SEATTLE (AP) 鈥� of the U.S.-based Spirit Airlines may for travelers with a certain financial sensibility.
But if you鈥檝e been snagged in their now-defunct flight schedule, here are some things to know on how to get home, and get whole.
鈥淩escue fares,鈥� reduced prices for new flights
Many airlines that used to compete with Spirit are now parachuting in with deals to save their travelers. Airlines including American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines are capping or reducing ticket prices for people to book new flights.
There is a limited window for this deal, which prioritizes now-stranded travelers who need to find a new way to their next destination.
For example, Southwest鈥檚 offer is only available in person at an airport ticket counter through Wednesday, May 6, according to industry trade group, Airlines for America and the U.S. Department of Transportation. United, meanwhile, is allowing such bookings for up to two weeks, which can be accessed online.
For those who were planning to fly Spirit and now need to find an alternative to the ultra low cost carrier, American, Allegiant, Frontier and Delta advertised reduced fares on the same routes Spirit once flew.
Many company announcements include maps showing where its routes overlapped with Spirits, which can help narrow the search to find a comparable flight.
鈥淪pirit Airlines played an important role in expanding access to affordable travel and bringing more low fares to more people,鈥� said Bobby Schroeter, Frontier鈥檚 chief commercial officer. 鈥淲e recognize this is a difficult time for their customers and team members.
Get your money back in refunds
Spirit Airlines said they were prepared for an 鈥渙rderly wind-down鈥� of its operations, and that it will automatically process refunds for any flights booked on a credit or debit card.
Travelers who booked through third-party travel agencies should direct refund requests to those agents.
Anyone else who got their reservation through vouchers, credit or points will have to wait and see though Spirit鈥檚 bankruptcy process.
If there are questions about whether your money will make a safe landing back to your wallet, there are other ways to try to claw back your cash for the Spirit flight not taken.
The DOT suggests contacting your credit card company and exercising your rights under the Fair Credit Billing Act, by requesting a 鈥渃hargeback鈥� for services not rendered.
If you purchased travel insurance or it is included in your credit card鈥檚 policy and perks, call them to see if they cover 鈥渋nsolvency鈥� or 鈥渟ervice cessation.鈥�
The last resort would be filing a bankruptcy claim but officials warn this route eats up time and money, and ultimately may only result in a partial refund.
The National Consumers League warned travelers to keep all documentation to prove they were booked for Spirit flights, including receipts, booking confirmations, cancellation notices, and any correspondence with the airline. The nonprofit watchdog organization also urged those affected to act immediately as credit card and insurance companies may have strict deadlines that can be time-sensitive.
鈥淣ot all Spirit customers should assume a refund will automatically appear,鈥� said John Breyault, the league鈥檚 vice president of public policy, telecommunications, and fraud. 鈥淲hen an airline shuts down this suddenly, it鈥檚 up to travelers to take proactive steps to have the best chance of getting their money back.鈥�
Expanding capacity and perks
American and United both said it is trying to adjust its fleet so it can help more stranded passengers. American said it is looking into tapping larger planes and United said it is potentially adding additional flights on routes where they overlapped with Spirit.
鈥淲e are reviewing鈥刼pportunities to add additional capacity, including utilizing larger aircraft on critical routes 鈥� to support鈥刟s many鈥刟ffected passengers as possible,鈥� American said via an Airlines for America statement.
Southwest also said it will offer a status-match, by honoring Spirit鈥檚 Silver and Gold status members with its own A-List program.
The car rental company Hertz is also advertising deals for alternative transportation, offering one-way vehicles and up to 25% off for those find 鈥渢he road might be the fastest way home in scenarios like this one.鈥�
I鈥檓 an employee. Get me out of here.
Spirit crew members who are stuck at their destination should be granted airline travel benefits, including spare jump seats where available on most major carriers.
American said: 鈥淲e will provide transportation for Spirit team members who have been displaced on a work trip,鈥� according to an Airlines for America statement.
The DOT also said the other companies are offering preferential interviews to help expedite the job search for former Spirit pilots, flight attendants and other employees. American said it will be setting up recruiting events for those former employees.
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