Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy unveiled a relief plan for Spirit Airlines customers and employees following the airline’s shutdown early Saturday.
Four major airlines — United, Delta, JetBlue and Southwest — will cap ticket prices for Spirit customers who need to rebook cancelled flights, and customers who can validate their purchase will be offered a one-way ticket costing around $200, he announced.
American Airlines and Delta Air Lines will also be offering reduced fares on high-volume Spirit routes. Allegiant will freeze fare prices across routes that overlap with Spirit, and Frontier will be offering up to 50% off base fares across its network until May 10.
“I would recommend that if you have a ticket with Spirit that you actually try to book with these airlines as soon as possible, these offers are not going to be open forever,” Mr. Duffy said.
The now-defunct airline will automatically process refunds to travelers who paid with a credit or debit card, and they may request a “chargeback” from their card issuer for services not rendered or go through their travel insurance provider to see if the policy covers insolvency or service cessation. Travelers may also file a formal “proof of claim” with a bankruptcy court to receive a partial refund.
The secretary’s press conference followed Spirit’s early morning announcement that the airline would be shutting down operations.
“This morning at 3 a.m., Spirit Airlines ceased operations. So what that means is Spirit does not have airplanes in the air flying as of this morning. Also, their call centers are closed, and they don’t have staff at ticket counters. So if you have a flight scheduled with Spirit Airlines, don’t show up at the airport. There will be no one here to assist you,” Mr. Duffy said.
Most airlines will extend travel pass benefits and spare jump seats for Spirit employees returning home.
A pathway for Spirit employees to continue work at another airline will also be implemented, he said, citing a “demand for aviation workers.” American and United are crafting “microsites” for Spirit employees to receive preferential treatment in the application process to “ensure they jump the queue.”
Mr. Duffy blamed Spirit’s shutdown on the Biden administration blocking a proposed JetBlue and Spirit merger in 2024, which was upheld by a federal judge who ruled that the $3.8 billion deal would reduce competition, remove a low-cost carrier and hurt consumers.
• Mary McCue Bell can be reached at mbell@washingtontimes.com.
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