The full subject of this is "Skybus response and my reply as to why they won't refund my dead mother's fare" but it wouldn't fit.
My best friend sent me this thread of emails yesterday. While you may think it's morbid to laugh, it's really not. To know her family and her Aunt Mary (the deceased) you would know that it is OK to laugh, and Aunt Mary would be proud of her daughter for writing this gloriously sarcastic email! I HAD to share it.
I switched the emails so you can read top to bottom instead of bottom to top.
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From: Cindy T---- [mailto]
Sent: Tue 10/16/2007 5:55 PM
To: ContactUs
Subject: I have a general question or comment
I could not access your information on credits. I bought my tickets to take my mother to Boston from Cols. (I was flying in from KCMO) She died from a heart attack in September. We were told there would be no refunds, however, no one spoke about receiving credit. We are currently disputing this through our credit card company. A credit would be fine for me. A contract requires two parties. If one is dead, how can you provide the services you agreed to contract for? Thank you, Cindy T---
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Subject: RE: I have a general question or comment
Date: Fri, 19 Oct 2007 09:01:47 -0400
From: contactus@skybus.com
Thank you for contacting Skybus.
We are sorry to learn the circumstances under which you are requesting a Change.
All Skybus fares are non-refundable and we don’t offer credit towards future flights. However, we do offer the option to change your Skybus trip up to 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your flight. Due to the fact that we do not offer any credits, your new travel date must be chosen from the flights available on our website at the time of the change.
If you are concerned about protecting your travel investment, we recommend purchasing Trip Insurance. Skybus is pleased to partner with AIG Travel Guard, which provides coverage for costs incurred by unexpected delays or cancellations. For more information, learn about AIG Travel Guard Trip Insurance.
We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to serving you in the future.
Brad - Skybus
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From: cindy t------ [mailto]
Sent: Sat 10/27/2007 11:29 PM
To: ContactUs
Subject: RE: I have a general question or comment
How much is it to change a flight and how can I change the flight of a dead person?
________________________________________________________
Subject: RE: I have a general question or comment
Date: Sun, 28 Oct 2007 12:50:15 -0400
From: contactus@skybus.com
Thank you for contacting Skybus.
As per Skybus policy, you may change your Skybus Trip for a $40 change fee per passenger, per flight segment – plus any fare difference if the new fare is higher (there is no refund if the new fare is lower). Changes may be made up to 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your flight.
Also note the following restrictions:
- You may not change the names of your passengers. Skybus tickets are non-transferable.
- You may change flight dates and times subject to availability, but you may not change your departure or destination cities.
To change your Trip, click the “View/Change Reservation†tab located in the lower left portion of the Skybus Home Page, then enter the requested information and click the “go†button. You’ll see an overview of your Trip, along with options to change dates and times, add “Extras†like Priority Boarding and request special assistance such as a wheelchair. However, you cannot change the arrival or departure cities on your trip, nor passenger names.
Please note that these changes are applicable only if person is live. In case of dead person this rule does not applies. We understand your expectations as a customer but please understand that there are limitations to what we can do to help. Skybus has explicit rules and policies and it would be unfair for us to enforce the rules for some passengers but not others.
We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding with regard to this matter.
Brad - Skybus
_________________________________________________________
From: ------@hotmail.com
Subject: Skybus response and my reply as to why they won't refund my dead mother's fare
Date: Sun, 28 Oct 2007 22:09:59 -0500
Surely, Brad, you can see how ludicrous your response is. I can change the trip for 40.00 plus higher fare, per passenger. But I can't change the passengers name. MY MOTHER IS DEAD!!!!! She is non existent. Let me guess what your other restrictions are: she is still required to go through security. Can carry on two bags, as long as her harp case can fit under the seat or in the overhead bin. Her halo must be turned off for take offs and landings. She may face extradition from the plane since her long, white robes embroidered with "Property of Jesus" may make the muslims nervous. She can't bring any holy water on, but it's included in your menu for 2.00 a bottle. I can request a wheel chair, but hmmmmm, there won't be a body to sit in it. I can't change the destination. How many 10.00 fares does skybus have departing from "The Golden Gates" to the Boston area anyway? Does her wing span determine if she will be charged for one seat or two? What type of picture ID are dead people required to present? Are your agents prepared with 3D glasses so they can actually see her on Kodak's new "Spirit Phenomena" film? Is she only permitted to fly when a pilot named "Saint Peter" is available? Can she still sit in the emergency exit row? She can't lift the doors, however, she can transcend through them. What if she is required to call God and the frequency is the same as the airlines? Since she is cell-less, she doesn't need to use a cell phone. Since she's also lung-less, could you please remove the oxygen mask from overhead? She always hated the color of those things. Oh yeah, since she doesn't need to use the bathroom facilities, could you also leave a window open so she can take a cloud break every now and then?
Brad, I recommend you send this email to your supervisors. Because I'm going to be busy sending it out to everyone. As for your comment 'Skybus has explicit rules and policies and it would be unfair for us to enforce the rules for some passengers but not others.' I would like the emails of your on staff psychics. I miss my mom. I'd like to be there when they explain to her why she can't violate the rules. While they're at it, maybe they wouldn't mind asking her how she enjoyed her funeral service.




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