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News
Major airlines offer rescue fares, backup options to stranded Spirit customers, employees
Sean Cudahy is an aviation reporter covering news about airlines, frequent flyer programs and consumer travel issues.
May 2, 2026 • 8 min read
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Editorial note: This developing story has been updated with new information.
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Quick summary
Major U.S. airlines are offering special accommodations for travelers stranded by Spirit Airlines' abrupt shutdown, including discounted rescue fares and additional flights.
Several airlines are extending support to displaced Spirit employees, such as transportation, job fairs and status matches in loyalty programs.
Discounted fares and promotions vary by airline, with some capping prices on certain routes or offering percentage-based discounts for bookings made within specific windows.
Some carriers are also expanding service in cities where Spirit previously operated, aiming to fill gaps left by the airline's closure.
What to consider
Eligibility for discounted fares or promotions often requires proof of a canceled Spirit booking and may be limited to specific travel dates or routes.
Certain offers have blackout dates, require advance booking or are only valid for travel on select days of the week.
Loyalty program status matches and special discounts may require enrollment or promo codes, and terms vary by airline.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed breakdown of each airline's specific offers, eligibility requirements and how to access these alternative travel options if affected by Spirit's shutdown.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Immediately after Spirit Airlines grounded all its planes early Saturday morning, its former competitors across the airline industry raced to offer backup options to stranded passengers and employees.
Most major airlines are offering at least some accommodations to travelers affected by the Florida-based budget airline's grounding. Depending on the route and airline, we're seeing everything from rescue fares to discounts — plus, several airlines are offering up seats to Spirit flight attendants and pilots displaced after the airline abruptly stopped flying
All told, if you were supposed to fly Spirit this weekend and ended up stuck somewhere, you may have options on another airline — options that won't involve paying exorbitant last-minute ticket prices.
Meanwhile, some of Spirit's top former foes were quick to add flights in some cities previously served by the carrier.
Below, you'll find an option of what each of the largest U.S. airlines is doing to assist:
American Airlines
American Airlines on Saturday morning said it was offering cheaper rescue fares on routes and key cities where it went head-to-head with Spirit.
The carrier also planned to consider adding extra flights and swapping in larger aircraft on key routes "to support as many affected passengers as possible."
Beyond that, American said it would provide transportation for Spirit employees displaced, and would hold recruiting events in the coming weeks for former Spirit workers looking for jobs.
COMPLETE COVERAGE FROM TPG: Spirit Airlines shuts down
"We recognize this is a difficult moment for the Spirit Airlines team and the airline's customers, and American stands ready to assist however we can," the Fort Worth-based carrier said in a statement Saturday.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines on Saturday said it was offering reduced, nonrefundable rescue fares over the next five days to help travelers book last-minute flights. The airine said these options also apply to service between the U.S. and Latin America, where Spirit had a presence.
"We have filed reduced rescue fares in impacted markets to support those with near-term travel needs," the airline said in a statement. "As always, fare availability will vary by market, and Delta will continue to monitor the situation."
United Airlines
United Airlines sent an open letter to Spirit customers and employees early Saturday detailing the assistance the carrier would offer.
United launched a website with special fares for stranded passengers. Most fares, United said, were capped at $199 one-way and cover most cities Spirit flew from — most notably Atlanta, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, Newark, New Orleans and Orlando.
Rescue fares on longer flights were capped at no more than $299, United said.
To qualify, Spirit customers can go to united.com/specialfares, enter their Spirit confirmation number and proof of purchase for travel between May 2 and 16.
UNITED AIRLINES
In order to qualify, they'll also have to sign up for United's MileagePlus loyalty program.
UNITED AIRLINES
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines said it would charge Spirit customers set, flat fares at airport ticket counters for domestic flights as follows:
Flights of 500 miles or less: $200 one-way
Flights of 501 to 1,000 miles: $300 one-way
Flights of 1,000 miles or more: $400
The Dallas-based carrier also noted that Spirit loyalists with Free Spirit Silver or Gold elite status can match into the airline's Rapid Rewards program with A-List status.
