SEATTLE (AP) — The collapse of the U.S.-based Spirit Airlines may mark the end of an era for travelers with a certain financial sensibility.
But if you’ve been snagged in their now-defunct flight schedule, here are some things to know on how to get home, and get whole.
“Rescue fares,” reduced prices for new flights
Many airlines that used to compete with Spirit are now parachuting in with deals to save their travelers. Airlines including American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines are capping or reducing ticket prices for people to book new flights.
There is a limited window for this deal, which prioritizes now-stranded travelers who need to find a new way to their next destination.
For example, Southwest’s offer is only available in person at an airport ticket counter through Wednesday, May 6, according to industry trade group, Airlines for America and the U.S. Department of Transportation. United, meanwhile, is allowing such bookings for up to two weeks, which can be accessed online.
For those who were planning to fly Spirit and now need to find an alternative to the ultra low cost carrier, American, Allegiant, Frontier and Delta advertised reduced fares on the same routes Spirit once flew.
Many company announcements include maps showing where its routes overlapped with Spirits, which can help narrow the search to find a comparable flight.
“Spirit Airlines played an important role in expanding access to affordable travel and bringing more low fares to more people,” said Bobby Schroeter, Frontier’s chief commercial officer. “We recognize this is a difficult time for their customers and team members.
Get your money back in refunds
Spirit Airlines said they were prepared for an “orderly wind-down” of its operations, and that it will automatically process refunds for any flights booked on a credit or debit card.
Travelers who booked through third-party travel agencies should direct refund requests to those agents.
Anyone else who got their reservation through vouchers, credit or points will have to wait and see though Spirit’s bankruptcy process.
If there are questions about whether your money will make a safe landing back to your wallet, there are other ways to try to claw back your cash for the Spirit flight not taken.
The DOT suggests contacting your credit card company and exercising your rights under the Fair Credit Billing Act, by requesting a “chargeback” for services not rendered.
If you purchased travel insurance or it is included in your credit card’s policy and perks, call them to see if they cover “insolvency” or “service cessation.”







