JetAmerica never gets off ground

At least one airline discovered that bargain fares alone are not enough to stay in business during these times of economic gloom.

JetAmerica, a fledgling discount airline that drew headlines by offering $9 promotional fares, was grounded even before taking flight. The Clearwater, Fla., company suspended sales to all markets and will immediately begin offering refunds to customers.

JetAmerica was to begin July 13 offering flights to Toledo, Ohio; South Bend, Ind.; Melbourne, Fla.; and Lansing, Mich. Service to larger airports in Minneapolis and Newark, N.J., were also in the works.