Spirit Airlines: Current Status & Next Steps
Spirit Airlines sources reviewed November 13, 2025. Spirit began an immediate orderly wind-down on May 2, 2026, and all flights were canceled. No new Spirit bookings can be made.
Spirit Airlines has ended all operations. You cannot book a new flight for your child with Spirit. All existing tickets are canceled and are not valid for travel.
This guide explains what to do if you had a Spirit booking for your child, how to seek a refund, and how to find a replacement flight with another airline.
What Happened to Spirit Airlines?
The short answer: Spirit Airlines began an immediate orderly wind-down on May 2, 2026, and canceled all flights. No Spirit flights are operating.
If you had a booking for your child, that ticket is no longer valid. Do not go to the airport for a Spirit flight.
Here's what to do: Your next steps are to seek a refund through the official restructuring process and book a new flight with a different airline.
Age Rules for Spirit Are No Longer Relevant
The fact: Spirit no longer operates any flights. Age rules for Spirit do not matter because there are no Spirit flights to take.
For a replacement airline, you will need to check their age rules and unaccompanied minor policies from scratch.
The Spirit UM Service No Longer Exists
What to know: There is no active Spirit UM service, airport handoff, flight, or pickup process. Do not send a child to the airport with a Spirit confirmation.
If you paid for the UM service, that fee is part of your refund claim with Spirit.
What to Do About an Existing Spirit Booking
Your booking is canceled: You cannot use your Spirit ticket for travel. Your ticket is no longer valid.
Preserve Your Evidence
Save your booking confirmation, ticket number, payment receipts, and any communication from Spirit about the cancellation. You'll need these for your refund claim.
Seek a Refund
Visit the official Spirit restructuring website for claims and refund information. Follow their process carefully.
Documents for Refund and Replacement
For your refund claim: Keep your Spirit booking records private and organized. You'll need the booking reference, ticket number, and proof of payment.
For a replacement flight: You'll need to prepare fresh documents for the new airline: proof of age, passport/ID, consent forms, and adult photo IDs. Spirit documents don't transfer.
Refund for Spirit Fees and Charges
The fee situation: Any fees you paid to Spirit—airfare, UM service fee, baggage fees, seat selection—are part of your refund claim with Spirit.
For a replacement flight, you'll pay the new airline's fares and fees. Each carrier has its own pricing structure.
Baggage Allowance on Replacement Flights
The rule: Any baggage fees you paid to Spirit are part of your refund claim. The replacement airline will have its own baggage rules and fees.
Pack light and simple. The child's carry-on should include: all documents, a phone charger, a light sweater, snacks, and anything they'd need during a reasonable delay.
Strollers, Car Seats, and Other Equipment
What to know: Old Spirit equipment rules do not transfer to a replacement booking. Check with your new airline about their rules for strollers, car seats, and adaptive equipment.
Do Not Go to the Airport for Spirit
Official notice: Spirit's official wind-down notice says guests should not go to the airport for Spirit flights. There are no flights operating.
For a replacement flight with another airline, follow that airline's check-in instructions.
Finding a Replacement Flight
Your next step: Research other airlines that serve your child's route. Check each carrier's unaccompanied minor policy, age rules, and fees.
Start fresh with each airline you consider. Their rules and fees will be different from Spirit's.
Special Assistance on Replacement Airlines
The policy: You'll need to make new arrangements with the replacement airline. Each carrier has its own process for special assistance, medical needs, and accessibility.
Contact the new airline directly to discuss your child's needs.
A Realistic Example: Moving Forward
Imagine you had a Spirit booking for your 10-year-old. Here's what to do:
- Accept that Spirit is closed: No more Spirit flights. Don't go to the airport.
- Save your Spirit records: Keep booking confirmation, ticket number, and payment receipts.
- Visit the Spirit restructuring website: Look for claims or refund information.
- Research replacement airlines: Find airlines that serve your child's route and check their UM policies.
- Book a new flight: With the replacement airline, follow their complete UM process.
Both adults should share the new booking information and confirm pickup details.
Parent Tips and a Final Checklist
Use the official Spirit restructuring domain for refund claims. Avoid fake refund phone numbers and scams. Do not send gift cards or cryptocurrency.
