After two recent bankruptcies, countless punch lines and untold number of cheap flights, Spirit Airlines ceased operations early Saturday morning. All of the budget carrier’s flights are canceled.
The closure has left travelers scrambling across the country wondering: What happens to my flight in a few days? How do I get my money back? What about my points and flight credits?
Spirit offered some answers on its website — and much of the news is bad for its customers.
Here’s what travelers should know.
We’ve heard this one before. Is Spirit really shutting down?
Yes. It’s done — for real this time. Previously, the airline had announced plans to merge with other airlines — first Frontier, then JetBlue. But a judge blocked the JetBlue plans in 2024 after the Justice Department sued to stop it from happening.
“It is with great disappointment that on May 2, 2026, Spirit Airlines started an orderly wind-down of our operations, effective immediately,” Spirit said on its website. “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.”
When will the airline stop flying?
The final flights took off Friday night.
What should I do if I am booked on an upcoming flight?
Do not go to the airport expecting to fly on Spirit, the airline said in a question-and-answer section on its website. Spirit won’t help you rebook on another airline, but multiple carriers have offered “rescue fares” or have capped prices for customers of the defunct airline.
American Airlines said it was “reviewing opportunities to add additional capacity — including utilizing larger aircraft and adding flights on critical routes — to support as many affected passengers as possible.” United also said it was considering additional flights to and from cities where Spirit flew to help stranded passengers.
Am I eligible for a refund?
Yes, depending on how you paid for your flight. Spirit said it would automatically process refunds for any canceled flights purchased through its site with a credit or debit card. The airline said that customers who booked flights with a travel agent should contact that third party directly to ask for a refund.
Bought a ticket another way? The solution is less clear. Spirit said compensation for customers who used methods such as a voucher, flight credit or loyalty points “will be determined at a later date through the bankruptcy court process.”
I’m stranded! Will Spirit pay for my hotel and flight home?
No. The airline said it would not be able to pay passengers back “for incidental travel costs associated with cancelled trips.” Spirit said in a post on social media that customer service “is no longer available.”
For those who bought travel insurance, Spirit suggests checking with the provider to see if those expenses are covered. Customers should also check their credit card policies; some may coverexpenses related to trip disruption.
What are other airlines doing to help affected passengers?
Multiple airlines have agreed to offer measures meant to help Spirit customers and employees, especially those who are currently traveling and stuck without a way to get home.
United, Delta, JetBlue and Southwest are capping ticket prices for a limited time for travelers whose Spirit flights were canceled. Passengers will need to provide information such as proof of payment and a Spirit confirmation number. JetBlue, for example, said it was offering $99 one-way fares to people with proof of a valid Spirit itinerary for the same route for travel through Wednesday.
According to the Department of Transportation, American and Delta are offering lower fares on routes that Spirit flies frequently, while Allegiant will freeze prices on routes that overlap with Spirit.
What happens to my points and miles in the loyalty program?
The points can no longer be redeemed. They can’t be transferred to another airline or loyalty program.
“Plans for the loyalty program will be determined at a later date through the bankruptcy process,” the airline said.
The post How do I get my money back from Spirit Airlines? What to know after shutdown. appeared first on Washington Post.
