Spirit Airlines’ bankruptcy filing raises all sorts of concerns about that airline’s operation, loyalty programs, and flight schedules.
Flights are expected to continue in operation, but be prepared for something in those coming months by reading on: cancellations or adjustments of departures.
Ultra-low-cost airline Spirit Airlines filed for bankruptcy protection Monday, marking a bumpy period for the carrier.
Spirit carries unmanageable debt and has to deal with an engine problem as well as failed attempts at mergers. The company said it plans to continue operating normally while the finances restructure.
This happened after a $3.8 billion attempted merger with JetBlue in January failed, and many of its Airbus A320 aircraft were left grounded due to the lack of engines.
The firm secured an aggregate of funding worth $650 million to keep operating during bankruptcy and disclosed assets and liabilities between $1 billion and $10 billion.
Passengers with pre-existing reservations are advised not to panic. So far, flights are expected to proceed as scheduled; only minimal flight delays are foreseen within the frantic Thanksgiving holiday.
Experts predict that later on into the winter season, cancellations or changes to the program will occur. Travelers should continue to monitor their email for any communications from Spirit regarding potential changes to their travel plans.
It’s unclear what will happen to Spirit’s fleet and frequent flyer program. In the event of an airline merger or acquisition, loyalty points are important assets because they are usually maintained after bankruptcies.
Depending on the airline’s financial plan, Spirit may rearrange its fleet, which consists of a combination of owned and leased aircraft.
Spirit CEO Jeff Huckaby said, “We are committed to ensuring safe and reliable travel while navigating this transition,” underscoring the importance of consumer trust.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Spirit’s future, passengers are urged to remain informed and investigate their possibilities for refunds in light of recently revised Department of Transportation policies regarding cancellations and major delays.
