As Spirit Airlines shut down, other airlines stepped in. Here’s what to know

Spirit Airlines halted all flights Saturday morning and began winding down its global operations after a last-minute federal bailout deal failed. The South Florida-based budget carrier had filed for bankruptcy twice and was running out of money.

FULL STORY: Spirit Airlines halts flights and shuts down. Can you get a refund or rebook?

Here are key takeaways:

• All flights canceled: Spirit told travelers not to go to the airport. Customer service is no longer available, and the airline is advising ticket holders to check its posted guidance for refunds and lost luggage.

• Refunds: Spirit said it will “automatically process refunds” for tickets purchased with credit or debit cards. Compensation for flights booked with vouchers or Free Spirit points will be handled later through the bankruptcy court.

• Rebooking help: The U.S. Department of Transportation activated a relief program with capped ticket prices on United, Delta, JetBlue and Southwest. Other airlines are offering reduced fares on popular Spirit routes.

• Rescue fares: JetBlue is offering $99 rescue fares to stranded Spirit travelers and adding 11 new destinations from Fort Lauderdale. American Airlines and Avianca are also offering assistance, and Frontier said it is ready to support customers.

• Why it failed: CEO Dave Davis cited “the sudden and sustained rise in fuel prices in recent weeks.” Spirit had sought a $500 million government bailout, but negotiations collapsed.

• Local impact: Spirit had a hub at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, where it carried 28% of passenger market share in 2025 — more than any other airline. The carrier employed more than 17,000 people and was headquartered in Dania Beach.

This report was produced with the assistance of a proprietary tool powered by artificial intelligence and using our own originally reported, written and published content. It was reviewed and edited by our journalists.