By Jack Hojnar
Spirit Airlines ceased operations on May 2, 2026. Every flight is canceled. For cardholders holding Spirit tickets, two steps are worth taking in order.
Step One: Contact Spirit First
Spirit has stated that tickets purchased directly through Spirit using a credit or debit card will be automatically refunded to the original form of payment. Tickets purchased through a third-party travel site or agency will need to be handled through that third party.
Refund processing through a bankrupt carrier takes time. The refund may not arrive immediately. Document everything: original ticket confirmation, the card used for the purchase, and the non-refundable amount. That documentation will be useful regardless of which path the refund take.
Step Two: Check the Card Benefits
Many credit cards include trip cancellation and interruption coverage as a built-in benefit. Depending on the card and the benefit terms, coverage for a carrier that ceases operations due to financial insolvency may be available for tickets purchased on that card.
Coverage is not universal. Benefit terms vary significantly by card program. Some programs include financial insolvency of a common carrier as a covered reason; others exclude it explicitly. The only reliable way to determine coverage is to call the card-issuing bank directly and ask about the trip cancellation benefit on the account.
When calling, have the following ready: original ticket confirmation, the card used to purchase the ticket, and documentation showing the non-refundable amount. Most card issuers have a dedicated benefits line, separate from general customer service, that handles these inquiries.
The refund process through Spirit and any applicable card benefit claim are not mutually exclusive. Both can and should be pursued. Start with Spirit, then check the card.
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Jack Hojnar is a credit card benefits industry executive.