Spirit Airlines has closed up shop for good, going out of business after 34 years. What does that mean for travelers?
Here’s what to know:
Refunds: You may be out of a flight, but you’re likely not out of your money. Spirit says passengers will be refunded their money if they booked flights on a credit or debit card. The South Florida-based airline directed customers to its website for guidance.Airports: Spirit Airlines advised travelers not to go to the airport. Customer service operations have been shut down. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport issude a travel advisory Saturday morning: “All flights to and from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport ad across the network are canceled. If you have a ticket booked on Spirit, the airline is advising travelers not to go the airport.”Other flights: Several other airlines, including Frontier, JetBue and American have offered to help Spirit customers with their travel plans.Employment: Thousands of Spirit employees are out of a job, including personnel who worked at a new headquarters building in Dania Beach. The fate of that building could be determined in the airline’s liquidation.Vendors: Spirit says any outstanding claims will be addressed through the bankruptcy process and the court.Future: For now, Spirit is out of business as it winds down operations, and has halted flights and customer service. Any future version of the airline could be determined by the bankruptcy process.