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‘Shame on you LIAT!’ – Resident

- Persons feel it’s time to fight LIAT to improve services
Persons feel it’s time to fight LIAT to improve services. Photo: Jetphotos.net
The Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, Beef Island. Photo: VINO/File
The Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, Beef Island. Photo: VINO/File
BEEF ISLAND, VI – When a regular traveling customer was made to pay some $77.00 to rebook a flight on LIAT for a Caribbean destination he said it was the last straw and cried shame on the regional airline.

For several personal reasons the passenger has asked not to be named at this time but told his story to this news site. We also spoke with others who were also all disgruntled with the services they have been receiving from LIAT.

One customer said that it was on Friday June 6, 2014 he was late for a flight. He was heading to Grenada, the aircraft had already been loaded a ready for takeoff. “So I understand that was my bad, I was late and for security and other reasons I couldn’t expect them to hold up the plane just to take me on,” he explained.

He said he got the shock of his life when he approached to book another flight out for the same day and was made to pay $77.00. “I think that was ridiculous. They had another flight going out the same day. It wasn’t full… they had lots of empty seat and to put me on that flight I had to pay that much, I think that was ridiculous,” said the unhappy customer.

He turned the scenario back on the company blasting them for being the reason for him and other passengers being as much as four hours late because of their tardiness with their flights. “They don’t compensate nobody when they are late causing you to miss appointments, be late for certain activities and things like that,” he said.

He recalled one instance when he his entire trip was wasted because of the airline’s lateness. He said he was heading to a meeting in another country but by the time he got the destination the meeting was over.

“Four hours, you hear me, four hours they were late, my trip was a waste and they refused to compensate me and that was their fault not mine. They taking a heap of money from you to rebook a same-day flight and when they mess up they giving you a hard time to compensate you for their bad, how fair is that?”

Another person blasted LIAT for similar experiences and in addition, not receiving their baggage on time, and nothing but water, tea or coffee on the flight while traveling for over eight hours. “I don’t ever again want to hear the word LIAT. They starved me, took my hand luggage and cabin it and when I reach were I was going all I had was my bill fold, no suitcase, nothing and days after I get them,” said one frustrated passenger.

He explained that while he would understand not providing anything more solid for passengers to eat as most of the flights were two hours the most to another connecting plane, the fact that they are so late passengers do not get the time to grab something to eat at the boarding lounge while in transit.

“Your ticket tells you that you would be in transit for X amount of time but by the time you get to those location you are late and have to rush though immigration because the plane waiting on you... and they don’t give you sealed bottled water, I don’t trust that. LIAT is no good,” said the angry passenger.

That passenger said that he feels it’s time that persons strike a protest action against the company. “I spend three days without my luggage and had to buy clothes and I have the receipts for the things I purchased and the running they giving me to refund me, even portion, is unbelievable.”

This news site had a feel of the frustration while attempting to bring the allegations levied at the airline for their response. Contacted the local Virgin Islands office said that they were not authorized to respond to such issues and had given us a number to call their Antigua office. That was a wasted effort as the operator kept transferring us from one line to another and at no time were we able to reach the someone in authority at LIAT to speak on the issues.

