U.S. air carriers are stepping in with discounted fares and limited-time deals for travelers who were expecting to fly with the now-shuttered Spirit Airlines.
United, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, Frontier, JetBlue, Allegiant, and Avelo, among others, are offering “rescue fares” and other discounts for both Spirit customers and employees. The duration of the offers varies by airline, from several days to several weeks.
For the next two weeks, Spirit ticket holders will be able to book price-capped flights with United. Most flights included in this offer will be limited to $199, with longer connections priced no higher than $299, officials said. Travelers will have to provide their Spirit confirmation number and proof of purchase for bookings between May 2 and May 16.
Delta said it is now offering reduced, nonrefundable fares for markets affected by Spirit’s closure. The special rates are available to all customers, not just Spirit ticket holders, and will terminate after Wednesday.
American, which has also introduced limited-time reduced fares, said it is in discussions with the Trump administration over how best to accommodate Spirit’s customers. The airline said it is looking at adding capacity on existing routes by using larger aircraft, and by increasing frequencies.
Southwest is temporarily offering set fares based on mileage. Customers who had booked a Spirit flight of up to 500 miles can purchase a seat on an overlapping Southwest flight for $200. For flights between 501 and 1,000 miles, the rate is $300, and for flights over 1,000 miles, the rate is $400.
Avelo said it will offer up to 75% off base fares for select routes through Nov. 17. The airline also encouraged former Spirit employees to apply for positions as it grows its bases and expands in the North Dallas/McKinney, Texas, area.
Some airlines are adding routes in the wake of Spirit’s collapse. JetBlue said Saturday that it will add 11 routes to and from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, which had been a hub for Spirit.
The carrier will launch service between Fort Lauderdale and Baltimore; Charlotte, North Carolina; Indianapolis; Columbus, Ohio; Nashville, Tennessee; Detroit; Houston; Chicago O’Hare; Ponce, Puerto Rico; and Cali and Barranquilla in Colombia, later this year, officials said.
JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty said the carrier is in a “unique position” to help Spirit customers because of its already substantial presence in South Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
