{"id":"spirit-airlines","page":"https://escalate.alexgaoth.com/#/c/spirit-airlines","html":"https://escalate.alexgaoth.com/c/spirit-airlines/","generated":"2026-10-15","company":{"id":"spirit-airlines","name":"Spirit Airlines","aliases":["spirit airlines llc","spirit airlines inc","spirit.com","spirit aviation holdings"],"sector":"airline","parent":"Spirit Aviation Holdings, Inc.","website":"https://www.spirit.com","regulators":["us-dot"],"channels":[{"id":"restructuring-site","type":"portal","label":"Spirit wind-down and restructuring information site","value":"https://spiritrestructuring.com","purposes":["flight_cancellation","travel_credit","refund_request"],"notes":"Named in Spirit's May 2, 2026 wind-down release as the source of information about the wind-down. On 2026-10-12 the site returned an HTTP 522 error.","source":"https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spirit-airlines-begins-orderly-wind-down-of-operations-302760586.html","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}],"escalation":[{"rung":"frontline","channel":"restructuring-site","note":"Information only. Spirit no longer operates flights or a customer service center that could be confirmed."},{"rung":"regulator","regulator":"us-dot"},{"rung":"payment_dispute","note":"For a ticket paid by credit or debit card whose automatic refund did not arrive, dispute the charge with the card issuer."}],"playbooks":[{"issue":"flight_cancellation","summary":"Spirit stopped flying on May 2, 2026. Card purchases made through Spirit are refunded automatically; travel agency bookings go back through the agency.","evidence":["confirmation code","card statement with the Spirit charge","booking receipt","travel agency booking reference if any"],"steps":[{"do":"Do not go to the airport. All Spirit flights were cancelled."},{"do":"If you paid Spirit by credit or debit card, check the card statement for the automatic refund."},{"do":"If you booked through a travel agent, ask the agent for the refund."},{"do":"If a card refund has not arrived, dispute the charge with the card issuer. Give the cancellation date of May 2, 2026."},{"do":"File a complaint with the U.S. DOT if no refund is paid.","regulator":"us-dot"}],"facts":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"Spirit said on May 2, 2026 that \"All Spirit flights have been cancelled\" and that it \"will automatically process refunds for any flights purchased through Spirit with a credit or debit card to the original form of payment.\"","issues":["flight_cancellation","refund_request"],"source":"https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spirit-airlines-begins-orderly-wind-down-of-operations-302760586.html","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"process","claim":"Spirit said guests who booked flights through a travel agent \"should contact the travel agent directly to request a refund.\"","issues":["flight_cancellation","refund_request"],"source":"https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spirit-airlines-begins-orderly-wind-down-of-operations-302760586.html","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}]},{"issue":"travel_credit","summary":"Spirit vouchers, credits and Free Spirit points are handled in the bankruptcy process, not by the airline.","evidence":["voucher or credit number and amount","Free Spirit account number and balance","original booking"],"steps":[{"do":"Save proof of every voucher, credit and points balance (screenshots, emails)."},{"do":"Watch the restructuring site for the claims process and deadlines.","channel":"restructuring-site"}],"facts":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"Spirit said compensation for vouchers, credits and Free Spirit points \"will be determined at a later date through the bankruptcy process.\"","issues":["travel_credit"],"source":"https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spirit-airlines-begins-orderly-wind-down-of-operations-302760586.html","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}]}],"facts":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"Spirit Aviation Holdings, Spirit Airlines and affiliates filed voluntary Chapter 11 petitions on August 29, 2025 in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. Spirit Airlines, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Spirit Aviation Holdings, Inc.","source":"https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1498710/000162828026018265/flyy-20251231.htm","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}],"known_blockers":["Spirit ceased all flight operations on May 2, 2026. spirit.com and its customer support site refused connections on 2026-10-12, and spiritrestructuring.com returned an error.","Refunds of vouchers, credits and Free Spirit points depend on the bankruptcy process; an agent cannot get them from the airline directly."],"notes":"After an earlier Chapter 11 case, Spirit reorganized in March 2025 under the new parent Spirit Aviation Holdings, Inc. (FY2025 Form 10-K), and filed Chapter 11 again on August 29, 2025 (S.D.N.Y.). On May 2, 2026 it announced an orderly wind-down \"effective immediately\" and cancelled all flights (PR Newswire release). Do not expect live phone, chat, baggage or complaint channels. For card-paid tickets the practical routes are the automatic refund, then a card dispute and a U.S. DOT complaint.","official_domains":["spirit.com"]},"playbooks":{"flight_cancellation":{"company":{"id":"spirit-airlines","name":"Spirit Airlines","sector":"airline","website":"https://www.spirit.com","account_url":null},"issue":{"id":"flight_cancellation","name":"Flight cancelled or significantly changed"},"playbook_source":"company","summary":"Spirit stopped flying on May 2, 2026. Card purchases made through Spirit are refunded automatically; travel agency bookings go back through the agency.","evidence":["confirmation code","card statement with the Spirit charge","booking receipt","travel agency booking reference if any"],"steps":[{"do":"Do not go to the airport. All Spirit flights were cancelled."},{"do":"If you paid Spirit by credit or debit card, check the card statement for the automatic refund."},{"do":"If you booked through a travel agent, ask the agent for the refund."},{"do":"If a card refund has not arrived, dispute the charge with the card issuer. Give the cancellation date of May 2, 2026."