65 Responses to “‘Shame on you LIAT!’ – Resident”

  • dfr (10/06/2014, 08:21) Like (24) Dislike (16) Reply
    One may not like the rebooking fee but that is the norm. If you miss the flight that is your fault .You pay the penalty. FYI the normal fee to do this is $100.00 So while you may not like it. That is the custom. Net time get a better alarm clock and do not cut it close. If it were the carrier's error they would recompense the traveler.
    • WOW!!! (10/06/2014, 10:26) Like (12) Dislike (8) Reply
      well i don't know if "dfr" travels often but that is not "the norm." Tortola is the only place i c u have 2 pay soo much 2 hop on another flight if u miss 1. Even as close as St. Maarten they don't do that. LIAT needs to stop taking advantage of certain situations just because they have no competition.
      • shame.... (10/06/2014, 11:12) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
        @WOW I think YOU are that doesn't travel much. $77 is a relatively cheap rebooking fee. If you miss your flight, 95% of the time you'll have to pay up to change your ticket. Not even a debate here.
      • Des (10/06/2014, 15:12) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
        Fees will incur, if you ain't miss the flight due to weather, tire popped, or things beyond your own control...fees will incur. You must read the terms and conditions when purchasing tickets. Different fees are involved due to the different classes in coach cabin. LIAT is ridiculous for real though. Over all these years you would think they would improve.
    • HUH!!! (10/06/2014, 11:27) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      Didn't you read where passengers said they were delayed and not compensated?
    • Rez (10/06/2014, 15:24) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      It has long been understood that if the company you are dealing with treats you with disrespect, then boycott them by not using their services for a few days or weeks. They will feel their loss on the first day and any business knows, this is professional suicide and should try to remedy the problem forthwith. They always give you telephone numbers to call, knowing good and well they lead to no where. If there is another airline going your same way, use them and let LIAT know you are mad as hell and not going to take it any more. Enough said.
    • THINK! (11/06/2014, 07:33) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      It use to be the nom that Black people could not vote in the US and raised voices changed that. It use to be the norm for many things until people raised their voices and change took place. This is no different.
  • liar liar (10/06/2014, 08:24) Like (22) Dislike (6) Reply
    Man it was your fault for missing the first flight.
  • Concern 1 (10/06/2014, 08:29) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    LIAT- Leave Island Any Time;Luggage In Any Terminal; Lord Is Any Try; Late; Leave It At That. These and more are some of the names we give to our dear Caribbean Airlines so what do we expect? LIAT needs strong strong strong competition and then you will definitely see a difference. When you look at the new faces to LIAT you just have to wonder some have reached retired age coming from other companies and achieving more financially than those who have been doing a good job for years.Liat needs a lot of support also and they are looking at us to do so but it must also come from the Company.Dont forget and dont be afraid to give them your suggestions
  • brian hodge (10/06/2014, 08:32) Like (5) Dislike (5) Reply
    there is nothing new in this- so get over it and plan more carefully next time!! LIAT is what LIAT is so stop making the same noise over the same issues that have been going on for years
    • Rez (11/06/2014, 00:26) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      So because they have been getting away with bad service we must shut up and take it? You are very stupid and this is why nothing ever gets done right here. I will not pay for bad service and if everyone stuck by this rule they would clean up their act fast. Only an idiot would just accept the fact that LIAT is bad so get over it. Boycott boycott boycott and only then will you see improvements.
  • Had Enough (10/06/2014, 08:36) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
    That's why I don't fly with liat, rather spend my money to St Thomas and fly American or JetBlue
    • please (10/06/2014, 09:33) Like (8) Dislike (5) Reply
      You think if you are late and miss a American or Jet Blue flight they don't do the same, it will also be more than $77
    • flyer (11/06/2014, 06:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yoi miss that American flight and they hit you $150.00.
  • sorry (10/06/2014, 08:51) Like (8) Dislike (9) Reply
    Virgin Islands Gov DON'T CARE, they fly out on chartered flights
    • tretretrete (10/06/2014, 10:21) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      To "SORRY" once again the mad minds you people have here, that's why of you will never prosper on life. One of these days god is going to make you have to fly on that same plane and make you experience the same things.
  • K (10/06/2014, 08:56) Like (15) Dislike (10) Reply
    shut up and pay the 77 dollars
  • Hmmmm (10/06/2014, 09:07) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    LIAT spelled backwards it TAIL...and that's exactly what they are the tail and always trying to make excuses for their actions. I traveled on LIAT for a four days weekend trip, I didn't checked in any bags as my carryon was small enough to fit in the cabin and all liquids were under 3oz and in a zip lock bag, still the gate agent told me my bag was to big. They claimed they gate checked it and give me a tag however, upon my arrival to my destination my bag is yet to be found. I had to buy clothes for my time there because my bag reached my destination after I returned home and it took another two days after that for me to receive it. I will never travel on LIAT again as long as I live.
  • Scary Mary (10/06/2014, 09:11) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    Get all disgruntled passengers together, get all your receipts proving you were out of pocket for clothing and other expenses due to their lateness or failure to deliver your luggage, hire a lawyer and bring a class action suit. Perhaps if people stopped complaining and actually took them to task LEGALLY, they might wake up!
    • Yes (10/06/2014, 11:02) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Please get real, you don't think delays are covered in the terms and conditions of carriage? we all tick that we accept these conditions but don't read them, its all there in black and white times stated are not necessarily going to be time you travel. All airlines have these policies to cover themselves.
  • cay (10/06/2014, 09:24) Like (1) Dislike (6) Reply
    Many of us have many of deeds stories
    • Mick Mars (10/06/2014, 17:46) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply

      "Deeds" story? Don't own anything of significant value in order to have a deed, my friend. Smart a.. comment, yes, but nobody can't take you seriously with this none sense anymore.

