HOUSTON – Spirit Airlines has shut down after 34 years in business, cancelling all flights effective immediately and warning travelers not to go to the airport.
The airline’s abrupt wind-down leaves two big questions for many Houstonians: Why did this happen? and What do I do now — as a passenger or an employee?
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Below is what Spirit and federal officials have said about refunds and next steps, plus guidance and support information shared by unions representing Spirit workers.
Why Spirit shut down
Spirit, known for its bright yellow planes and ultra-low fares, said it had started an “orderly wind-down” of operations.
According to an Associated Press report, the Trump administration considered a government bailout for the financially struggling airline, but no deal was reached. Spirit has faced deep financial trouble since the COVID-19 pandemic, and the AP report notes Spirit had lost more than $2.5 billion since the start of 2020.
Spirit entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in November 2024, and later sought bankruptcy protection again in August 2025.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also delivered a blunt warning for customers:
“If you have a flight scheduled with Spirit Airlines, don’t show up at the airport. There will be no one here to assist you.”
What passengers should do right now
Spirit says all flights are canceled and customer service is no longer available. KPRC 2 reporter T.J. Parker was at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport Saturday morning, where travelers with tickets were surprised to learn of the airline’s closure.
If you paid Spirit with a credit or debit card
Spirit says it will automatically process refunds for flights purchased through Spirit using a credit or debit card, returning the money to the original form of payment.
- Refund status: Spirit directs customers to check refund status through its MyTrips page.
If you booked through a travel agent
Spirit says passengers who booked through a travel agent should contact the travel agent directly to request a refund.
If you used a voucher, credit or Free Spirit points
Spirit says compensation for trips booked using other methods — including vouchers, credits or Free Spirit points — will be determined later through the bankruptcy court process.
Spirit also says it is not able to offer cash refunds for unused vouchers.
Rebooking and extra costs
Spirit says it cannot rebook customers on other airlines.
The airline also says it’s not able to reimburse incidental travel costs connected to canceled trips, such as emergency hotels or replacement flights. If you purchased travel insurance, Spirit recommends checking with your insurer.
Free Spirit loyalty points
Spirit says Free Spirit points are no longer redeemable and cannot be transferred to another airline or loyalty program. The airline says the future of the loyalty program will be decided later through the bankruptcy process.
Lost baggage and lost-and-found items
Spirit’s restructuring site points customers to a report portal to check the status of lost checked baggage and lost and found items.
Still have questions?
Spirit says customers can contact its claims agent, Epiq:
- Email: SpiritAirlinesInfo@epiqglobal.com
- Phone (U.S./Canada toll-free): (855) 952-6606
- Phone (international): (971) 715-2831
What Spirit employees can do — and where to find support
Spirit employed about 17,000 people, and unions say workers are now left looking for answers about pay, benefits and what comes next.
IAM Union: Support for ramp workers and push for what workers are owed
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) called the shutdown “devastating” and blamed “corporate mismanagement and poor financial stewardship.”
In a statement sent to KPRC 2, the IAM said it is activating Employee Assistance Program (EAP) representatives to provide confidential support and resources for IAM-represented ramp service employees and their families.
The union also urged Spirit’s leadership and the bankruptcy court to ensure workers receive what they are owed:
- Severance
- Back pay
- Benefits
AFA-CWA: Flight attendants told they’ll be returned home; union updates ongoing
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) said Spirit would permanently cease operations at 3 a.m. Eastern on May 2, 2026.
In an update, Spirit’s AFA leadership told flight attendants:
- Crew Scheduling will contact every flight attendant in the operation
- Flight attendants will have hotel and/or flights home accommodated
- Workers should monitor their @spirit.com email for updates and travel arrangements
- The union will provide ongoing updates and take questions through its resources page
AFA also said its Employee Assistance Program remains available:
- AFA EAP: (800) 424-2406
Help for stranded customers and workers
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said several airlines — including United, Delta, JetBlue and Southwest — were offering $200 one-way flights for a limited time for customers who could confirm a Spirit confirmation number and proof of purchase, according to the AP report.
Duffy also said other airlines would help Spirit employees who might be stranded and offer a preferential application process.