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Spirit Airlines discloses real consequences of poor customer service
If you ever want the truth about anything, the smartest thing you can do is follow the money. Cash doesn't lie, regardless of the people who are wielding it. So, if you don't think airlines have any real risk because of poor customer service – that everyone just expects and lives with the worst – it pays to check out the recent Spirit Airlines financial filing. Spirit is looking to go public with the hopes of raising $300 million. To do so, of course, it had to file all kinds of paperwork with the SEC, including a Form S-1, which includes, among other things, the risks the company faces. Think of it as a warning label for potential investors.
Based on the document, covered over on Elliott.org, service is enough of a risk that Spirit feels warrants mentioning:
Negative publicity regarding our customer service could have a material adverse effect on our business.
In the past we have experienced a relatively high number of customer complaints related to, among other things, our customer service, reservations and ticketing systems and baggage handling.
This isn't just theory, here. Spirit is disclosing what it has actually experienced. It's a touch of North Korean-style self-criticism that's eye-opening for potential investors. It's also a case of brutal honesty. Spirit is saying that it has had lots of complaints across virtually the entire company.
In particular, we generally experience a higher volume of complaints when we make changes to our unbundling policies, such as charging for baggage.
Okay, no shocks here.
In addition, in 2009, we entered into a consent order with the DOT in which we were assessed a civil penalty of $375,000, of which we are required to pay only $215,000 provided there are no further similar violations for one year after the date of the consent order, for our procedures for bumping passengers from oversold flights and our handling of lost or damaged baggage.
Not only does Spirit suggest that that there is a risk to future customer revenues, the airline also indicates that there are regulatory expenses associated with poor customer service.
Our reputation and business could be materially adversely affected if we fail to meet customers' expectations with respect to customer service or if we are perceived by our customers to provide poor customer service.
Translation for investors = our service levels could cost you your money.
Spirit is in a tough spot, because it's looking to enter the pubic capital markets – it isn't there already, like the major characters. And, as they say, the first time can be uncomfortable and awkward.
Filed under: Business, North America, United States, Airlines












Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jay Sep 26th 2010 2:20PM
This is the airline that started chargeing for carry-on bags. If they go public they will probably want to charge you for stock certificates and annual reports and anything else they can stick you with. Boycott them and there stock offering for the poor service they are so proud of.
Simzee Sep 26th 2010 3:12PM
All airlines should PAY people to fly.
JOhn Sep 26th 2010 8:44PM
One word: AMTRAK ! Airline problems and inconveniences solved...I sleep, I stretch out, I eat when I want, pretty views, I walk around and stretch...ah, life is good. AMTRAK
thom Sep 26th 2010 2:24PM
"Spirit is in a tough spot, because it's looking to enter the pubic capital markets"
I've never heard of ANY "PUBIC" capital markets, has anyone else???ha ha ha
EMS911brat Sep 26th 2010 3:06PM
I used to fly Spirit a LOT until my laptop was damaged, and a Customer Service Agent told me I could not board a flight carrying my fahters casket flag when I flew back from my fathers funeral.. It toos TSA to get me onto my flight! Now charging for carry ons NO WAY!
Tom Sep 26th 2010 3:18PM
My wife and I were members of their $9 Club but now that they are charging for carry ons we will no longer fly with them. We don't like to be nickel/dimed to death after paying our fare. Good luck Spirit on your IPO--No doubt you will find another reason to steal money from your customers--if you have any left.
Traveler Sep 26th 2010 4:43PM
I just booked a flight from florida to new jersey with Spirit. $63.00 ea way including all taxes and luggage. I belong to the $9 club, If you can be flexable your chances of getting good prices are on your side. I have read alot about all thier problems and I will stick with them until I feel there is a great misjustice. I no longer carry on luggage just my personnels in my backpack. (no charge for that)
DRU Sep 26th 2010 6:14PM
You mean, NO CHARGE YET!!! Next they will try to charge for any personal item that is not a part of you dress. I know, we can all just show up at the airports nude. This MIGHT get us thru TSA quicker also. Thoughts anyone?
Flagrante Delicto Sep 26th 2010 6:37PM
Question: How do you make a millions dollars in the airline industry?
Answer: Start with TWO million dollars.
If you even consider investing in Spirit, should it go IPO, you would be better served flushing your money down the toilet. At least you would have the satisfaction of wiping your ass before flushing your hard earning dollars down the shitter.