Trending Now - Budget Flight Options Dwindle for Summer Travelers After Spirit's Exit

WHO:

Fast Company - Spirit Airlines, represented by lawyer Marshall Huebner, and the Association of Value Airlines, a U.S. trade group.

Fast Company - Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

Fast Company - Airlines for America, a trade group representing major airlines including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, and Southwest.

WHAT:

Fast Company - Spirit Airlines shut down on May 3, leading to concerns for budget travelers.

Fast Company - The Association of Value Airlines requested $2.5 billion in temporary financial aid from the Trump administration.

Fast Company - Allegiant finalized its acquisition of Sun Country for approximately $1.5 billion.

Fast Company - Alaska Airlines completed its $1 billion purchase of Hawaiian Airlines in September 2024.

WHERE:

Fast Company - The shutdown of Spirit Airlines affects travelers across the United States, particularly in markets like Las Vegas, Detroit, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale.

WHEN:

Fast Company - Spirit Airlines operated for 34 years before its shutdown on May 3.

Fast Company - The request for financial aid was made in late April.

Fast Company - Allegiant's acquisition of Sun Country was first announced in January.

WHY:

Fast Company - Rising jet fuel costs tied to the Iran war have increased airfares and fees across the aviation industry.

Fast Company - The budget airline sector is facing challenges due to volatile fuel prices, inflation, and competition from traditional carriers.

HOW:

Fast Company - Airlines for America opposed the financial aid request, arguing it would create an unfair advantage for budget airlines.

Fast Company - The merger of Allegiant and Sun Country aims to combine passenger service with cargo operations and charter business.

(UPDATED May 18, 2026 16:05 UTC)

Spirit Airlines has shut down after 34 years of operation, raising concerns for budget travelers across the United States, especially in cities like Las Vegas, Detroit, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale. In response to the shutdown, the Association of Value Airlines has requested $2.5 billion in temporary financial aid from the Trump administration, but Airlines for America is opposing this request, claiming it would give budget airlines an unfair advantage. Meanwhile, Allegiant has finalized its acquisition of Sun Country for approximately $1.5 billion, a move aimed at enhancing passenger service alongside cargo operations and charter business.