Spirit Airlines counter empty at Detroit Metro Airport
The Spirit Airlines counter is empty at Detroit Metro Airport Saturday, May 2, 2026, after the carrier shut down. The Wayne County Airport Authority asked Spirit flyers not to go to the Romulus airport, but some came anyway.
Several major airlines are offering deals for those travelers who expected to fly Spirit Airlines in the future and need to make alternative plans.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy announced in a press release Saturday morning that other airlines pledged to make it easier — and more cost-conscious — for those who are looking to rebook. Those airlines include American Airlines, United, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, Allegiant, Frontier, Avelo and Breeze.
Duffy said carriers United, Delta, JetBlue and Southwest are all capping ticket prices specifically for Spirit customers who now need to rebook canceled flights. Individuals will need to provide at a minimum a Spirit flight confirmation number and proof of payment to access the deals that can be found on each airline’s website.
These fares will only be available for a select time period: JetBlue for 72 hours, Southwest for 72 hours only in person at an airport ticket counter, Delta for five days and United for two weeks.
American Airlines and Delta are also offering reduced fares on high-volume Spirit routes, Duffy said. Allegiant has committed to freezing fare prices across routes that overlap with Spirit. Additionally, Frontier is offering up to 50% off base fares across its network until May 10.
Duffy suggested three actions Spirit ticketholders pursuing a refund should do:
Duffy said that most major U.S. carriers are extending travel pass benefits and spare jump seats to Spirit pilots, flight attendants and other employees who need to return home. Spirit team members will also receive “preferential employment interviews” at these carriers.
American and United are creating microsites for Spirit employees looking to continue a career in aviation, Duffy said.