},{"do":"File a complaint with the U.S. DOT if no refund is paid.","regulator":{"id":"us-dot","name":"U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Aviation Consumer Protection","level":"federal","when_to_use":"Use after the airline or ticket agent did not fix an air travel service, refund or disability problem. Try the airline first. Safety problems go to the FAA and security problems go to TSA.","channels":[{"id":"complaint-form","type":"web_form","label":"OACP complaint, comment and compliment form (ACERS consumer portal)","value":"https://airconsumer.dot.gov/consumer/s/oacp-form","purposes":["flight_cancellation","flight_delay","denied_boarding","delayed_baggage","lost_baggage","damaged_baggage","ancillary_fee_refund","travel_credit","accessibility"],"access":"open","notes":"Linked from DOT's File a Consumer Complaint page. Also for civil rights complaints, including disability. Have the booking details (ticket, itinerary or invoice), flight details (dates, flight numbers, city pairs) and supporting documents ready; the form cannot be saved and finished later. The portal home is https://airconsumer.dot.gov/consumer/s/.","source":"https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/file-consumer-complaint","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"id":"disability-hotline","type":"phone","label":"Toll-free hotline for air travelers with disabilities","value":"+1-800-778-4838","hours":"9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, except federal holidays","purposes":["accessibility"],"notes":"Voice line. Deaf, hard of hearing or speech-disabled callers dial 711 for relay. For general information and time-sensitive disability problems. For a DOT investigation, submit the complaint in writing or online.","source":"https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/toll-free-hotline-air-travelers-disabilities","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"id":"mail","type":"mail","label":"Complaint by mail","value":"Office of Aviation Consumer Protection, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590","notes":"Include your full address, email address and phone number, and complete information about the trip and the problem.","source":"https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/file-consumer-complaint","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}],"facts":[{"kind":"process","claim":"DOT says that under ACERS, when a complaint, comment or compliment is submitted, the airline or ticket agent receives it in real time in the ACERS Aviation Industry Portal and by email. Under the old system it took over a month.","source":"https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/usdot-modernizes-aviation-consumer-complaint-system","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"deadline","claim":"DOT requires airlines to acknowledge consumer complaints within 30 days of receiving them and to send written responses within 60 days of receiving them (30 days for disability-related complaints).","source":"https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/complaint-process","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"process","claim":"For a complaint filed with DOT, OACP directs the airline or ticket agent to respond directly to the consumer and to give OACP a copy of the response. OACP investigates every civil rights (discrimination) complaint, but does not investigate every other consumer complaint; it runs targeted or sample reviews instead.","source":"https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/complaint-process","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"process","claim":"A mailed complaint should include your full name and contact details, a description of the problem, the ticket, itinerary or invoice, the flight dates, numbers and city pairs, and copies of supporting documents such as the complaint you sent the airline.","source":"https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/complaint-process","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"deadline","claim":"For a disability (Air Carrier Access Act) complaint, a formal complaint must be filed within six months of the incident to make sure DOT investigates it.","issues":["accessibility"],"source":"https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/382.159","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"process","claim":"For a disability problem during the trip, ask to speak to the airline's Complaint Resolution Official (CRO), who has authority to resolve complaints for the airline.","issues":["accessibility"],"source":"https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/complaint-process","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"process","claim":"DOT says to give the airline a chance to resolve the problem first. Airline safety problems go to the FAA, and aviation security problems go to TSA (1-866-289-9673).","source":"https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/file-consumer-complaint","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}],"notes":"The office was formerly named the Aviation Consumer Protection Division (C-75); older documents use that name. DOT replaced its 1990s complaint system with ACERS (announced as \"recently launched\" in a press release dated August 13, 2025). Checked by loading transportation.gov and airconsumer.dot.gov pages on 2026-10-12."}}],"channels":[{"id":"restructuring-site","type":"portal","label":"Spirit wind-down and restructuring information site","value":"https://spiritrestructuring.com","purposes":["flight_cancellation","travel_credit","refund_request"],"notes":"Named in Spirit's May 2, 2026 wind-down release as the source of information about the wind-down. On 2026-10-12 the site returned an HTTP 522 error.","source":"https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spirit-airlines-begins-orderly-wind-down-of-operations-302760586.html","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}],"facts":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"Spirit said on May 2, 2026 that \"All Spirit flights have been cancelled\" and that it \"will automatically process refunds for any flights purchased through Spirit with a credit or debit card to the original form of payment.\"","issues":["flight_cancellation","refund_request"],"source":"https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spirit-airlines-begins-orderly-wind-down-of-operations-302760586.html","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"process","claim":"Spirit said guests who booked flights through a travel agent \"should contact the travel agent directly to request a refund.\"","issues":["flight_cancellation","refund_request"],"source":"https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spirit-airlines-begins-orderly-wind-down-of-operations-302760586.html","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"Spirit Aviation Holdings, Spirit Airlines and affiliates filed voluntary Chapter 11 petitions on August 29, 2025 in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. Spirit Airlines, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Spirit Aviation Holdings, Inc.","source":"https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1498710/000162828026018265/flyy-20251231.htm","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}],"rules":{"in_force":[{"id":"dot-airline-commitments","title":"DOT Delay and Cancellation Dashboard - airline commitments for controllable disruptions","citation":"14 CFR 259.5 (Customer Service Plans); FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (Pub. L. 118-63) section 506","jurisdiction":"us-federal","status":"in_effect","summary":"The ten largest U.S. airlines commit in their customer service plans to help passengers when a cancellation or significant delay is within the airline's control. All ten guarantee a meal and free rebooking on the same airline, and