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Spirit Airlines has collapsed. The beleaguered low-cost carrier with the bright yellow planes ceased operations at 3:00 AM this morning. Other US airlines have stepped in with discounted fares and options for passengers impacted by the loss of Spirit. Here is a guide with all of the options for impacted passengers.
American Airlines
American Airlines says it is taking immediate steps to support both customers and employees impacted by Spirit Airlines’s abrupt shutdown, working with federal agencies including the Department of Transportation (DOT) to reduce disruption across affected communities. The airline has introduced rescue fares on overlapping nonstop routes (noting it serves 70 of the 72 airports and 67 of the routes previously operated by Spirit) while also evaluating additional capacity through larger aircraft and added flights. Displaced passengers are encouraged to rebook directly via American’s app or website. At the same time, American is assisting Spirit employees traveling for work and plans to recruit qualified staff with a dedicated hiring microsite and upcoming recruitment events.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines is stepping in to support travelers affected by Spirit Airlines’s shutdown by offering reduced, nonrefundable rescue fares for near-term travel over the next several days. These fares are available across domestic routes where Spirit previously operated and include both nonstop flights and one-stop connections through Delta’s hubs as well as on routes between the United States and Latin America. To increase flexibility during a period of high demand, Delta is making inventory available even on flights that are close to full to give stranded passengers more opportunities to secure last-minute seats. The airline says it is actively monitoring booking patterns and may adjust capacity or aircraft size where possible to accommodate additional travelers. Customers can browse options and book directly through delta.com as Delta works to help restore connectivity in disrupted markets.
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines has responded to Spirit Airlines’s shutdown with systemwide rescue fare discounts and began pitching its $199 GoWild All-You-Can-Fly Summer Pass. Frontier already operates more than 100 routes previously served by Spirit and plans to grow further this summer by adding nine new routes and increasing frequency with 15 additional daily flights across 18 impacted markets. The full list can be found here.
To help travelers rebook, the airline is offering up to 50% off base fares across its network for travel through November 19th, with bookings required by May 10th using the promotional code “SAVENOW.” The largest discounts apply to Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday travel with advance purchase, while smaller discounts are available on other days without advance purchase requirements. The promotion applies to both domestic and international itineraries including connecting flights, though blackout dates and exclusions apply (found here) and discounts cover base fares only (not taxes or fees).
JetBlue Airways
JetBlue Airways is stepping in to support travelers and employees affected by Spirit Airlines’s shutdown. It’s introducing $99 rescue fares for stranded passengers with imminent travel and capping prices on select routes to keep last-minute rebooking affordable as demand surges. Impacted passengers with proof of a valid Spirit itinerary are eligible for a ticket on the same route for travel through Wednesday, May 6th. These customers should call 1-800-JETBLUE to book. Broader fare caps ($299 on Blue Basic fares) are being applied across key overlapping nonstop markets to prevent sharp price increases. The airline is also rapidly expanding operations at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), two of its largest focus cities by adding service to 11 new destinations and significantly increasing flight frequency to help replace lost capacity in markets heavily impacted by Spirit’s exit. JetBlue expects to operate its largest-ever schedule from Fort Lauderdale this summer with nearly 130 daily departures.
In addition to helping passengers, JetBlue is taking steps to assist displaced Spirit employees. The airline will extend jumpseat travel privileges for pilots and flight attendants trying to return home, subject to availability, and plans to actively recruit qualified Spirit team members, offering interviews for open roles in the coming weeks. JetBlue says it will continue monitoring demand trends and operational needs, with the potential to add more flights or deploy larger aircraft as necessary, positioning itself to stabilize service and maintain connectivity in affected regions during a period of significant industry disruption.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is assisting travelers impacted by Spirit Airlines’s shutdown by offering special discounted rescue fares for a limited time. These fares are available exclusively at Southwest airport ticket counters for eligible routes through May 6th on flights where the airline overlaps with former Spirit service. Pricing for domestic travel is based on distance with fares set at $200 for flights of 1 to 500 miles, $300 for flights of 501 to 1,000 miles, and $400 for flights over 1,000 miles. Discounted options are also being offered on international routes, though pricing may vary by market. In addition, Spirit customers with Silver or Gold status can take advantage of Southwest’s status match program to receive A-List benefits. The airline has also expressed support for Spirit employees affected by the closure.
United Airlines
United Airlines has rolled out a series of measures to assist travelers and employees impacted by Spirit Airlines’s shutdown. It has introduced special price-capped fares and support programs. For the next two weeks, passengers with canceled Spirit tickets can access one-way rescue fares through a dedicated booking page with most tickets capped at $199 and longer routes priced no higher than $299. These fares are available from many former Spirit markets including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), Miami International Airport (MIA), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), and Orlando International Airport (MCO) and require proof of a Spirit booking along with a United MileagePlus account.
United is also extending pass travel privileges to displaced Spirit employees for a limited time to help them return home while encouraging qualified staff to apply for open roles through a dedicated hiring portal. The airline says it is working to provide additional travel options during this period of disruption while highlighting its broader network, onboard amenities, and customer experience as it absorbs increased demand.
Anthony’s Take: Other airlines stepping in is great for impacted passengers, but these carriers also smelled the blood in the water and are moving in to try to win over some of these displaced passengers. If you had tickets booked on Spirit, you might be eligible for a refund from your credit card company. If you booked your ticket with a debit card or points, you’re likely not going to see anything back. At least there are some low-cost options to get travelers where they need to go.
(Image Credits: ChatGPT, United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Southwest Airlines.)
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
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