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NEWARK, New Jersey (PIX11) – After more than three decades in the skies, Spirit Airlines ceased operations on Saturday. This news raises questions about the future for both ticket holders and employees.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stepped in to detail plans for affected passengers and staff. He announced that other airlines would provide discounts to Spirit ticket holders and offer “preferential employment interviews” for former Spirit employees, following the airline’s shutdown.
Discounts and refunds after Spirit ends service
Major carriers like United Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, and Southwest Airlines have agreed to set price limits for former Spirit customers, Duffy confirmed on Saturday. To benefit from these capped fares, passengers must book directly through the respective airline’s website and present their Spirit confirmation number and payment proof.
Both American Airlines and Delta are reducing fares on routes that were popular with Spirit. Meanwhile, Allegiant is maintaining current prices on shared routes, and Frontier is offering a 50% discount on base fares network-wide until May 10, according to Duffy.
For those who prefer not to rebook with another airline, Spirit has committed to refunding passengers who bought tickets directly through its website. These refunds will be processed back to the original payment method.
Air travelers who may have booked through a third-party service, like a travel agent, are advised to contact the servicer to discuss a refund.
What happens to Spirit employees?
Duffy confirmed that those who worked with Spirit are no longer employed as of Saturday morning; however, other airlines are extending help with employment.
Travel pass benefits, such as spare jump seats, will be offered to former Spirit employees who may need to catch a flight back home.
American Airlines and United are also giving “preferential employment interviews” for Spirit team members. Those looking to apply can find information on the airlines’ websites.
Why did Spirit Airlines shut down?
Spirit has struggled financially since the COVID-19 pandemic, weighed down by rising operating costs and growing debt. By the time it filed for Chapter 11 protection in November 2024, Spirit had lost more than $2.5 billion since the start of 2020.
The budget carrier sought bankruptcy protection again in August 2025, when it reported having $8.1 billion in debts and $8.6 billion in assets, according to court filings.