nine guarantee a hotel and ground transportation for controllable overnight disruptions. DOT publishes these commitments on its Delay and Cancellation Dashboard, which still existed in August 2026. Airlines must adhere to their plans. These are voluntary commitments, not a federal compensation rule.","source":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/17/2025-20042/airline-passenger-rights-withdrawal","last_verified":"2026-10-12","points":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"The 10 largest U.S. passenger carriers keep voluntary commitments in their customer service plans (required by 14 CFR 259.5) to assist passengers affected by cancellations and significant delays that are controllable by the carrier. All 10 guarantee a meal and rebooking without charge on the ticketed airline. Nine guarantee hotel accommodation and ground transportation to and from the hotel for controllable overnight delays and cancellations. Four commit to compensation in credits, travel vouchers or frequent flyer miles.","issues":["flight_cancellation","flight_delay"],"source":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/17/2025-20042/airline-passenger-rights-withdrawal","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"Each covered carrier must adopt a Customer Service Plan for its scheduled flights and adhere to the plan's terms.","issues":["flight_cancellation","flight_delay"],"source":"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-II/subchapter-A/part-259/section-259.5","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"DOT stated on December 10, 2025 that airlines are obligated to abide by their customer service commitments, and that it aligned the \"controllable\" standard with the \"Air Carrier\" cause category in its delay reporting rules (14 CFR 234.4).","issues":["flight_cancellation","flight_delay"],"source":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/10/2025-22415/airline-customer-service-commitments-for-controllable-flight-disruptions-unscheduled-maintenance-in","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"Since December 10, 2025, until further notice, DOT will not take action against airlines that do not provide services, amenities or compensation for delays or cancellations caused by unscheduled maintenance required by an FAA airworthiness directive that cannot be deferred (such as Emergency AD 2025-24-51).","issues":["flight_cancellation","flight_delay"],"source":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/10/2025-22415/airline-customer-service-commitments-for-controllable-flight-disruptions-unscheduled-maintenance-in","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"Effective October 19, 2026, ten event types move out of the \"Air Carrier\" (controllable) delay and cancellation cause category into a new \"Section 511(b)\" category. They include extreme weather or foreign-object damage to the aircraft, cybersecurity attacks, government system failures, non-deferrable unscheduled maintenance, medical emergencies, removal of an unruly passenger, and airport closures from volcanic ash, wind or wind shear. DOT expects fewer disruptions to trigger the airlines' commitments.","issues":["flight_cancellation","flight_delay"],"source":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/03/2026-18040/cause-of-airline-delay-and-cancellation-categories-under-section-511b-of-the-faa-reauthorization-act","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"DOT stated in August 2026 that the delay and cancellation dashboard and the family seating dashboard currently exist on its website, and that a seat size dashboard has not yet been created.","issues":["flight_cancellation","flight_delay"],"source":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/31/2026-17721/aviation-consumer-protection-advisory-committee-notice-of-public-meeting","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}]},{"id":"dot-refunds-rule","title":"DOT automatic refund rule for airline tickets and ancillary fees (2024)","citation":"14 CFR part 260 and 14 CFR part 262 (89 FR 32760, April 26, 2024; amended 89 FR 65534, August 12, 2024)","jurisdiction":"us-federal","status":"in_effect","summary":"Airlines operating to, from or within the U.S. must give a full cash refund (to the original form of payment) when they cancel or significantly change a flight and the passenger does not accept the alternative. Refunds are due within 7 business days (credit card) or 20 calendar days (other payment). Airlines must also refund checked bag fees for significantly delayed bags and fees for paid extras that were not provided. Until July 7, 2027, DOT does not enforce the rule in one narrow case: a flight that is only renumbered, with no significant change or delay.","source":"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-II/subchapter-A/part-260","last_verified":"2026-10-12","points_omitted":5,"points":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"A \"cancelled flight\" is a covered flight that was published in the carrier's Computer Reservation System at the time of the ticket sale but not operated by the carrier.","issues":["flight_cancellation"],"source":"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-II/subchapter-A/part-260/section-260.2","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"A \"significantly delayed or changed flight\" is one where, because of the carrier's change, the passenger departs 3 or more hours earlier or arrives 3 or more hours later (domestic itineraries), or 6 or more hours earlier or later (international itineraries); departs from or arrives at a different airport; has more connection points; or is downgraded to a lower class of service. For a passenger with a disability, a change of connecting airport or a substitute aircraft without a needed accessibility feature also counts.","issues":["flight_cancellation","flight_delay","accessibility"],"source":"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-II/subchapter-A/part-260/section-260.2","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"The merchant-of-record carrier must refund the airfare, including taxes and ancillary fees, to a passenger with a nonrefundable ticket whose flight is cancelled or significantly delayed or changed, if the passenger does not fly the changed flight or accept rebooking and does not accept a voucher or other compensation. The refund is automatic when the flight is cancelled and no alternative is offered, when the passenger rejects the alternative, or when the passenger does not respond to the offer before the flight departs.","issues":["flight_cancellation","flight_delay","refund_request"],"source":"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-II/subchapter-A/part-260/section-260.6","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"deadline","claim":"A \"prompt refund\" is made within 7 business days after the earliest date the refund was requested for credit card purchases, and within 20 calendar days for cash, check, debit card or other