What to know about getting refunds after Spirit Airlines shutdown

(InvestigateTV) — Romeshia Burton never thought an airline would shut down without warning.

Burton needed an affordable flight from Texas to Georgia to help her daughter move. After asking social media which airline was best, she booked with Spirit for $125. Everything was set for her May 8 flight until one morning she received multiple messages and links.

“One morning, I got a lot of messages, and I got a lot of links. And I opened one up and it said ‘Spirit is out of business!!’ And I’m like, wait a minute, is like, is this for real?” Burton said.

Spirit Airlines canceled all flights earlier this month after announcing it was winding down operations.

Travelers caught off guard

Yuri Cunza from Nashville was also caught off guard. He said he often relied on Spirit to travel between Tennessee and Peru to visit his mother.

“There was this ice storm that had impacted us, and I had to make some changes,” Cunza said. “So, at that point, because I wasn’t sure if things will get better, I opted to buy an additional ticket, knowing that I still could cancel and then keep the value. And then because I fly to Peru to visit my family, I could use it within the year.”

He is now unsure if he will ever get any money back.

Refund options vary

Spirit said customers who booked directly with a credit or debit card should get automatic refunds. If you booked through a third party, contact that company directly. For vouchers, credits or points, compensation will be handled through bankruptcy.

Teresa Murray, consumer watchdog at U.S. PIRG, said the effects could reach beyond Spirit customers.

“So bottom line, planes are going to be more full. The airlines are already under pressure because of rising jet fuel costs, but certainly having one of the 10 largest airlines no longer in business may give the other nine airlines cushion to go ahead and raise their prices,” Murray said.

What travelers should know

If you had a Spirit flight and still need to rebook, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) said several airlines offered limited time help for impacted customers.

For any new flight, Murray recommended downloading the airline’s app, putting trackers in your bags and checking the DOT’s airline customer service dashboard before you fly. She also recommended booking directly with the airline when you can, instead of using a third-party ticket site. If there’s a cancellation, schedule change or refund issue, it can be easier to work directly with the airline that sold you the ticket.

Burton fortunately found another affordable flight with United Airlines due to special fares but is still waiting on a refund from Spirit. She said she does not want other flyers to go through the same ordeal.

“Take a look at things from our point of view. Maybe you should talk to more real people that are out here living everyday life,” Burton said.