Things have not been looking good for Spirit Airlines for years now. The budget airline, known for its bare-bones approach to the sky, filed for bankruptcy twice in 2024 and 2025 before finally going out of business on Saturday.

This sudden implosion leaves fliers wondering what it means for their summer vacation plans. Experts suggest moving quickly to rebook flights as routes left with fewer seats might get especially pricey.

For those who purchased Spirit tickets, the airline is automatically refunding fares. However, those who booked through third-party sites should approach those businesses about refunds first. The US Department of Transportation advises that United, Delta, JetBlue, and Southwest are all offering capped ticket prices for a set period after Spirit’s implosion.

In terms of employment, US airlines have offered travel passes and preferential interviews to stranded Spirit workers. Over time, most Spirit employees will find new work in the aviation industry as other airlines rush to fill the flight slots and routes opened up by Spirit's absence. However, some may need to relocate or find work outside the airline business.

The fate of Spirit’s planes is less concerning for its passengers. The Airbus A320s that made up much of the fleet will likely be retained but repainted or resold. As for ultralow fares, people might miss them. With fuel prices up and competition reduced, there's no incentive to lower prices.