purchases.","issues":["flight_cancellation","refund_request","ancillary_fee_refund"],"source":"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-II/subchapter-A/part-260/section-260.2","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"A carrier may offer a voucher or credit instead of a refund only if the offer states the passenger's right to a full refund, and the voucher stays valid for at least five years from the date it is issued.","issues":["travel_credit","flight_cancellation"],"source":"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-II/subchapter-A/part-260/section-260.6","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"Until July 7, 2027, DOT will not enforce the cancellation refund and notice requirements when a flight is only given a different flight number, the passenger is rebooked on the renumbered flight, and that flight operates without a significant change or delay. If a renumbered flight is significantly changed or delayed, the refund requirements remain fully enforceable.","issues":["flight_cancellation"],"source":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/07/2026-13675/airline-refunds-and-other-consumer-protections","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}]}],"not_in_force":[{"id":"dot-delay-compensation-proposal","title":"DOT proposal to require cash compensation for controllable delays and cancellations (withdrawn)","citation":"89 FR 99760 (December 11, 2024), ANPRM \"Airline Passenger Rights\", docket DOT-OST-2024-0062, RIN 2105-AF20; withdrawn 90 FR 51230 (November 17, 2025)","jurisdiction":"us-federal","status":"withdrawn","summary":"In December 2024 DOT published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (not a proposed rule) asking whether to require airlines to pay cash compensation and provide meals, hotels and free rebooking for controllable delays and cancellations. DOT withdrew it on November 17, 2025. No federal rule requires airlines to pay cash compensation for delays or cancellations. Do not cite the dollar amounts from the 2024 notice as a right.","source":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/17/2025-20042/airline-passenger-rights-withdrawal","last_verified":"2026-10-12","status_note":"Withdrawn on November 17, 2025 (90 FR 51230, FR Doc. 2025-20042). The 2024 document was an ANPRM with comments due February 10, 2025; it never reached a proposed or final rule. What remains: airlines' voluntary customer service plan commitments (rules/dot-airline-commitments), refund rights when a flight is cancelled or significantly changed (rules/dot-refunds-rule), and the Montreal Convention delay liability for international trips (rules/montreal-convention-baggage).","do_not_cite":"This rule is not in force. Do not cite it as current law."}]},"tips":[],"escalation":[{"index":0,"rung":"frontline","note":"Information only. Spirit no longer operates flights or a customer service center that could be confirmed.","channel":{"id":"restructuring-site","type":"portal","label":"Spirit wind-down and restructuring information site","value":"https://spiritrestructuring.com","purposes":["flight_cancellation","travel_credit","refund_request"],"notes":"Named in Spirit's May 2, 2026 wind-down release as the source of information about the wind-down. On 2026-10-12 the site returned an HTTP 522 error.","source":"https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spirit-airlines-begins-orderly-wind-down-of-operations-302760586.html","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}},{"index":1,"rung":"regulator","regulator":{"id":"us-dot","name":"U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Aviation Consumer Protection","level":"federal","when_to_use":"Use after the airline or ticket agent did not fix an air travel service, refund or disability problem. Try the airline first. Safety problems go to the FAA and security problems go to TSA.","channels":[{"id":"complaint-form","type":"web_form","label":"OACP complaint, comment and compliment form (ACERS consumer portal)","value":"https://airconsumer.dot.gov/consumer/s/oacp-form","purposes":["flight_cancellation","flight_delay","denied_boarding","delayed_baggage","lost_baggage","damaged_baggage","ancillary_fee_refund","travel_credit","accessibility"],"access":"open","notes":"Linked from DOT's File a Consumer Complaint page. Also for civil rights complaints, including disability. Have the booking details (ticket, itinerary or invoice), flight details (dates, flight numbers, city pairs) and supporting documents ready; the form cannot be saved and finished later. The portal home is https://airconsumer.dot.gov/consumer/s/.","source":"https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/file-consumer-complaint","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"id":"disability-hotline","type":"phone","label":"Toll-free hotline for air travelers with disabilities","value":"+1-800-778-4838","hours":"9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, except federal holidays","purposes":["accessibility"],"notes":"Voice line. Deaf, hard of hearing or speech-disabled callers dial 711 for relay. For general information and time-sensitive disability problems. For a DOT investigation, submit the complaint in writing or online.","source":"https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/toll-free-hotline-air-travelers-disabilities","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"id":"mail","type":"mail","label":"Complaint by mail","value":"Office of Aviation Consumer Protection, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590","notes":"Include your full address, email address and phone number, and complete information about the trip and the problem.","source":"https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/file-consumer-complaint","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}],"facts":[{"kind":"process","claim":"DOT says that under ACERS, when a complaint, comment or compliment is submitted, the airline or ticket agent receives it in real time in the ACERS Aviation Industry Portal and by email. Under the old system it took over a month.","source":"https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/usdot-modernizes-aviation-consumer-complaint-system","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"deadline","claim":"DOT requires airlines to acknowledge consumer complaints within 30 days of receiving them and to send written responses within 60 days of receiving them (30 days for disability-related complaints).","source":"https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/complaint-process","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"process","claim":"For a complaint filed with DOT, OACP directs the airline or ticket agent to respond directly to the consumer and to give OACP a copy of the response. OACP investigates every civil rights (discrimination) complaint, but does not investigate every other consumer complaint; it runs targeted or sample reviews instead.","source":"https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/complaint-process","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"process","claim":"A mailed complaint should include your full name and contact details, a description of the problem, the