As travelers affected by the sudden closure of Spirit Airlines have to deal with canceled flights and now worthless loyalty points, Papa John’s is offering a consolation prize: free pizza.
The chain announced a limited-time promotion called “Skys to Pies” in a news release on Friday, May 8, which allows former Spirit loyalty members to exchange proof of their rewards status for a free large one-topping pizza following the airline’s sudden collapse.
“Loyalty points mean nothing if you can’t use them,” said Sivaram Vaideswaran, SVP of brand marketing at Papa John’s. “Although we can’t make up for canceled flights or lost membership points, hopefully we can provide smiles and delicious pizza to those affected.”
How to claim the offer
To participate, customers must direct message @PapaJohns on Instagram that they were a member of Spirit’s loyalty program and provide a screenshot showing they joined Papa Rewards.
The first 250 verified participants will receive a code for a free large one-topping pizza while supplies last.
Papa John’s introduced this promotion as a playful response to the turmoil in the airline industry, promising “no blackout dates” and “no middle seats.”
The sudden collapse of Spirit Airlines
The operation comes just days after Spirit Airlines announced on May 2 that it was suspending operations immediately.
The airline canceled all flights on its network and ceased customer service operations, leaving passengers stranded and unable to book directly through the carrier.
“For more than 30 years, Spirit Airlines has played a leading role in making travel more accessible,” Spirit CEO Dave Davis said in a statement announcing the closure. “The sudden and sustained increase in fuel prices in recent weeks has ultimately left us with no option but to systematically close down the company.”
Travelers across the country were forced to make costly last-minute travel changes after flights were canceled overnight.
The airline’s collapse followed years of instability, bankruptcy filings, engine recall issues affecting its fleet, and failed attempts to merge with Frontier Airlines and JetBlue.
USA TODAY reporters Zach Vischer and Mike Snyder contributed to this report.