USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Spirit Airlines is set to shut down over the weekend, and passengers who have already purchased tickets for future flights are freaking out.
On Friday night, there were reports circulating on the Internet about Spirit’s impending shutdown.
Via CNBC
Spirit Airlines could shut down as early as 3 a.m. ET Saturday, according to people familiar with the matter. The carrier has failed to secure a financial lifeline to continue operating, though it hasn’t commented on the potential shutdown or its plans.
About 290 Spirit flights are scheduled for Saturday, according to aviation site Flightradar24. Another 381 are scheduled for Sunday.
Videos on social media are showing long lines at the airport as Spirit has canceled several flights amid its impending shutdown.
🚨#BREAKING: After 34 years of operations numerous Spirit Airlines flights are now being canceled across the United States amid growing reports that employees have lost access to critical booking and operational systems. The situation is rapidly escalating as the airline moves… pic.twitter.com/jQeE1hZn5g
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) May 2, 2026
CNBC provided tips for passengers who have already purchased tickets and are seeking a refund. Unfortunately, if you paid for a ticket with a debit card, it can be difficult to get your money back.
Via CNBC
Travelers who are booked on a Spirit flight, like this CNBC reporter is for later this month, are likely to receive a refund if they purchased tickets with a credit card.
If the ticket was bought with a debit card or with loyalty points, however, the chances of recovering funds are slim to none, said Henry Harteveldt, founder of Atmosphere Research Group, a travel consulting firm.
“If you’re holding a reservation for a flight on Spirit don’t proactively cancel it. Wait for the airline to announce it is shutting down,” he said.
Other airlines are promising to step up and support customers who have been affected by the Spirit Airlines shutdown.
We are ready to support customers who may be impacted if Spirit Airlines ceases operations, with a focus on helping people continue their travel plans with low-fare options.
— Frontier Airlines (@FlyFrontier) May 1, 2026
We know that uncertainty is never easy. We’re here to help if Spirit Airlines’ operations are suspended and your travel plans are disrupted.
— JetBlue (@JetBlue) May 1, 2026