ticket, itinerary or invoice, the flight dates, numbers and city pairs, and copies of supporting documents such as the complaint you sent the airline.","source":"https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/complaint-process","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"deadline","claim":"For a disability (Air Carrier Access Act) complaint, a formal complaint must be filed within six months of the incident to make sure DOT investigates it.","issues":["accessibility"],"source":"https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/382.159","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"process","claim":"For a disability problem during the trip, ask to speak to the airline's Complaint Resolution Official (CRO), who has authority to resolve complaints for the airline.","issues":["accessibility"],"source":"https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/complaint-process","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"process","claim":"DOT says to give the airline a chance to resolve the problem first. Airline safety problems go to the FAA, and aviation security problems go to TSA (1-866-289-9673).","source":"https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/file-consumer-complaint","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}],"notes":"The office was formerly named the Aviation Consumer Protection Division (C-75); older documents use that name. DOT replaced its 1990s complaint system with ACERS (announced as \"recently launched\" in a press release dated August 13, 2025). Checked by loading transportation.gov and airconsumer.dot.gov pages on 2026-10-12."}},{"index":2,"rung":"payment_dispute","note":"For a ticket paid by credit or debit card whose automatic refund did not arrive, dispute the charge with the card issuer.","rules":["fcba-billing-error","efta-reg-e"]}],"known_blockers":["Spirit ceased all flight operations on May 2, 2026. spirit.com and its customer support site refused connections on 2026-10-12, and spiritrestructuring.com returned an error.","Refunds of vouchers, credits and Free Spirit points depend on the bankruptcy process; an agent cannot get them from the airline directly."],"security":{"official_domains":["spirit.com"],"never_asks":[],"known_scams":[],"report_phishing":[]},"credibility":{"grade":"C","primary_share":0.5,"sources":{"primary":10,"reference":9,"other":1},"verified_from":{"page":5},"last_verified":"2026-10-12","oldest_verified":"2026-10-12","stale_items":0,"explanation":"Grade C (use with care: check the source of each value before relying on it). 50% of 20 sources are the organization's own pages or government sites.","dossier_last_verified":"2026-10-12"},"context":{"dossier":true,"sector_guide":true,"hint":"Call get_context for how this company handles complaints in practice and which scams use its name."},"notes":"After an earlier Chapter 11 case, Spirit reorganized in March 2025 under the new parent Spirit Aviation Holdings, Inc. (FY2025 Form 10-K), and filed Chapter 11 again on August 29, 2025 (S.D.N.Y.). On May 2, 2026 it announced an orderly wind-down \"effective immediately\" and cancelled all flights (PR Newswire release). Do not expect live phone, chat, baggage or complaint channels. For card-paid tickets the practical routes are the automatic refund, then a card dispute and a U.S. DOT complaint.","warnings":[]},"travel_credit":{"company":{"id":"spirit-airlines","name":"Spirit Airlines","sector":"airline","website":"https://www.spirit.com","account_url":null},"issue":{"id":"travel_credit","name":"Travel credit or voucher problem"},"playbook_source":"company","summary":"Spirit vouchers, credits and Free Spirit points are handled in the bankruptcy process, not by the airline.","evidence":["voucher or credit number and amount","Free Spirit account number and balance","original booking"],"steps":[{"do":"Save proof of every voucher, credit and points balance (screenshots, emails)."},{"do":"Watch the restructuring site for the claims process and deadlines.","channel":{"id":"restructuring-site","type":"portal","label":"Spirit wind-down and restructuring information site","value":"https://spiritrestructuring.com","purposes":["flight_cancellation","travel_credit","refund_request"],"notes":"Named in Spirit's May 2, 2026 wind-down release as the source of information about the wind-down. On 2026-10-12 the site returned an HTTP 522 error.","source":"https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spirit-airlines-begins-orderly-wind-down-of-operations-302760586.html","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}}],"channels":[{"id":"restructuring-site","type":"portal","label":"Spirit wind-down and restructuring information site","value":"https://spiritrestructuring.com","purposes":["flight_cancellation","travel_credit","refund_request"],"notes":"Named in Spirit's May 2, 2026 wind-down release as the source of information about the wind-down. On 2026-10-12 the site returned an HTTP 522 error.","source":"https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spirit-airlines-begins-orderly-wind-down-of-operations-302760586.html","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}],"facts":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"Spirit said compensation for vouchers, credits and Free Spirit points \"will be determined at a later date through the bankruptcy process.\"","issues":["travel_credit"],"source":"https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spirit-airlines-begins-orderly-wind-down-of-operations-302760586.html","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"Spirit Aviation Holdings, Spirit Airlines and affiliates filed voluntary Chapter 11 petitions on August 29, 2025 in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. Spirit Airlines, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Spirit Aviation Holdings, Inc.","source":"https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1498710/000162828026018265/flyy-20251231.htm","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}],"rules":{"in_force":[{"id":"dot-refunds-rule","title":"DOT automatic refund rule for airline tickets and ancillary fees (2024)","citation":"14 CFR part 260 and 14 CFR part 262 (89 FR 32760, April 26, 2024; amended 89 FR 65534, August 12, 2024)","jurisdiction":"us-federal","status":"in_effect","summary":"Airlines operating to, from or within the U.S. must give a full cash refund (to the original form of payment) when they cancel or significantly change a flight and the passenger does not accept the alternative. Refunds are due within 7 business days (credit card) or 20 calendar days (other payment). Airlines must also refund checked bag fees for significantly delayed bags and fees for paid extras that were not provided. Until July 7, 2027, DOT does not enforce the rule in one narrow case: a flight that is only renumbered, with no significant change or delay.","source":"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-II/subchapter-A/part-260","last_verified":"2026-10-12","points_omitted":9,"points":[{"kind":"policy","claim":"A carrier may offer a voucher or credit instead of a refund only