What Spirit Airlines' Staggering Flight Attendant Furlough Means For Travelers

Spirit Airlines has long been known for its low fares, ultra-competitive business model, and no-frills service, to the point of not even offering free in-flight water or snacks. Earlier this month, the low-cost carrier filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, prompting 25% capacity cuts and furloughs of cabin staff — and this was just the latest development in Spirit's recent decline.

On September 23, 2025, Spirit announced that it would furlough 1,800 flight attendants, a number that represents a third of the company's total headcount. A spokesperson for Spirit told CBS News that the furlough would be implemented as of December 1, 2025, owing to the need "to align staffing with [the airline's] fleet size and expected flight volume". Voluntary furloughs of six to 12 months will start as early as November 1.

What does this mean for travelers who prefer to use budget airlines like Spirit? Starting October 2, you will no longer be able to book Spirit flights to Albuquerque, Birmingham, Boise, Chattanooga, Columbia, Oakland, Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Diego, or San Jose. The airline will also nix the planned introduction of a route to Macon, Georgia. Spirit is likely to keep its current schedule throughout the holidays, but you should consider taking out insurance before traveling. For passengers with existing bookings, this financial uncertainty will raise questions about fare protection and refund policies. While bankruptcy doesn't immediately void tickets, passengers may face challenges if further operational cuts affect their specific flights.

Spirit has also indicated a shift from relying solely on its position as the low-cost provider. In a post on its website, the airline said it will continue to offer its three levels of service — Value, Premium Economy, and First — and will "expand the opportunities for travelers to choose premium options." While Spirit added that it expects to "conduct business as normal during the restructuring process" and that "guests can continue to book, travel and use tickets, credits and loyalty points," its parent company's quarterly report, issued in August, expressed "substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern."

Paradoxically, Spirit's reduction in capacity could increase prices. The airline's low-cost model exerts downward pressure on competing routes. When Spirit cuts flights or discontinues its own routes, rival carriers feel less pressure to match rock-bottom prices, especially during periods of strong demand. If you rely on Spirit's rock-bottom pricing for your travel, it will be essential to keep up any news and notifications coming from the airline. You should also buy your ticket with a credit card that offers travel protection — and always make sure you have a plan B.