Spirit Airlines is preparing to shut down as soon as Saturday, May 2, after a $500 million government rescue package fell through, according to The Wall Street Journal.
According to CBS News, no last-minute bailout is expected. The airline was running low on cash, with rising fuel costs adding to its financial strain. The Wall Street Journal reports that Spirit Airlines is expected to cease operations around 3 a.m. ET Saturday.
What if my Spirit flight is canceled?
Reports of canceled Spirit flights have already surfaced at airports across the country.
If your Spirit flight is canceled, here’s what to do:
- Make a plan. Get in line at the gate or ticket counter while simultaneously searching for alternatives on your phone.
- Check other airlines directly. Search Google Flights across all carriers and be open to connections, nearby airports, or flexible dates to find availability.
In Southern California, here are the nearby airports:- Los Angeles — Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles, CA
- Burbank — Hollywood Burbank Airport, Burbank, CA
- Ontario — Ontario International Airport, Ontario, CA
- Orange County — John Wayne Airport, Santa Ana, CA
- Watch for rescue fares. Airlines including American, United, and Frontier, have discussed how to assist stranded Spirit passengers and we recommend checking their direct sites. Options may be standby only and flights will fill fast. It’s also worth noting that with fuel costs elevated across the industry, any rescue fares may be more limited than in past airline shutdowns.
- Check for industry assistance. Airlines for America, a trade group representing major U.S. carriers, said on X: “In the event of any disruption, A4A carriers stand ready to assist customers and employees who may be impacted by Spirit Airlines.”
- Call your credit card company, if your flight was purchased with one. A cancellation triggered by a shutdown could qualify as services not delivered, and we recommend reading through your travel policy for coverage details.
- Document everything. Hold onto any cancellation notifications, receipts for last-minute rebooking, meals, or hotels, you may need them for an insurance claim.
LAX travelers on other airlines should also brace for indirect impact as displaced Spirit passengers look to rebook on the same routes.
Spirit flies to over 60 U.S. destinations and 15 international locations from LAX, which made it a popular budget option for domestic travel and routes to Latin America and the Caribbean.
If you’re flying this weekend, good luck out there!