if the offer states the passenger's right to a full refund, and the voucher stays valid for at least five years from the date it is issued.","issues":["travel_credit","flight_cancellation"],"source":"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-II/subchapter-A/part-260/section-260.6","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"policy","claim":"On request, carriers must give a transferable travel credit or voucher, valid for at least five years from issuance, to a passenger who cannot travel because of a government restriction related to a serious communicable disease, or who is advised by a licensed treating medical professional not to fly because of a serious communicable disease. The carrier may require documentation and may charge a per-passenger processing fee that was disclosed at purchase.","issues":["travel_credit"],"source":"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-II/subchapter-A/part-262","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}]}],"not_in_force":[]},"tips":[],"escalation":[{"index":0,"rung":"frontline","note":"Information only. Spirit no longer operates flights or a customer service center that could be confirmed.","channel":{"id":"restructuring-site","type":"portal","label":"Spirit wind-down and restructuring information site","value":"https://spiritrestructuring.com","purposes":["flight_cancellation","travel_credit","refund_request"],"notes":"Named in Spirit's May 2, 2026 wind-down release as the source of information about the wind-down. On 2026-10-12 the site returned an HTTP 522 error.","source":"https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spirit-airlines-begins-orderly-wind-down-of-operations-302760586.html","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}},{"index":1,"rung":"regulator","regulator":{"id":"us-dot","name":"U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Aviation Consumer Protection","level":"federal","when_to_use":"Use after the airline or ticket agent did not fix an air travel service, refund or disability problem. Try the airline first. Safety problems go to the FAA and security problems go to TSA.","channels":[{"id":"complaint-form","type":"web_form","label":"OACP complaint, comment and compliment form (ACERS consumer portal)","value":"https://airconsumer.dot.gov/consumer/s/oacp-form","purposes":["flight_cancellation","flight_delay","denied_boarding","delayed_baggage","lost_baggage","damaged_baggage","ancillary_fee_refund","travel_credit","accessibility"],"access":"open","notes":"Linked from DOT's File a Consumer Complaint page. Also for civil rights complaints, including disability. Have the booking details (ticket, itinerary or invoice), flight details (dates, flight numbers, city pairs) and supporting documents ready; the form cannot be saved and finished later. The portal home is https://airconsumer.dot.gov/consumer/s/.","source":"https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/file-consumer-complaint","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"id":"disability-hotline","type":"phone","label":"Toll-free hotline for air travelers with disabilities","value":"+1-800-778-4838","hours":"9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, except federal holidays","purposes":["accessibility"],"notes":"Voice line. Deaf, hard of hearing or speech-disabled callers dial 711 for relay. For general information and time-sensitive disability problems. For a DOT investigation, submit the complaint in writing or online.","source":"https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/toll-free-hotline-air-travelers-disabilities","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"id":"mail","type":"mail","label":"Complaint by mail","value":"Office of Aviation Consumer Protection, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590","notes":"Include your full address, email address and phone number, and complete information about the trip and the problem.","source":"https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/file-consumer-complaint","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}],"facts":[{"kind":"process","claim":"DOT says that under ACERS, when a complaint, comment or compliment is submitted, the airline or ticket agent receives it in real time in the ACERS Aviation Industry Portal and by email. Under the old system it took over a month.","source":"https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/usdot-modernizes-aviation-consumer-complaint-system","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"deadline","claim":"DOT requires airlines to acknowledge consumer complaints within 30 days of receiving them and to send written responses within 60 days of receiving them (30 days for disability-related complaints).","source":"https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/complaint-process","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"process","claim":"For a complaint filed with DOT, OACP directs the airline or ticket agent to respond directly to the consumer and to give OACP a copy of the response. OACP investigates every civil rights (discrimination) complaint, but does not investigate every other consumer complaint; it runs targeted or sample reviews instead.","source":"https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/complaint-process","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"process","claim":"A mailed complaint should include your full name and contact details, a description of the problem, the ticket, itinerary or invoice, the flight dates, numbers and city pairs, and copies of supporting documents such as the complaint you sent the airline.","source":"https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/complaint-process","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"deadline","claim":"For a disability (Air Carrier Access Act) complaint, a formal complaint must be filed within six months of the incident to make sure DOT investigates it.","issues":["accessibility"],"source":"https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/382.159","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"process","claim":"For a disability problem during the trip, ask to speak to the airline's Complaint Resolution Official (CRO), who has authority to resolve complaints for the airline.","issues":["accessibility"],"source":"https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/complaint-process","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"process","claim":"DOT says to give the airline a chance to resolve the problem first. Airline safety problems go to the FAA, and aviation security problems go to TSA (1-866-289-9673).","source":"https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/file-consumer-complaint","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}],"notes":"The office was formerly named the Aviation Consumer Protection Division (C-75); older documents use that name. DOT replaced its 1990s complaint system with ACERS (announced as \"recently launched\" in a press release dated August 13, 2025). Checked by loading transportation.gov and airconsumer.dot.gov pages on 2026-10-12."