 "A consumer commission orders SpiceJet to refund a senior couple for a canceled flight, citing service deficiency and distress caused.")
A Mumbai consumer commission has ordered SpiceJet to refund Rs 13,696 to a senior couple whose flight was canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline failed to issue the refund despite guidelines from the Supreme Court and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. The couple had booked tickets in June 2020 for a flight scheduled in July but received cancellation notices instead. Despite many emails requesting a full refund, SpiceJet only offered a credit shell for future travel, which the couple did not want. The commission criticized SpiceJet for its lack of evidence regarding alleged issues with refunding the money and directed the airline to pay the full amount along with interest and additional compensation for mental distress and litigation costs.
SpiceJet Ordered to Refund Senior Citizens for Cancelled Flight
In a significant ruling, a consumer commission has directed SpiceJet Limited to refund a senior citizen couple for a flight that was cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic. The commission found the airline responsible for failing to refund the ticket cost despite clear guidelines from the Supreme Court and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
The Mumbai suburban district consumer disputes redressal commission issued the order recently. The couple, who reside in Chembur, had booked their flight on June 24, 2020, for travel from Mumbai to Pondicherry via Bangalore on July 1, 2020, and paid ₹13,696 using a credit card.
After receiving cancellation emails from SpiceJet, the couple was informed that their tickets would be placed in a credit shell, valid for future travel until March 31, 2021. However, they sought a full refund, stating they had no intention to travel. Despite sending multiple emails to the airline requesting a refund between September 2021 and February 2022, they faced delays and inadequate responses, leading them to escalate the issue.
The couple approached the consumer commission after exhausting all avenues, seeking their booking amount along with interest, compensation for mental distress, and litigation costs. The commission noted that SpiceJet claimed an attempted transfer of the refund had failed due to incorrect account details, but the couple’s bank statements contradicted this assertion.
In its ruling, the commission found SpiceJet’s excuses for not refunding the ticket were vague and unreasonable. They directed the airline to refund the ticket price without deduction and pay additional compensation for the couple’s distress and legal expenses.
This ruling highlights the importance of consumer rights and holds airlines accountable for service deficiencies, particularly during challenging times like the pandemic. For those affected by similar situations, this case serves as a reminder to pursue their rights diligently.
Tags: SpiceJet, Consumer Rights, Flight Refund, COVID-19, Senior Citizens, Airline Complaints, Mumbai Consumer Commission.
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Why did we get a refund for our canceled flight with SpiceJet?
You received a refund because your flight was canceled due to COVID-19. The airline is required to refund passengers in such cases. -
How much will the refund be for our canceled flight?
You will get back the full amount you paid for your ticket, as the flight was canceled by the airline. -
How long will it take to receive our refund?
Typically, refunds can take a few weeks. SpiceJet will process it as quickly as possible, but it may depend on your bank. -
Do we need to do anything to get the refund?
If you have already applied for the refund, you don’t need to do anything. Just keep an eye on your bank account. - What if we booked our tickets through a travel agent?
If you booked through a travel agent, you should contact them for the refund. They will handle it with SpiceJet on your behalf.
