Southwest Airlines to Assist Spirit Passengers Amid Shutdown Impacting Orlando Travelers

Spirit Airlines ceased operations May 2, leaving Central Florida travelers scrambling for flights.

A colored image of a man in a suit holding a blue airline ticket.

Metro ServicesMetro Creative ConnectionSpirit Airlines has ceased operations, cancelling all flights as of May 2, leaving travelers scrambling for new arrangements.

OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Southwest Airlines says it is prepared to assist customers affected by the shutdown of Spirit Airlines, a move impacting travelers across Central Florida.

Spirit Airlines ceased operations at 3 a.m. May 2, canceling all flights as part of an “orderly wind-down” after financial challenges and rising fuel costs made continued operations unsustainable, according to the company.

“All Spirit flights have been cancelled, and Spirit guests should not go to the airport,” the company said in a statement.

The disruption is especially significant for travelers in the 352, many of whom rely on Orlando International Airport for low-cost flights previously offered by Spirit.

In response, Southwest said it is offering support to affected passengers, including special fares for domestic travel at Southwest airport ticket counters in cities previously served by Spirit. The airline said fares are capped at $199 for trips 1-500 miles and $299 for 501 miles and above. For international travel, discounted fares are also being offered through May 10 at 11:59 p.m. CDT.

Southwest also said it has set up dedicated customer service lines for former Spirit passengers in Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas and Orlando.

“We are prepared to help customers who are affected by recent flight disruptions and are working to accommodate them as quickly as possible,” Southwest said in a statement.

The airline noted that while reservations cannot be automatically transferred, Spirit customers may be able to secure seats on Southwest flights depending on availability.

Spirit officials said refunds will be automatically issued for flights purchased directly with a credit or debit card, while customers who booked through third parties should contact those providers. Other forms of compensation will be handed through the bankruptcy process.

Southwest also said it is offering added flexibility in some cases to help ease the transition for customers needing new arrangements.

For more information, visit Southwest Airline’s website or Spirit’s restructuring page.