    • Wow! (10/06/2014, 20:22) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      How many times do fellow bloggers have to correct you about the word USAGE 'deeds' idiot?
  • Yes (10/06/2014, 09:32) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    $77 is cheap, try it with British Airways if you miss the flight, can be in the hundreds!!
  • Bvi nice (10/06/2014, 09:39) Like (3) Dislike (6) Reply
    You are later than LIAT? This missed seat affects there budget so, in my opinion, the $77 is justified by LIAT. This shows that LIAT does not want to be associated with LATENESS in any form anymore. Learn to keep your appointment.
  • vincyman (10/06/2014, 09:55) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    i could remember i miss my flight coming from NY TO ROCK on AA an i just rebook for the next day without paying any other fee,dont know if liat policy is different..i do think they(liat ) should set a flat rate for that kinda thing.. liat need competition an yall see they will change the act...PS PAY THE 77 AN MORE ON...
  • wize up (10/06/2014, 10:08) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    it hurting this person to 77.00 dollars; the next time do not be late....we just like to balme someone else for our mistakes(you were late)
  • bvi (10/06/2014, 10:25) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
    Caribbean Airlines in Jamaica charged me US150.00 to re-book under the same circumstance for a flight that was one hour later, which I paid without grumbling because I know it was not their fault that I overslept and got to the airport late. Stop blaming the airline. We all want to reach the airport 30 minutes before departure and expect to be treated the same as travelers that make sure that they are at the airport 2 hours in advance. Stop the noise. You were right not to identify yourself because you would make yourself look stupid right about now.
  • truth be told (10/06/2014, 10:42) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    well you was late you didn't get there on time , how its the airline faults ,when they give you 2 hours to check in before departure you didn't and had to pay 77 dollars for missing the flight and lateness, sir you should be glad it was only 77 dollars , other big countries and airlines you will have to pay for a new ticket what you talking please, just be thankful in jesus name everything happen for a reason , like you want to be pamper with steak rice n peas plantian and a cup of cranberry juice , they give you something just to munch on ..
  • #sideeye (10/06/2014, 10:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    LIAT (defined): "The ULTIMATE travel experience".
  • high hope (10/06/2014, 11:09) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    What is new with liat?
  • Liat 521 (10/06/2014, 11:26) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    The man will know next time to get to his flight on time
  • Rediculous (10/06/2014, 11:41) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    I think many of you are missing this person's point. It's the policy of the thing.
    • agreed (10/06/2014, 13:01) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      I know persons who have missed their parents funeral because of days of delays from LIAT. The service is bad. not good for our economy. since thats our only option right now! But the rebooking fee is standard every where.
  • kevin (10/06/2014, 13:02) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Liat sucks
  • judge (10/06/2014, 13:02) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Alot of them missing the point, the man never said it was not his fault, he admitted that it was his fault, and i agree with him, this is nonsense for charging so much to rebook a flight, that liat airline must fail, it very soon, look how much inconvenience they caused thousands of passengers, do they ever compensate, monetary or otherwise, NO, they need to stop reaping off people, that's why they will fail, liat will never prosper.
    • XOXO (10/06/2014, 15:44) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      It is people like Ralph Gonsalves in St. Vincent who is propping up and supporting LIAT with their nonsense. I think that some of these Caribbean countries are trying to keep out potential competitors in order to secure their investments.
  • tell the truth (10/06/2014, 14:04) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    See poor Caribbean people have no rights Liat can do as they please just like how the government treat them so does liat
  • in the news (10/06/2014, 14:23) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    All them airlines are the same dawn thing
  • RealTalk (10/06/2014, 16:16) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    well sor ;leave it to us to bring down and talk bad about our own caribbean airline ,yes i kno that they can do better and need inprovement , but these thing happen all over the world. sir people pay 77 dollars for over weight that i can see people argueing about, but here you pay ( for a exchange date for a ticket) and you behaving like that shame on you, before you had to buy a new ticket for $770.00 you would have get a heart attack ,sir you was just upset from home for whatsoever reason we don't kno and decide to take it out on something or somebody so you choose the airline i understand ,and what make it worse you had to pay 77 dollars but we understand .
