Spirit Airlines Has Stopped Operations: What Parents Need to Know

The Current Situation: No Active Flights

Spirit Airlines has stopped flying. The airline's official restructuring notice states that all flights were canceled during an orderly wind-down that began on May 2, 2026.

This means that any historical information you may have found about Spirit's unaccompanied minor policy is no longer relevant. There are no Spirit flights, no check-in counters, and no minor service to book.

If you see a website or person offering to book a Spirit flight or add a minor service, it is a scam. Spirit is no longer operating.

Why Historical Age Rules No Longer Apply

There is no Spirit service to use. Even if your child was previously eligible under Spirit's old policy, the airline no longer exists as an operating carrier.

You cannot use a historical Spirit policy to claim a service or book a ticket. Any new travel must be booked with a different airline, and your child's eligibility will be determined by that new airline's current rules.

What to Do About a Canceled Booking

Do not go to the airport. The official wind-down notice says guests should not go to the airport for Spirit flights. There will be no staff, no check-in counter, and no one to assist you.

Instead, you should focus on two things: filing a claim for your canceled tickets and booking a new flight on an operating airline.

Important: Any third party claiming they can restore a canceled Spirit flight or provide a Spirit minor service should be treated as suspicious.

How to Handle Your Existing Spirit Booking

Do not try to buy a new Spirit ticket. There are no Spirit tickets for sale.

For an existing booking, your action plan is:

• Preserve evidence: Save your booking confirmation, ticket number, credit card statement, and any emails from Spirit.
• Visit the official restructuring site: Go to the Spirit Restructuring website for official information on claims and refunds.
• Contact the claims agent: Follow the instructions on the restructuring site to file your claim.
• Contact your card issuer: If you paid by credit card, contact your bank to understand your options for a chargeback.

Then, you will need to book replacement travel with a new airline. Do not wait, as flights on other airlines are filling up.

Documents for a Replacement Flight

Old Spirit forms are not transferable. The documents you prepared for a Spirit flight (like their minor form) are no longer valid.

For your new booking, you will need to prepare new documents based on the new airline's requirements and the destination country's rules. This typically includes a passport or ID, visas, and possibly a notarized consent letter.

Keep your old Spirit evidence private. Do not share your child's passport number or booking codes on social media.

Understanding Refunds and Claims

Former service charges and baggage fees are now part of your claim. The old fees you paid to Spirit are not a current fee; recovery depends on the canceled booking and payment method.

The refund process is managed through the Spirit Restructuring website. You will need to file a claim for the entire cost of your booking, including any extras you paid for, like seat selection or checked baggage.

Baggage on a Replacement Flight

Your old baggage purchase with Spirit does not transfer. The baggage allowance on a new airline will be based on that airline's fare rules.

When you book a new flight, check the new airline's baggage policy. You may need to purchase baggage again.

Strollers and Car Seats on a New Airline

The replacement airline's rules now control. Spirit's old equipment rules are gone. You must check the new airline's policy for strollers, car seats, and other equipment.

What Not to Do at the Airport

Do not go to the airport for a Spirit flight. The official wind-down notice says guests should not go to the airport for Spirit flights.

If you have booked a replacement flight with a different airline, follow that new airline's instructions for check-in and handoff.

Planning a New Route

You will need to start from scratch. Every segment of your child's trip must be rebooked on an operating carrier.

When planning a new route, consider direct flights on a single airline to make the handoff process simpler. If you must book connecting flights, ensure they are on one ticket and that the operating airline's minor policy covers the entire journey.

Getting Help for a Child with Special Needs

Spirit's claims channels cannot help with travel assistance. Spirit's restructuring process is only for financial claims. It does not provide travel or accessibility assistance.

If your child needs special assistance, you must contact your new airline directly to arrange it. Be clear about your child's needs when you book.

A Real-World Example

A family booked a flight for their 10-year-old on Spirit from Fort Lauderdale to New York. They received an email that their flight was canceled.

First, they do not go to the airport. Instead, they go to the Spirit Restructuring website, find the claims instructions, and file a claim for a refund.

Then, they search for a new flight. They find a direct flight on another airline and book it. They then check the new airline's unaccompanied minor policy, fill out the new forms, and prepare the child for the new trip.

Final Tips for Families Affected

Act quickly. Replacement flights are in high demand. Book your new travel as soon as possible.

Keep all records. Save every email, receipt, and screenshot related to your Spirit booking. You will need this for your claim.

Be cautious of scams. No one can help you recover a Spirit flight or get a refund for a fee. Use only the official Spirit Restructuring website and your bank.

Verify the domain. The official restructuring website is spiritrestructuring.com. Double-check the URL before entering any personal information.

Old Status vs. New Action

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from parents affected by Spirit's closure.