ABTA cant help , but said to contact ATOL, wrong - ATOL can't help , but had I tried Amex? Now, it all depends if I have a charge card or a credit card. How should I know? What's the difference? Credit cards are protected by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act and so you get a refund but charge cards aren't, apparently. I bet you I have the charge card variety. I will keep you posted, when (if) I hear back from Amex. I've only been at this since Friday and I am already tearing my hair out. Oh yes, you know that rumour about BA flying Silverjet passengers for the same price - well that's bollox as well.

June 2, 2008 at 11:42 AM

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kjb
Jaunted Contributing Editor

Silverjet Refund
I don't know how things differ in the UK (assuming that's where you are located), but when state-side carrier SkyBus went under I contacted AmEx to dispute the charge. They sent me some paperwork to sign and confirm, and I was refunded my charge (much less than £1000). Good luck, and let us know how you make out!

June 2, 2008 at 12:06 PM

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juliana
Jaunted Contributing Editor

silverjet picked up Eos passengers, no?
didnt silverjet offer special fares for EOS passengers who were stranded when that business class airline went down? is there anyone who was booked on EOS, then silverjet and is now twice-screwed?

June 2, 2008 at 12:50 PM

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