Edition 63
Caveat emptor is a Latin phrase that translates to “let the buyer beware“. It’s a contract law principle that applies to the sale of real property and other goods, and it means that the buyer assumes the risk of purchasing a product or service. What is the relevance? Social media is flooded with complaints against SpiceJet, for delays, cancellations and just about anything. Flights are delayed by hours. The On Time Performance as declared by the Ministry of Civil Aviation saw the airline record less than 20% flights on time on 4th Sept, it was 40% the next day.
While the airline tries to raise cash, social media and newspapers cover the news about delays, DGCA orders enhanced surveillance and its shrinking operational fleet, which by some estimates is around 20 or below that.
Should the buyers not be aware about this? Passengers tagging the ministry and the minister for delays and cancellations, sure are social media savvy. Have they not researched about the airline and flight before booking it, unless it’s a monopoly sector. In the past we have seen airlines go down, sometimes the painful way like Kingfisher and sometimes the overnight way like Go FIRST. While SpiceJet tries it’s best to survive, it will be better off operating a smaller schedule but one which is operationally stable than what it is currently doing.
For passengers, they better learn Caveat Emptor sooner than later, not just in this case but all! For no minister or ministry can intervene and help in such cases at the last minute, but it remains equally clear that policies and rules should be the same for similar circumstances across airlines. That possibly is too much to expect.
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So true. Its high time somebody highlights this.
As far as passengers are concerned, I have zero sympathy for those losing money or facing disruptions due to spicejet issues. If they can be such daredevils to book spicejet flights, then getting stranded is like walking in a garden for such earthlings. Where does their daredevilry disappear during disruptions?