Separate the refund claim from the urgent task of booking a replacement flight. Your priority is getting your child to their destination safely.
Final checklist for moving forward:
Spirit Status Overview
| Category | Status | Action |
|---|---|---|
| New Spirit bookings | Not possible | Book with another airline |
| Existing Spirit tickets | Canceled | File for refund |
| Spirit UM service | No longer exists | Use new airline's service |
| Airport check-in | Do not go | Follow new airline's instructions |
This table summarizes Spirit's current status. For a new flight, you must book with a different operating airline.
Official Source for Spirit Information
Use the official Spirit restructuring website for claims and wind-down information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Spirit's wind-down and what to do next.
Can I still book a child's solo flight on Spirit?+
No. Spirit Airlines ended all operations in May 2026. You cannot book any new flights with Spirit, including for unaccompanied minors.
What happened to my existing Spirit booking for my child?+
All Spirit flights were canceled. Your ticket is no longer valid for travel. You need to seek a refund through the official restructuring process.
How do I get a refund for my child's canceled Spirit ticket?+
Visit the official Spirit restructuring website for claims information. Keep your booking reference and payment records handy.
What should I do if I need to book travel for my child now?+
You'll need to book with a different airline. Start fresh with their unaccompanied minor policy and requirements.
Will another airline honor my Spirit ticket?+
No. Other airlines do not accept Spirit tickets. You need to purchase a new ticket with the replacement airline.
Should I go to the airport for my canceled Spirit flight?+
No. Spirit's official notice says guests should not go to the airport for Spirit flights. There are no flights operating.
What documents do I need for a replacement flight?+
You'll need fresh documents for the new airline: proof of age, passport/ID, consent forms, and adult photo IDs. Old Spirit documents don't transfer.
What happens to my child's unaccompanied minor fee?+
The fee you paid to Spirit is part of your refund claim. You'll need to pay the new airline's UM fee for the replacement booking.
Can I get help from Spirit's customer service?+
Spirit no longer operates a normal call center. Use the official restructuring website for claims-related matters.
How do I find a replacement airline for my child?+
Research other airlines that serve your route. Check each carrier's unaccompanied minor policy, age rules, and fees.
Will my child's disability or medical needs be covered on a new airline?+
You'll need to make new arrangements with the replacement airline. Each carrier has its own process for special assistance.
Are there any Spirit flights still operating?+
No. Spirit began an orderly wind-down on May 2, 2026, and all flights were canceled. No Spirit flights are operating.
Can I transfer my Spirit booking to another airline?+
No. Your Spirit ticket is not transferable to other airlines. You must book a new ticket with the replacement carrier.
What about my child's baggage allowance on Spirit?+
Any baggage fees you paid to Spirit are part of your refund claim. The replacement airline will have its own baggage rules and fees.
Is there a Spirit customer service number I can call?+
Spirit no longer operates a normal customer call center. Use the official restructuring website for claims-related matters.
What should I do if I see a website offering to rebook my Spirit flight?+
Be cautious. Only use official Spirit restructuring channels for claims. For new bookings, book directly with another airline.
What if my child needs medicine during the flight?+
With Spirit no longer operating, you'll need to address this with your replacement airline. Each carrier has different policies.
Can I get a refund for my child's Spirit flight?+
Yes, you may be eligible for a refund through the official restructuring process. Keep all your payment records and booking confirmations.
What's the first step for getting a refund?+
Visit the official Spirit restructuring website and look for claims or refund information. Have your booking details ready.
What proof should I keep from my Spirit booking?+
Save your booking confirmation, ticket number, payment receipts, and any communication from Spirit about the cancellation.
Can siblings use the same claim for refund?+
Each booking should be handled separately. Keep all records organized for each ticket you purchased.
Continue your planning
Editorial and verification note
Spirit Airlines ended operations in May 2026. This page provides guidance on what to do if you had a Spirit booking. For replacement travel, you must book with a different operating airline.
Editorial note: Updated November 13, 2025. AI helped structure the research, but a real person wrote and reviewed this guide. Always verify current options with the operating airline you choose.