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Spirit Airlines canceled all its flights and ceased operations immediately this Saturday, leaving thousands of passengers stranded in airports across the country with the urgent question of whether they will get their money back, according to the airline itself reported on its website.
The answer depends on the payment method used to purchase the ticket.
Those who purchased their tickets directly from Spirit using a credit or debit card will receive an automatic refund to the same payment method, without the need for any additional action.
Passengers who purchased through a travel agency should contact that agency directly to process their refund.
The outlook is more uncertain for those who paid with vouchers, credits, or points from the Free Spirit program: their compensation will be subject to the airline's bankruptcy process, with no confirmed timeline.
Spirit was categorical on another point: the company would not reimburse additional expenses such as emergency hotel nights or the purchase of alternative flights. Those with travel insurance should contact their insurer, as those costs may be covered under the policy.
The announcement of the closure took hundreds of travelers by surprise who were already at the airports. Several passengers reacted with frustration and incredulity upon reaching the counters and finding them closed.
"I feel frustrated... I don't know what to do now," said an affected passenger at the airport.
"It is a lack of consideration... I came due to medical circumstances, I have already returned my rental car, I left the hotel... they should have handled the closure in a more organized manner," protested another traveler.
The airline posted the announcement on its X account shortly after 2:30 a.m., and the last flights stopped operating at 3:00 a.m., according to an internal message shared by one of its pilots.
The definitive closure of Spirit Airlines marks the end of 34 years of history for the low-cost airline, known for its bright yellow aircraft and ultra-low fares.
The downfall was the result of a series of crises: losses exceeding $2.5 billion since 2020, two consecutive bankruptcy proceedings, and a 95% rise in aviation fuel prices stemming from the military conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
The possible closure of Spirit has been a looming threat for weeks, following the failure of negotiations to secure a $500 million financial bailout from the Trump administration.
The first bankruptcy of Spirit in November 2024 had already raised concerns about the company's viability, which emerged from that process in March 2025 only to file for a second judicial protection months later.
For passengers in need of alternatives, several airlines have announced special fares. United Airlines offers fares starting at $199 in most shared markets and $299 on longer routes, valid for two weeks, requiring proof of a Spirit reservation and MileagePlus frequent flyer number. Frontier, Avelo, Southwest, Delta, and Avianca have also announced availability to accommodate affected passengers.
The closure particularly affects travelers with destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean, as Spirit operated routes to more than 15 countries in the region, including Cuba, Colombia, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica, among others.
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