"Southwest looks forward to extending its hospitality to Spirit customers and offers its heartfelt sympathies to Spirit’s employees," the carrier said Saturday.
JetBlue
JetBlue announced it would offer $99 rescue fares to Spirit customers.
To qualify for these fares on JetBlue, passengers would need to show they were scheduled to fly on Spirit between now and May 6, and on the same (or similar) route.
The airline urged travelers to call 1-800-JETBLUE to discuss options.
JetBlue also said it would extend its jumpseat agreement for Spirit employees, and offer interviews to workers for open roles.
“This is really tough news for the thousands of Spirit team members affected, as well as the customers who were planning trips on Spirit,” JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty said in a statement Saturday. “We want to help fill the void created by this loss.”
JetBlue and Spirit Airlines aircraft on the ground in Fort Lauderdale. JOE RAEDLE/GETTY IMAGES
Plus, the airline said it would cap all Blue Basic (basic economy) fares at $299 on JetBlue-operated nonstop routes it went head-to-head with Spirit on to and from:
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
San Juan's Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU)
Meanwhile, JetBlue didn't waste any time in adding service at FLL, where it had already been rapidly expanding its presence as Spirit had pulled back its flight offerings in recent months.
JetBlue on Saturday announced 11 new destinations out of FLL, each launching between July and October. It also said it would bolster its flying on existing routes.
JetBlue and Spirit had pursued a merger earlier this decade, but the tie-up was blocked in federal court after the Biden administration sued on antitrust grounds.
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines, arguably Spirit's top competitor in the budget airline space, said Spirit flyers can qualify for up to 50% off of base fares.
You have to book by May 10, but it can apply to flights through Nov. 19.
Frontier Airlines Airbus A321 at the hangar in Denver. SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
There are some restrictions and blackout dates, including: you have to fly on Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday to qualify for the biggest discounts, though Frontier will offer 10% off on other days.
And, you have to book at least three weeks in advance.
However, these fares are available across Frontier's entire network. The Denver-based ultra-low-cost carrier noted it operated service on more than 100 routes previously flown by Spirit.
“Spirit Airlines played an important role in expanding access to affordable travel and bringing more low fares to more people,” Frontier's Chief Commercial Officer Bobby Schroeter said Saturday.
Allegiant Air
Low-cost Allegiant Air announced it would hold fares steady on routes where it overlapped with Spirit.
Allegiant also announced customers could receive the equivalent of 50% back in Allways Rewards points for customers that book one of 20-plus eligible routes where the two carriers went roughly head-to-head (or close to it — Avelo generally serves smaller secondary airports).
That would essentially help travelers offset the cost of future bookings.
The promotion applies to customers who book by May 12 for travel between now and July 20 and enter the promo code ALLWAYSTHERE at checkout. You can find a full list of eligible routes here.
Avelo Airlines
Avelo Airlies is offering up to 75% off base fares on select routes, which are listed here. The deals apply to travel through Nov. 17 — just enter the code "TRYAVELO" at checkout to get the discount.
The airline is also promoting its alternative flights for affected travelers. For instance, if you were flying Spirit from Philadelphia to San Juan, Puerto Rico, you could opt instead for a direct Avelo flight from Wilmington, Delaware, to San Juan.
Through May 31, Avelo will status match eligible Spirit Saver$ Club members to Avelo Plus for free. Avelo Plus membership comes with a full year of exclusive low fares, priority boarding, special deals and benefits for travel companions, among other perks.
And in a note to Spirit employees affected by the airline's closure, Avelo said on Saturday it was "actively hiring" new crew members.
Avelo is one of the newest budget carriers in the U.S., which started flying in 2021.
We'll continue to update this story with new information as we learn more.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
