Spirit Airlines ceased operations in the early hours of May 2, canceling all flights and leaving thousands of passengers scrambling to rebook.
The company said in a statement on social media that it would not be able to assist passengers with rebooking on other airlines, but added that refunds would be immediately available for passengers who purchased tickets through Spirit’s website with a credit or debit card.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said other airlines are stepping up to help get Spirit passengers home.
“After conversations with the Department of Transportation, American Airlines, United, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, Allegiant, Frontier, Avello and Breeze have all agreed to support affected Spirit passengers in various ways,” the DOT statement said.
More broadly, many airlines are offering lower fares to passengers with canceled Spirit tickets, or offering limited fares on routes where they competed with Spirit.
United, Delta, JetBlue and Southwest are all raising ticket prices specifically for Spirit customers who need to rebook canceled flights now. According to DOT, passengers will have to provide Spirit flight confirmation number and proof of payment to avail these discounted tickets. There will be more information on individual airline websites.
Meanwhile, American Airlines and Delta Airlines are offering lower fares on high-volume Spirit routes. Allegiant has also committed to stabilizing fare prices on routes that overlap with Spirit. To support affected passengers, Frontier is offering up to 50% off base fares on its network through May 10.
Here are more details on how other carriers are helping. Details of Allegiant Air and Breeze Airways’ plans were not immediately available.
American Airlines
American Airlines has reduced fares on routes that overlap with Spirit Airlines and said it is considering adding additional rescue flights in some markets.
The airline’s website says, “We immediately implemented rescue fares on Spirit routes where American also offers nonstop service. Spirit currently serves 70 of 72 airports, and Spirit currently serves 67 specific routes.” “We are also reviewing opportunities to add additional capacity – including using larger aircraft and adding flights on key routes – to support as many affected passengers as possible.”
avelo
Avelo is pointing affected customers to an ongoing promotion offering 75% off base fare on select flights by using promo code TRYAVELO on tickets purchased by May 13 for travel through November 17. The airline is also offering status match for Spirit frequent flyers.
delta air lines
Delta is selling reduced fares for five days in the US markets where Spirit operates and on Latin American routes where Delta and Spirit compete.
“We are offering low, non-refundable rescue fares to help travelers book last-minute travel in affected markets over the next five days, as well as availability on flights that are fully loaded to provide more choice even when space is limited,” the airline said in a statement.
Fares are available through the normal booking process.
Frontier Airlines
Frontier, which competes with Spirit on more than 100 routes, is offering 50% off base fares on its network for select flights purchased by May 10 for travel through November 19. Terms apply and promo code is SAVENOW.
“Spirit Airlines plays a vital role in expanding access to affordable travel and bringing low fares to more people,” Bobby Schroeter, Frontier’s chief commercial officer, said in a statement. “Frontier is making discounted fares available to help people keep their travel plans and maintain access to low fares.”
jetblue
JetBlue is offering $99 one-way fares on routes where it competed with Spirit for travelers who can prove they had a canceled Spirit ticket by May 6.
The airline is limiting basic economy fares on flights between Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and San Juan, Puerto Rico to $299 for new bookings between May 2 and 8, for travel through May 8.
More information can be found on JetBlue’s website.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest is offering limited one-way fares that can be purchased in person at ticket counters with proof of a canceled Spirit Airlines ticket.
The fares will be available for purchase through May 6 on domestic routes where Southwest competes with Spirit. Fares will range from $200 to $400 one-way, depending on distance traveled.
Southwest is also offering a status match for Spirit Airlines frequent flyers. More information can be found on Southwest’s website.
United Airlines
United is capping one-way fares on routes where it competed with Spirit. Customers must provide their Spirit Airlines confirmation number and proof of flight confirmation to access the fare.
The fare ranges from $199 for nonstop flights and $299 for connecting itineraries in economy, and will be available for eligible flights through May 16.
More information is available on United’s website.