Spirit Airlines shutting down immediately: What customers can do

Spirit Airlines is going out of business immediately after 34 years of deeply discounted fares. 

The airline, which found itself in bankruptcy proceedings for the second time in less than two years, said all flights have been canceled and customer service is no longer available. Here’s what to know: 

Will Spirit customers get refunds?

Spirit said customers can expect refunds for fares that have already been purchased. If you purchased the fares directly through Spirit Airlines, refunds will automatically go to the original form of payment. If you purchased the fare through a travel agent or third-party booking site, you'll have to go directly through the agent or third-party company. 

Which airlines have discounts for Spirit customers?

According to the Department of Transportation, the following airlines are offering capped ticket prices and relief for Spirit customers, but only for a limited time. Customers should be prepared to show receipts for Spirit purchases: 

• JetBlue: Available for 72 hours
• Southwest: Available for 72 hours only in person at an airport ticket counter
• Delta: Available for 5 days
• United: Available for 2 weeks online

Relief for Spirit Airlines employees

At a press conference Saturday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said airlines are stepping up to offer jump seats and other open seats to Spirit Airlines employees who may be trying to get home. Spirit employees will also get "preferential employment interviews" for open positions at other airlines. 

Spirit employed about 17,000 people. 

Why is Spirit Airlines shutting down? 

The backstory:

Spirit has struggled financially since the COVID-19 pandemic, facing rising operating costs and growing debt. The company planned a merger with JetBlue in 2023, but the Biden administration intervened and successfully blocked it, citing concerns over reducing competition and driving up air fares for consumers. 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.

Spirit was in negotiations with its creditors to exit bankruptcy as a leaner company later this year, but the surge in jet fuel costs due to the Iran war sent the airline over the edge. 

RELATED: Summer travel forecast: Jet fuel crisis could mean more than just higher fares

President Donald Trump floated the idea of a bailout, but the deal fell through. 

What they're saying:

"We are proud of the impact of our ultra-low-cost model on the industry over the last 34 years and had hoped to serve our guests for many years to come," the announcement said.

By the numbers:

Spirit flew about 1.7 million domestic passengers in February, roughly half a million fewer than during the same month a year earlier, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. 

Why you should care:

The closure puts thousands of Americans out of work, and consumer advocates say it could impact passengers by reducing airline competition and increasing airfares. Budget-conscious and leisure travelers will likely feel Spirit’s absence the most.

The airline operated more than 675 routes, primarily focusing on cities within the U.S. while also maintaining significant international service to countries such as Mexico, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic. Its key operating bases included Atlanta, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale—its largest hub—Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, Newark, and Orlando.

Duffy blames Biden admin for blocking merger

Dig deeper:

Duffy criticized the Biden administration Saturday over its decision to block the Spirit-JetBlue merger in 2023, calling it a "massive mistake."

"Many at the time said this was a disaster; this merger should have been allowed," Duffy said. "And this today would indicate this is not better for travelers, this is not better for pricing, this is not better for competition. Actually it’s worse. We had an airline go down because the markets were trying to allow two airlines to merge, make them stronger and offer more competition."

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