Airlines reduce, cap fares for Spirit travelers looking to rebook canceled flights

The Department of Transportation recently announced that airlines are taking steps to assist Spirit Airlines travelers affected by the airline’s decision to wind down operations. Following the breakdown of talks between Spirit and the federal government over a rescue deal, the majority of airlines have agreed to cap ticket prices for travelers who need to rebook their canceled flights.

In addition to capping ticket prices, some carriers have reduced fares on high-volume routes previously operated by Spirit. United, Delta, JetBlue, and Southwest have all implemented measures to support Spirit customers in need of rebooking their flights. United Airlines, for example, is offering one-way tickets from various cities where Spirit operated, such as Atlanta, Chicago, and Miami, with capped fares ranging from $199 to $299.

To access these special prices, travelers must provide a Spirit flight confirmation number and proof of payment. These discounted fares will only be available for a limited time, with JetBlue offering them for 72 hours, Southwest in person at airport ticket counters, Delta for five days, and United for two weeks. American Airlines and Delta Air Lines have also introduced reduced fares on high-volume Spirit routes.

To further assist affected travelers, American Airlines has launched a dedicated page on its website displaying rescue fares for domestic and international destinations. The airline is exploring options to add capacity by operating larger planes and increasing flights on routes previously served by Spirit. Allegiant Air has committed to freezing fare prices on overlapping routes, while Frontier Airlines is offering up to 50% off base fares across its network until May 10.

In addition to supporting passengers, airlines are extending benefits to Spirit employees, including travel pass benefits and preferential employment interviews. American and United are creating microsites to help Spirit employees transition to new opportunities in the aviation industry. Overall, the aviation industry is coming together to ensure that both passengers and employees impacted by Spirit’s decision receive the support they need during this challenging time.