}},{"index":2,"rung":"payment_dispute","note":"For a ticket paid by credit or debit card whose automatic refund did not arrive, dispute the charge with the card issuer.","rules":["fcba-billing-error","efta-reg-e"]}],"known_blockers":["Spirit ceased all flight operations on May 2, 2026. spirit.com and its customer support site refused connections on 2026-10-12, and spiritrestructuring.com returned an error.","Refunds of vouchers, credits and Free Spirit points depend on the bankruptcy process; an agent cannot get them from the airline directly."],"security":{"official_domains":["spirit.com"],"never_asks":[],"known_scams":[],"report_phishing":[]},"credibility":{"grade":"C","primary_share":0.5,"sources":{"primary":10,"reference":9,"other":1},"verified_from":{"page":5},"last_verified":"2026-10-12","oldest_verified":"2026-10-12","stale_items":0,"explanation":"Grade C (use with care: check the source of each value before relying on it). 50% of 20 sources are the organization's own pages or government sites.","dossier_last_verified":"2026-10-12"},"context":{"dossier":true,"sector_guide":true,"hint":"Call get_context for how this company handles complaints in practice and which scams use its name."},"notes":"After an earlier Chapter 11 case, Spirit reorganized in March 2025 under the new parent Spirit Aviation Holdings, Inc. (FY2025 Form 10-K), and filed Chapter 11 again on August 29, 2025 (S.D.N.Y.). On May 2, 2026 it announced an orderly wind-down \"effective immediately\" and cancelled all flights (PR Newswire release). Do not expect live phone, chat, baggage or complaint channels. For card-paid tickets the practical routes are the automatic refund, then a card dispute and a U.S. DOT complaint.","warnings":[]}},"escalation":[{"index":0,"rung":"frontline","note":"Information only. Spirit no longer operates flights or a customer service center that could be confirmed.","channel":{"id":"restructuring-site","type":"portal","label":"Spirit wind-down and restructuring information site","value":"https://spiritrestructuring.com","purposes":["flight_cancellation","travel_credit","refund_request"],"notes":"Named in Spirit's May 2, 2026 wind-down release as the source of information about the wind-down. On 2026-10-12 the site returned an HTTP 522 error.","source":"https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spirit-airlines-begins-orderly-wind-down-of-operations-302760586.html","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}},{"index":1,"rung":"regulator","regulator":{"id":"us-dot","name":"U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Aviation Consumer Protection","level":"federal","when_to_use":"Use after the airline or ticket agent did not fix an air travel service, refund or disability problem. Try the airline first. Safety problems go to the FAA and security problems go to TSA.","channels":[{"id":"complaint-form","type":"web_form","label":"OACP complaint, comment and compliment form (ACERS consumer portal)","value":"https://airconsumer.dot.gov/consumer/s/oacp-form","purposes":["flight_cancellation","flight_delay","denied_boarding","delayed_baggage","lost_baggage","damaged_baggage","ancillary_fee_refund","travel_credit","accessibility"],"access":"open","notes":"Linked from DOT's File a Consumer Complaint page. Also for civil rights complaints, including disability. Have the booking details (ticket, itinerary or invoice), flight details (dates, flight numbers, city pairs) and supporting documents ready; the form cannot be saved and finished later. The portal home is https://airconsumer.dot.gov/consumer/s/.","source":"https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/file-consumer-complaint","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"id":"disability-hotline","type":"phone","label":"Toll-free hotline for air travelers with disabilities","value":"+1-800-778-4838","hours":"9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, except federal holidays","purposes":["accessibility"],"notes":"Voice line. Deaf, hard of hearing or speech-disabled callers dial 711 for relay. For general information and time-sensitive disability problems. For a DOT investigation, submit the complaint in writing or online.","source":"https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/toll-free-hotline-air-travelers-disabilities","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"id":"mail","type":"mail","label":"Complaint by mail","value":"Office of Aviation Consumer Protection, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590","notes":"Include your full address, email address and phone number, and complete information about the trip and the problem.","source":"https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/file-consumer-complaint","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}],"facts":[{"kind":"process","claim":"DOT says that under ACERS, when a complaint, comment or compliment is submitted, the airline or ticket agent receives it in real time in the ACERS Aviation Industry Portal and by email. Under the old system it took over a month.","source":"https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/usdot-modernizes-aviation-consumer-complaint-system","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"deadline","claim":"DOT requires airlines to acknowledge consumer complaints within 30 days of receiving them and to send written responses within 60 days of receiving them (30 days for disability-related complaints).","source":"https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/complaint-process","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"process","claim":"For a complaint filed with DOT, OACP directs the airline or ticket agent to respond directly to the consumer and to give OACP a copy of the response. OACP investigates every civil rights (discrimination) complaint, but does not investigate every other consumer complaint; it runs targeted or sample reviews instead.","source":"https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/complaint-process","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"process","claim":"A mailed complaint should include your full name and contact details, a description of the problem, the ticket, itinerary or invoice, the flight dates, numbers and city pairs, and copies of supporting documents such as the complaint you sent the airline.","source":"https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/complaint-process","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"deadline","claim":"For a disability (Air Carrier Access Act) complaint, a formal complaint must be filed within six months of the incident to make sure DOT investigates it.","issues":["accessibility"],"source":"https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/382.159","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"process","claim":"For a disability problem during the trip, ask to speak to the airline's Complaint Resolution Official (CRO), who has authority to resolve complaints for the airline.","issues":["accessibility"],"source":"https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/complaint-process","last_verified":"2026-10-12"},{"kind":"process","claim":"DOT says to give the airline a chance to resolve the problem first. Airline safety problems go to the FAA, and aviation security problems go to TSA (1-866-289-9673).","source":"https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/file-consumer-complaint","last_verified":"2026-10-12"}],"notes":"The office was formerly named the Aviation Consumer Protection Division (C-75); older documents use that name. DOT replaced its 1990s complaint system with ACERS (announced as \"recently launched\" in a press release dated August 13, 2025). Checked by loading transportation.gov and airconsumer.dot.gov pages on 2026-10-12."