  • AC 360 (10/06/2014, 16:21) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Liat is no diffrent to the poor service we get everyday from other businesses
  • commonsence (10/06/2014, 16:24) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    just becuase you reach late you here talking alkind of ( hogwash) ,if you had reach early on time you wouldn't here talking hogwash and we would not have here commenting trying to explain your sad story, common sence
  • liasses (10/06/2014, 17:16) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    The man already acknowledges that he is wrong , he has no problem paying the $77 its the principle evolved . If liat is going to take that sjtsnce then their services must be improved. Instead of looking at the small picture allow your self to look at the big one
  • cay (10/06/2014, 17:42) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well saw
  • Love (10/06/2014, 18:09) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    When liat delays their crew are sent to their hotel to wait while we passengers stay at the airport frustrated with nothing to eat that's not right when the flight was cheap we use to get a biscuit and a little box juice now the price has gone sky high with nothing to eat we need a next airline company God help us
  • ha (10/06/2014, 19:44) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    You just got to love LIAT! There is no air carrier like our beloved LIAT.
  • cave man (10/06/2014, 21:16) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    he must think he got shares in the air line or he Obama brother! lol
  • best of the rest (10/06/2014, 22:13) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    only hon fraser can sourt this out that is why we need him and leader
  • bvislander....... (10/06/2014, 22:26) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    liat is no diffrent that the NDP waste of time and money !!!!!
  • Regular flyer (11/06/2014, 06:28) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Come on man that is a business, you think they are going to hold empty seats just in case some lazy person can't get to the airport on time!!.
  • tgfdgrft (11/06/2014, 08:15) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    LIAT is the worse alirline in the world. They are laughable at best.
  • list (11/06/2014, 08:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Spend four days last chrismas without a bag from beef island to st Maarten 20min flight no stops.
    • @list (11/06/2014, 11:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      LOLOL Sorry, I laugh at the utter sadness of the entire situation.....which can only be described as "madness"...and that is....... LIAT....... and the Caribbean islands/countries that own it.......and they wonder why many countries in the world consider many places and "modus operandi" in the Caribbean to be nothing short of... "Third World"...... If they were making a list to defend that position, I believe somehow LIAT would be at the top.
  • Me Too (11/06/2014, 10:50) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    I hear you LIST. I was on straight flight on LIAT from Beef Island to San Juan, checked my bag and never saw my brand new suitcase ever again.
  • ta ta (11/06/2014, 14:15) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    They deserve a refund
  • mama (11/06/2014, 16:20) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    It seems that unfairness is the name of the game this modern world. I went St. Thomas a few days ago, and when I was coming back to BVI, I wax charged $10 when I checked in. Of course I questioned it, and was told that it is a St. Thomas Port Authority tax. The St. Thomas Port Authority said no such thing. So shouldn't the travelling public know the truth behind this $10? List is unconscionable. I travelled to Barbados and when I got my suit case an electronic game was gone. Make a claim and was told that it should not have been placed in my suit case. SO their ground crew can open your suit case, ransacked it and take what they want. Who are representing the travelling public? Who to turn to? We need help.
  • + (12/06/2014, 07:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ayo good. Not me and liat. I will connect in Puerto Rico or even Florida to avoid them. Cause I will still make it to my destination before liat reach. Last time I flew Liat was in 2011 to go to barbados... on my return i was stranded in bds airport for the entire day... when I left bds is the time I was supposed to get to eis. trust me when I tell you it will not happen again!!
  • bird man (12/06/2014, 15:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Lait and their crap again
  • air rat (14/06/2014, 08:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    when you do not have much choice that is what happen


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