Spirit Airlines shut down: What to do to get home and get refunds

SEATTLE — The collapse of US-based Spirit Airlines may mark the end of an era for financially sensitive travelers.

But if you’ve been stuck in their now-defunct travel schedule, here are some things to know about how to get home and heal.

“Rescue fares” reduce prices for new flights

Many airlines that used to compete with Spirit are now striking deals to save their passengers. Airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines, are capping or lowering ticket prices for people to book new flights.

There is a limited window for this deal, which prioritizes travelers who are now stranded and need to find a new way to their next destination.

For example, Southwest’s offer is only available in person at the airport box office through Wednesday, May 6, according to the industry trade group Airlines for America and the U.S. Department of Transportation. Meanwhile, United allows such reservations 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 have announced discounted fares on the same routes Spirit previously flew.

Many airline ads include maps showing where their routes overlap with airlines, which can help narrow your search to find a similar flight.

“Spirit Airlines has 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 realize this is a difficult time for their customers and team members.

Get your money back in refunds

Spirit Airlines said it is prepared for an “orderly end” to its operations, and that it will automatically process refunds for any flights booked using a credit or debit card.

Travelers who booked through third-party travel agencies should direct refund requests to these agents.

Everyone else who got their reservation through vouchers, credit, or points will have to wait and see Spirit go bankrupt.

If there are questions about whether your money will return safely to your wallet, there are other ways to try to get a refund for a Spirit flight that was not taken.

The Department of Transportation suggests contacting your credit card company and exercising your rights under the Fair Credit Billing Act, by requesting a “chargeback” for services not provided.

If you have purchased travel insurance or it is included in your credit card policy and perks, contact them to find out if they cover “insolvency” or “cessation of service”.

A last resort would be to file a bankruptcy claim, but officials warn that this route consumes time and money, and may ultimately result in only a partial recovery.

The National Consumers Association warned travelers to keep all documents proving their Spirit flight reservations, including receipts, reservation confirmations, cancellation notices, and any correspondence with the airline. The nonprofit watchdog also urged those affected to act immediately because credit card and insurance companies may have strict deadlines that can be time-sensitive.

“Not all Spirit customers should assume that a refund will appear automatically,” said John Breault, the university’s vice chancellor for public policy, communications and fraud. “When an airline suddenly shuts down, it’s up to travelers to take proactive steps to have the best chance of getting their money back.”

Expand capabilities and perks

Both American and United said they are trying to modify their fleet so that they can help more stranded passengers. American said it was considering utilizing larger planes and United said it would likely add additional flights on routes where it overlaps with Spirit.

“We are reviewing opportunities to add additional capacity, including using larger aircraft on critical routes — to support as many affected passengers as possible,” American Airlines said via a statement issued by American Airlines.

Southwest also said it will offer status matching, honoring Silver and Gold Spirit members through its A-List program.

I am an employee. Get me out of here.

Spirit crew members stranded at their destination should be offered airline travel benefits, including spare jump seats where available on most major carriers.

American said: “We will provide transportation for Spirit team members who were displaced on a business trip,” according to an American Airlines statement.

The DOT also said other companies are offering preferential interviews to help speed up the job search for former Spirit pilots, flight attendants and other employees. American said it will organize recruitment events for these former employees.