Want To Volunteer In Haiti? Ask Aid Groups, Not Airlines

January 15, 2010 10:37 a.m. EST

Miramar, FL, United States (AHN) - The reports, photos and televised coverage of the disaster caused by Tuesday's 7.0 earthquake in Haiti has caused many people around the world to seek ways to help. While some people want to donate money, other people want to donate their time and expertise to help.

But anyone desiring to go to Haiti to help with disaster relief efforts would probably be better off contacting a relief agency rather than try to go there on their own.

At least that's what a spokesperson for Spirit Airlines, Misty Pinson, told AHN Media in an email Thursday.

AHN CEO and President Jeff Brown contacted the Miramar, Florida-based airline after a reader contacted the news service to say he had a search dog and wanted to help out, but needed help arranging a flight for himself and his canine to Haiti.

Commercial airlines have suspended flights to Haiti because normal operations at the capital's airport ended when the earthquake damaged the air traffic control tower. The only flights that commercial airlines are operating are devoted to transporting disaster supplies, rescue workers and medical teams. And it has been difficult enough to land those planes safely, along with military planes filled with supplies and rescue workers that have been sent by various nations and charities around the world.

In an email to Pinson on Thursday, Brown asked what procedures Spirit had in place to handle requests from individuals, such as the reader with the search dog, seeking help getting a flight to Haiti to volunteer in rescue efforts.

Pinson wrote, "I would recommend that this individual contact a relief agency of their choosing to offer their services. Spirit is coordinating Haiti relief efforts with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is currently working on transporting much-needed professional aid and supplies to Haiti. Our humanitarian aid flights, including seats and cargo space, are already full."