Spirit Airlines is no more.
The budget airline clipped its own wings on Friday, leaving geez-wh0-knows-how-many people stranded with a ticket somewhere and no way to get there.
And that's a whole lotta people, too – close to an estimated 750,000 flyers over the next 7 days (based on 38–40 million annually [source]).
What do you do if you've got a ticket? Spirit says don't go to the airport for starters.
Some people may be able to grin and bear it, but all those grams and gramps who bought tickets to go see the kids this summer – especially those who live in or flying to smaller regional markets like Asheville, Manchester, Latrobe, and Reno – will have to scramble to get things back on track. Here's what we know...
Here's what Spirit says happens to your ticket
Smart Senior Daily's review of everything that will impact Spirit customers isn't pretty, but here it is, taken from Spirit's press release:
Will I receive a refund for my cancelled flight?
Short answer: yes.
What you paid in dollars will go back to your "original form of payment" (but the airline didn't say when). Check your refund status here.
If you used credit/voucher/"Free Spirit" miles? You'll have to wait. Spirit says it'll figure that out when it gets to bankruptcy court.
File your claim quickly if you paid by credit card, says Julian Kheel, travel expert and CEO/Founder of Points Path.
“Remember that credit card disputes must be filed in a timely manner. Different issuers have varying rules and timelines, but once Spirit officially shuts down, you should file your chargeback sooner rather than later.”
How do I get where I planned to go now?
Spirit says you're on your own. Sorry. "Spirit is unfortunately unable to help rebook your flight on another airline," were their exact words.
But – and it's a big one – some competitors might offer "rescue fares." It's not something that airlines publicize, but there are kind and understanding airlines who've been known to offer "rescue fars."
Southwest is the most compassionate when it comes to things like this and have shown the willingness to offer deeply discounted walk-up fares for stranded passengers. Here's what we found out about everyone else...
🔽 Airlines Known to Offer “Rescue Fares”
JetBlue Airways
- Has offered rescue fares during high-profile airline disruptions
- Typically limited-time and route-specific
- May require proof of a canceled ticket from another airline
Alaska Airlines
- Occasionally steps in during West Coast disruptions
- Known for customer-friendly policies and goodwill pricing
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines
- These legacy carriers sometimes participate, but less consistently
- More likely to help their own passengers first
- Rescue fares (if offered) are usually limited and not heavily advertised
🧭 When Do Rescue Fares Happen?
You’ll typically see them during:
- Airline shutdowns or bankruptcies
- Massive weather disruptions
- System-wide IT failures
- Strikes or labor issues
Example: When a smaller airline collapses or cancels a large number of flights, competitors may step in briefly.
⚠️ The Catch (Important for Seniors)
Rescue fares:
- Are not guaranteed
- Often last only a day or two
- May require proof of your canceled flight
- Usually apply only to specific routes or cities
In other words: you have to act fast—and know where to look. And, Kheel says know this: "There's no guarantee that you'll get one, and even a rescue fare may still cost a lot more than you originally paid for your Spirit flight.”
💡 Smart Senior Tip
If you get stranded:
- Check multiple airlines immediately (don’t wait for alerts)
- Look at budget carriers and major airlines
- Call the airline directly—sometimes agents know about unpublished options
- Keep your canceled ticket handy (screenshot works)
Will Spirit reimburse me for additional costs like emergency hotel stays or replacement flights?
"Spirit is unfortunately not able to reimburse Guests for incidental travel costs associated with cancelled trips. If you purchased travel insurance, check with your carrier to see if these expenses may be covered under your plan."
If you have travel insurance, though, your luck improves. Jeff Rolander, VP of Claims, Faye Travel Insurance, told SSD this:
"Important to note that some travel insurance providers exclude things like financial default as a covered reason in their policies, so if that’s the case with your provider, then they will not be on the hook to reimburse you for those flights.”
"But what about my lost bag?"
All we know is what Spirit's posted. We wish we had better news...
