Grounded due to Jet crisis? Know more

Ticket refunds remain a challenge, though Jet claims the amount would be credited in 7 to 10 working days after the request is processed.
Aneesh Phadnis reports.

Grounded planes and cancelled flights.

Jet Airways's suspension of services last week has left thousands of passengers in the lurch.

Ticket refunds are delayed and alternative flights have become costlier.

Domestic airlines are taking over Jet's routes, while partner airlines, including Air France and Etihad, are operating additional flights and accommodating Jet's passengers.

But everyone will not get a free seat.

Who is protected? Who isn't?

A lot will depend on which carrier issued the ticket.

Globally, airlines sign interline and codeshare agreements which allow them to sell tickets on each others' networks.

Ticket issued by Jet's partners (Air France-KLM, Etihad or Virgin Atlantic) on a Jet Airways-operated flight: Passengers are being rebooked on an alternative flight without any fee.

Refund option: Yes

Ticket issued by Jet Airways on a flight operated by other airlines: Partner airlines (except Air France-KLM) are not accepting Jet Airways-issued tickets.

This means such passengers will not be rebooked on alternative flights free of charge.

Refund option: Yes

Ticket issued by Jet Airways on its own flights: Such passengers will only get a refund and are not being accommodated on other airlines free of charge.

Jet Airways did not respond to a query.

More flight options for Jet loyalty miles holders

Jet Airways loyalty programme miles remain intact and frequent flyers have the option of redeeming them on an airline of their choice.

Jet Privilege is directly purchasing redemption tickets from other airlines for its members.

It is purchasing them as other airlines are not accepting Jet-issued tickets.

A company spokesperson said members can continue to use their miles on flights, hotel stays, and merchandise options.

Extra flights for stranded passengers

Air France and Eithad are operating additional flights to India to transport passengers affected by Jet's grounding.

KLM is flying higher capacity aircraft to Mumbai and Delhi.

However, the challenge faced by airlines is getting vacant seats, as flights are full due to peak summer travel season and the upcoming Ramzan month.

British Airways plans to operate a third flight between London-Mumbai four times a week from June.

Jet used to operate three daily flights on the route before its suspension.

British Airways did not respond to a query.

Long wait for refunds

Ticket refunds remain a challenge, though Jet claims the amount would be credited in 7 to 10 working days after the request is processed.

On its Web site, the airline says its customer service teams are working round-the-clock to ensure passengers are re-accommodated on alternative flights or issued a full refund.

Travel agents are however, bracing for long delays.

'Refund will be credited only after we receive it from the airline. All travel partners are requested not to deduct the refund amount from our regular payments,' Riya Travels said in a note to its sub-agents and partners.

The Travel Agents Federation of India issued a note saying travel agents cannot be held responsible for refunds due from cancelled flights and agents can only liaise with an airline and reimburse upon receiving the amount.

• Jet Air Saga