With the recent shutdown of Spirit Airlines, one of the biggest ultra low-cost carriers is no longer an option for travelers looking for cheap airline fares. For years, Spirit set the floor for cheap flights. Love it or hate it, it forced other airlines to compete on price. Despite Spirit Airlines being shutdown, there are still options for cheap(er) flights. You will just need to be a bit more strategic.
What This Actually Means for Travelers
Spirit abruptly shut down operations after years of financial struggles, including multiple bankruptcies and rising costs, ultimately canceling all flights and ceasing service immediately. For travelers, this may lead to:
- Fewer ultra-cheap baseline fares on certain routes
- Slightly higher prices where competition drops
- Less last-minute deal availability
How to Still Find Cheap Flights
- Use the Right Search Tools
- Don’t rely on one website. Use platforms that compare multiple airlines and flexible date ranges so you can spot deals quickly.
- Be Flexible
- Shifting your trip even slightly can make a noticeable difference in price. Flexibility on dates, airlines and airports can yield cheaper flights.
- Book at the Right Time
- Waiting too long usually leads to higher prices. The further in advance you can book a flight, the better. If the price drops after you book, you can either contact the airline for a refund of the difference or cancel and rebook at the lower fare.
- Use credit card points
- This is where things start to separate. When cash prices increase, credit card points can often provide significantly better value. Instead of paying hundreds out of pocket, you can use points earned from everyday spending to offset or fully cover flights. If you’re not already using points, check out my guide on where to start and how to choose the right beginner card.
Looking for more ways to travel smarter? Explore the rest of the blog.
