Is Spirit Airlines still operating?

No. Spirit Airlines began an orderly wind-down of all operations on May 2, 2026. All flights have been cancelled and the airline is no longer selling tickets. Spirit had emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early 2025 but could not achieve sustainable operations.

Which was better: Spirit or Frontier?

Based on 2025 DOT data, Spirit was slightly more reliable: 75.63% on-time vs Frontier's 73.57%, with fewer cancellations (1.50% vs 1.77%). Fees were nearly identical. Spirit offered the Big Front Seat (36" pitch, wider seat) which was popular; Frontier's Stretch seats offered 34" pitch.

What are Frontier Airlines fees in 2026?

Frontier charges $39–$65 for a carry-on bag, $39–$55 for the first checked bag, and $5–$50 for seat selection. Base fares start very low but the total cost with fees is often within $20–$40 of a legacy carrier main cabin fare.

What alternatives exist now that Spirit is gone?

Frontier Airlines is the only remaining large ULCC. Other budget-friendly options include: JetBlue (32.3" pitch, free Wi-Fi, snacks), Southwest (free carry-on, no change fees), and Allegiant Air (leisure routes, 30" pitch). Legacy carriers' basic economy fares also compete on price.

Why did Spirit Airlines shut down?

Spirit filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2024 after a failed merger with JetBlue was blocked by a federal judge. It emerged from bankruptcy in early 2025 but couldn't achieve profitability amid high fuel costs, labor expenses, and intense competition from legacy carriers' basic economy fares.

Spirit Airlines vs Frontier Airlines: ULCC Comparison (2025–2026)

Spirit Airlines vs Frontier Airlines compared on fees, reliability, routes, and comfort. Includes Spirit's May 2026 closure and what it means for budget travelers.

Last updated: August 2026

Quick Answer

Spirit Airlines ceased operations on May 2, 2026, making Frontier the sole surviving large US ultra-low-cost carrier.
When both operated (full-year 2025): Spirit had better on-time performance (75.63%) than Frontier (73.57%) and fewer cancellations (1.50% vs 1.77%).
Fees were nearly identical: carry-on $36–$65 (Spirit) vs $39–$65 (Frontier); checked bag $36–$50 (Spirit) vs $39–$55 (Frontier).
Both offered 28" seat pitch — the tightest in the US market — with premium options (Spirit Big Front Seat 36", Frontier Stretch 34").
For budget travelers post-Spirit: Frontier remains, plus consider JetBlue (32.3" pitch, free Wi-Fi) or Southwest (no change fees, bags from $45).

Head-to-Head Comparison (Full-Year 2025)

Reliability data: U.S. DOT Air Travel Consumer Report, February 2026 edition (full-year 2025 data), Tables 1C / 6B. All figures include branded codeshare/regional partners. Fees: airline websites (2025–2026). Seat pitch: Upgraded Points data study (January 2026).

Why Spirit Airlines Shut Down

Spirit Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2024 after its proposed merger with JetBlue was blocked by a federal judge in January 2024. The airline emerged from bankruptcy in early 2025 but could not achieve sustainable profitability. Key factors:

Budget Alternatives After Spirit (June 2026)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Spirit Airlines still operating?: No. Spirit Airlines began an orderly wind-down of all operations on May 2, 2026. All flights have been cancelled and the airline is no longer selling tickets. Spirit had emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early 2025 but could not achieve sustainable operations.
Which was better: Spirit or Frontier?: Based on 2025 DOT data, Spirit was slightly more reliable: 75.63% on-time vs Frontier's 73.57%, with fewer cancellations (1.50% vs 1.77%). Fees were nearly identical. Spirit offered the Big Front Seat (36" pitch, wider seat) which was popular; Frontier's Stretch seats offered 34" pitch.
What are Frontier Airlines fees in 2026?: Frontier charges $39–$65 for a carry-on bag, $39–$55 for the first checked bag, and $5–$50 for seat selection. Base fares start very low but the total cost with fees is often within $20–$40 of a legacy carrier main cabin fare.
What alternatives exist now that Spirit is gone?: Frontier Airlines is the only remaining large ULCC. Other budget-friendly options include: JetBlue (32.3" pitch, free Wi-Fi, snacks), Southwest (free carry-on, no change fees), and Allegiant Air (leisure routes, 30" pitch). Legacy carriers' basic economy fares also compete on price.
Why did Spirit Airlines shut down?: Spirit filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2024 after a failed merger with JetBlue was blocked by a federal judge. It emerged from bankruptcy in early 2025 but couldn't achieve profitability amid high fuel costs, labor expenses, and intense competition from legacy carriers' basic economy fares.