Airlines are cutting prices and capping limits for travelers looking to rebook canceled flights
The Department of Transportation said Saturday that the majority of airlines will cap ticket prices for Spirit Airlines passengers who need to rebook their canceled flights.
Some carriers even reduced fares on the high-volume routes Spirit was operating.
Spirit began winding down operations early Saturday morning After talks between the airline and the federal government over a $500 million rescue deal faltered.
Spirit said travelers who booked their tickets using a credit or debit card will automatically receive a refund.
United, Delta, JetBlue and Southwest said they are capping ticket prices specifically for Spirit customers who need to rebook canceled flights.
In this October 24, 2025, file photo, an American Airlines plane arrives at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Noor Photo via Getty Images, file
To access these special fares, individuals will need to provide at least a Spirit Airlines flight confirmation number and proof of payment, the airlines said.
These prices will only be available for a short time:
- JetBlue: Available for 72 hours
- Southwest: Available 72 hours; Only in person at the airport ticket office
- Delta: Available for five days
- United: Available for two weeks connected
American Airlines and Delta Air Lines offer discounted fares on Spirit’s high-volume routes.
For the next two weeks, customers booked on Spirit can get one-way tickets on United flights from most cities where Spirit previously operated, including Atlanta, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, Newark, New Orleans and Orlando, United Airlines said.
The airline said it has set most of its fares at $199, though exceptions apply to long-haul flights that cost no more than $299.
Travelers will need to enter their Spirit confirmation number and verify that they are scheduled to travel between May 2 through May 16 in order to be eligible for these special fares.
American Airlines said it has also launched a page on its website Website Offers rescue fares to and from a range of domestic and international destinations for Spirit customers who need to rebook travel.
The airline said it is also reviewing adding additional capacity, including flying larger aircraft and adding more flights on routes used by Spirit, to accommodate as many passengers as possible.
Spirit Airlines planes are parked on the tarmac at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on May 2, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Allegiant Air has also committed to freezing fares across routes that overlap with Spirit. To support affected travelers, Frontier Airlines is offering up to 50% off basic fares across its network through May 10.
To help Spirit employees, the Department of Transportation said most major U.S. airlines are expanding airfare and reserve seating benefits so employees can return to their home bases.
Airlines also offer preferential hiring interviews for Spirit Team Members to ensure they jump the waiting list. American and United said they are creating microsites for Spirit employees looking to continue their careers in aviation, according to the federal agency.
