What is a ‘rescue fare’ — and can you get one if you are stranded by Spirit?

After Spirit Airlines ended operations Saturday, other airlines quickly stepped up to offer stranded travelers discounted flights.

The airlines call them “rescue fares,” and they are available for a limited time with conditions.

Spirit halted all flights and shut down operations on Saturday.

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced Saturday that several airlines are offering temporary capped and discounted ticket prices. The airlines include United, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest and American Airlines.

Travelers who want to take advantage of the rescue fares in rebooking canceled flights will need to provide their Spirit flight confirmation numbers and proof of payment, according to the DOT.

Here’s a rundown of some of the rescue fares that stranded Spirit travelers can pursue:

JetBlue

JetBlue is offering $99 one-way rescue fares for travelers with proof of valid Spirit itineraries for the same routes. The fares run through Wednesday, May 6. Customers should call 1-800-JETBLUE for specifics. “With major operations in Fort Lauderdale and San Juan, we’re in a unique position to help Spirit customers get where they need to go and ensure flights remain affordable despite greater demand,” said JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty. “We understand how unsettling it may be for travelers who are suddenly unsure of what to do next.”

Frontier Airlines

To help affected Spirit travelers, Frontier says it’s offering up to 50% off base fares for travel through Nov. 19. Customers can book by May 10 at FlyFrontier.com. “Spirit Airlines played an important role in expanding access to affordable travel and bringing more low fares to more people,” said Bobby Schroeter, Frontier’s chief commercial officer. “Frontier is making discounted fares available to help people keep their travel plans and maintain access to low fares.”

American Airlines

“To help customers whose travel may be disrupted, we immediately put rescue fares into place on Spirit routes where American also offers nonstop service,” American said in a statement. The airline did not release details on discounts.

Delta

The airline released this information: “We are offering reduced, nonrefundable rescue fares in affected markets over the next five days to help travelers book last-minute travel, with availability even on flights that are close to full to provide more options even when space may be limited. These options are available across all domestic markets where Spirit operates, including routes Delta serves nonstop and through one-stop connections via our hubs. We’ve also extended these reduced fare options to all routes between the U.S. and Latin America where Spirit operates.”

United

According to The Points Guy travel website, United is offering one-way fares capped at $199, covering most Spirit areas, including South Florida. Rescue fares on longer flights were capped at $299, according to United. Spirit customers can go to united.com/specialfares and enter their Spirit information for May 2-16 travel.

Southwest

According to the Points Guy website, Southwest Airlines said it would charge Spirit customers flat fares at airport ticket counters for domestic flights. Rescue fares are $200, $300 or $400 depending on the length of trip.

Avianca

Avianca says it’s offering return options with no airfare charge to Spirit passengers who have already flown the first segment and have a return ticket to an original destination. Passengers must go to the airport on the same day or the day before their flights to get the Avianca offer, which is based on availability, for May 2-16 travel. Passengers are responsible for taxes and fees.

This story was originally published May 2, 2026 at 12:07 PM.