While some saw the writing in the sky, others woke up quite shocked to learn that they are either stranded on vacation, can’t get to their vacation, or lost all the miles they were saving up for a future trip.
Spirit Airlines abruptly halted operations overnight with little to no warning, catching travelers off guard and sending social media users into a frenzy. Stranded passengers shared real-time updates that are filled with disbelief, anger, frustration, and sadness.
Spirit Airlines Announced ‘All Flights Have Been Cancelled’ In The Middle Of The Night
The airline, known for being a more budget friendly way to travel, has ended services abruptly overnight, leaving many confused, angry, and even worse – stranded. And to add salt to the already gaping wound, there are no Spirit customer service reps that can help in any way. Some travelers are stranded in airports with no help in finding a new flight.
Spirit app users were met with a message when they opened the app on Saturday morning.
Spirit took to TikTok late Friday evening to share the news.
“It is with great disappointment that Spirit Airlines has started winding down its global operations, effective immediately,” the airline shared in a silent video. “All flights have been cancelled, and customer service is no longer available. While we are not able to help rebook your flight on another airline, we will automatically process refunds for any flights purchased through Spirit with a credit or debit card to the original form of payment.”
The end of the blurb directs people who desire more information to visit a website.
The comment section was disabled, leaving travelers unable to ask questions or say what’s on their minds.
Many Social Media Users Shared Videos After The News Dropped
A quick search on TikTok of videos about Spirit Airlines ending their services abruptly pulls up tons of videos from passengers affected by the news.
One TikTok content creator, who goes by @namjoonieandbam, shared an emotional video taken while on the plane, where the flight attendant shares the bad news. The words, “BREAKING: Spirit Airlines shuts down our flight attendant’s heartfelt announcement and goodbye,” gives context into the sad situation.
“A lot of crazy stuff has happened,” the Spirit employee began. “But it’s funny as we sit here, I’ll speak for myself. I don’t remember any of the bad times, just the good ones,” he said holding back tears. He then shared that Spirit started flying back in 1983 as Charger Air, before changing to Spirit in 1992.
“So we’ve been in the air since 1983,” he continued. “And unfortunately, that’s over. So thank you for your support over the years, and onward and upward, right?” As soon as he finished his heartfelt speech, the passengers cheered.
The Comment Section Shared Support And Caring Words For Spirit Airlines
The video grabbed tons of attention in just a few short hours and the comment section lit up with words of support and sadness.
“We all joke about Spirit, but they got us where we needed to be for the best price,” one person wrote. Another added, “43 years not a single accident. One of the safest airlines in history. This is really sad as someone who is a nervous flyer.”
Many recognized the employees who just found out they lost their jobs.
“17,000 jobs lost… this is sad,” one person wrote. Another said, “Awh a man who loves his job.” And one other added, “I feel so bad for all of the people losing their jobs right now.” One other viewer shared, “He’s crying because he had good moments there and the people he worked with. He is grieving the experience he endured there. Poor thing.”
‘RIP Spirit You Will Be Missed’
Many other videos on TikTok also showed the sadness revolving around the news. TikToker Huss Te shared a somber video that had viewers in the comment section all in their feels.
“For all of us that work in aviation this hurt our wings,” one viewer wrote. Another shared, “It is thanks to Spirit that we were able to go places, see things, travel, visit family far away, when money was beyond tight.”
One viewer pointed out, “All joking aside Spirit was one of the best airlines…no accidents and they definitely got you there on time always. Thank You to all the Spirit employees that made the flights quick & smooth.”
Aaron Parnas Shared Info On What To Do If You Have A Spirit Airlines Flight Booked
Imagine being on vacation and learning that your flight home has been canceled. Or you just arrived at the airport to go visit family and find out your flight doesn’t exist anymore. What do you do? And with Spirit Airlines customer service no longer working, it can be a stressful situation.
Aaron Parnas, viral content creator/journalist, who more than 5 million people on TikTok go to for breaking news, shared some information on what to do if you are affected by Spirit’s sudden news.
“Overnight Spirit Airlines abruptly shut down. It is over, the airline is closed, but I have all the news for you as far as what happens next if you have a Spirit Airlines ticket booked,” he said. “Here’s what you need to know.”
He said that other airlines are “stepping up” and offering deals for people affected by Spirit’s sudden shut down. He also shared how to get your money back for your Spirit Airlines tickets.