}},{"index":2,"rung":"payment_dispute","note":"For a ticket paid by credit or debit card whose automatic refund did not arrive, dispute the charge with the card issuer.","rules":["fcba-billing-error","efta-reg-e"]}],"security":{"official_domains":["spirit.com"],"never_asks":[],"known_scams":[],"report_phishing":[]},"credibility":{"grade":"C","primary_share":0.5,"sources":{"primary":10,"reference":9,"other":1},"verified_from":{"page":5},"last_verified":"2026-10-12","oldest_verified":"2026-10-12","stale_items":0,"explanation":"Grade C (use with care: check the source of each value before relying on it). 50% of 20 sources are the organization's own pages or government sites.","dossier_last_verified":"2026-10-12"},"dossier":{"title":"Spirit Airlines — how complaints actually go","last_verified":"2026-10-12","file":"dossiers/spirit-airlines.md","markdown":"## In short\n\nSpirit stopped flying on May 2, 2026, during its second Chapter 11 case, and cancelled all flights. Tickets bought from Spirit with a credit or debit card were to be refunded automatically. If that refund never arrived, the practical route is a dispute with your card issuer, then a DOT complaint. Bookings made through a travel agent are refunded by the agent. Vouchers, credits and Free Spirit points are handled in the bankruptcy case, not by the airline. Do not expect a working Spirit phone line or complaint form.\n\n## How complaints actually go\n\n- Spirit announced an orderly wind-down on May 2, 2026, saying \"All Spirit flights have been cancelled\" and that it \"will automatically process refunds for any flights purchased through Spirit with a credit or debit card\" to the original form of payment. [Spirit press release, May 2, 2026](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spirit-airlines-begins-orderly-wind-down-of-operations-302760586.html)\n- Spirit said guests who booked through a travel agent should ask the agent for the refund, and that compensation for vouchers, credits and Free Spirit points would be decided later in the bankruptcy process. It named spiritrestructuring.com for wind-down information. [Spirit press release, May 2, 2026](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spirit-airlines-begins-orderly-wind-down-of-operations-302760586.html)\n- Spirit Aviation Holdings, Spirit Airlines and affiliates filed Chapter 11 petitions on August 29, 2025 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. [Spirit Aviation Holdings FY2025 Form 10-K](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1498710/000162828026018265/flyy-20251231.htm)\n- DOT's advisory on Spirit (May 1, 2026) told passengers whose flight is permanently cancelled to ask their credit card company for a chargeback for services not rendered under the Fair Credit Billing Act, and to check travel insurance for insolvency coverage. [DOT Aviation Consumer Protection: What's New](https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/latest-news)\n\n## What tends to work\n\n- Card dispute: a charge for a flight that was not provided is a billing error if the card issuer receives your written notice within 60 days after the first statement that shows it (rule `fcba-billing-error`). Give the issuer the May 2, 2026 cancellation date and Spirit's refund statement. [12 CFR 1026.13](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/rules-policy/regulations/1026/13/)\n- If the ticket was bought through an online travel agency, DOT says the agent that is merchant of record must refund airfare for a cancelled flight; the merchant of record is the company shown on your card statement. [DOT: Refunds](https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/refunds)\n- DOT still accepts complaints about Spirit; in July 2026 it logged 26 complaint cases about Spirit, 23 of them about refunds. [DOT Air Travel Consumer Report, September 2026 (July 2026 data)](https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2026-09/September%202026%20ATCR%20revised%209-22-2026.pdf)\n\n## Traps and fine print\n\n- Card disputes have deadlines that start from the statement date; waiting for an automatic refund can use up the 60-day billing-error window (rule `fcba-billing-error`). [12 CFR 1026.13](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/rules-policy/regulations/1026/13/)\n- Vouchers, credits and Free Spirit points are not refunded automatically; their value depends on the bankruptcy process. Keep proof of every voucher, credit and points balance. [Spirit press release, May 2, 2026](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spirit-airlines-begins-orderly-wind-down-of-operations-302760586.html)\n\n## By the numbers\n\n- July 2026: DOT logged 26 complaint cases about Spirit, 23 about refunds; Spirit no longer appears in DOT's on-time and baggage tables. [DOT Air Travel Consumer Report, September 2026](https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2026-09/September%202026%20ATCR%20revised%209-22-2026.pdf)\n- ACSI 2026: Spirit scored 66 out of 100, the lowest of the airlines measured. [ACSI: Airlines](https://theacsi.com/industries/travel/airlines/)\n\n## Scams that target customers\n\n- When an airline shuts down, customers search for help lines. The FTC says not to assume a phone number in search results is real, to scroll past paid results and to type the company's address yourself. [FTC consumer alert, April 3, 2025](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/04/online-search-results-good-bad-scammy)\n- The FTC warns that scammers pose as airline customer service on social media during disruptions; report impersonators at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. [FTC consumer alert, July 25, 2024](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/07/scammers-impersonate-airline-customer-service-representatives)\n- The BBB reports fake airline phone numbers whose operators ask for card details and extra fees. Spirit said refunds for card purchases made through Spirit would be processed automatically. [BBB scam alert, June 2024](https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/20149-scam-alert-watch-out-for-airfare-scams-when-booking-your-trip), [Spirit press release, May 2, 2026](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spirit-airlines-begins-orderly-wind-down-of-operations-302760586.html)\n"},"guide":{"key":"airline","title":"Airlines — how complaints work","last_verified":"2026-10-12","file":"guides/airline.md","page":"https://escalate.alexgaoth.com/#/guides/airline"}}