Spirit Airlines, the low-cost carrier known for cheap flights, is facing tough times. The airline plans to furlough more than 1,000 flight attendants. This big change comes right before the busy holiday travel season. Furloughs mean workers get time off without pay, but they might return later. For now, it spells worry for families counting on those paychecks.
The news broke this week on September 23, 2025. Spirit said it will let go of 1,800 out of its 5,200 flight attendants. That’s about one-third of the team. The cuts aim to match staffing with the smaller fleet and fewer flights expected. These changes will start by December 1, 2025. It’s a blow to workers during a time when many book family trips.
In a statement to USA TODAY, Spirit shared its thoughts. “We recognize the impact of this decision on affected Team Members and we are committed to treating them with care and respect during this process,” the email read. The company knows this hurts. But it says it’s needed to stay afloat.
Why the Cuts? A Look at Spirit’s Money Woes
Spirit has been in a rough spot. It filed for bankruptcy twice since November 2024. The latest was in August 2025. Bankruptcy means the company owes too much money and needs court help to reorganize. In June, Spirit reported a huge loss of $246 million. That’s a lot of red ink for one quarter.
The airline blames tough market conditions. Too many flights in the US mean more seats than people want. Demand for fun trips has dropped. Plus, high costs for fuel and planes add pressure. CEO Dave Davis sent an email on September 17. He said Spirit would cut flights by 25%. Fewer routes mean fewer crew needed.
John Bendoraitis, the executive vice president and chief operating officer, wrote a memo to staff on Monday. USA TODAY reviewed it. He noted over 800 flight attendants are already on voluntary time off or extended leave. But there’s a cap on how many can do that. So, furloughs are the next step.
This isn’t the first cut. In July, Spirit planned to trim 270 pilots by November 1. That was part of a bigger fix to get back on track. Now, flight attendants face the same fate.
How Furloughs Work: Union Steps In
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, the union for Spirit’s crew, spoke out. They told USA TODAY the rules. First, Spirit must offer voluntary furloughs. Workers who want time off can sign up. Only after that do involuntary ones start. Those go to the newest hires, based on seniority rules in the contract.
It’s a fair way, but still hard. Many flight attendants joined Spirit for steady work in a growing airline. Now, they face uncertainty. Holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas mean extra shifts and tips. Losing that stings.
The union fights for members. They want fair pay and safe jobs. This furlough plan tests that bond.
Dropping Routes: Where Spirit Pulls Back
To save cash, Spirit is shrinking its map. It will exit 11 markets starting October 2, 2025. These are smaller cities where flights don’t fill up. Here’s the list:
- Albuquerque, New Mexico (ABQ)
- Birmingham, Alabama (BHM)
- Boise, Idaho (BOI)
- Chattanooga, Tennessee (CHA)
- Columbia, South Carolina (CAE)
- Oakland, California (OAK)
- Portland, Oregon (PDX)
- Sacramento, California (SMF)
- Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC)
- San Diego, California (SAN)
- San Jose, California (SJC)
Spirit had big plans for Macon, Georgia. A new route was set for mid-October. But that’s canceled too. Fewer flights mean less need for crew. It’s all part of the cost-cutting.
Travelers feel this too. If you live in these spots, finding cheap flights might get harder. Spirit was a go-to for budget trips. Now, options shrink.
What This Means for Fliers and Workers
For passengers, Spirit stays cheap. But expect changes. Fewer planes could mean full seats or delays. The airline hopes to emerge stronger from bankruptcy. It paid some debts in June, a good sign. But weak demand lingers.
Workers worry most. Furloughed attendants lose income now. Some might find temp jobs. Others lean on savings. The union pushes for quick recalls when flights pick up.
Spirit’s story mirrors airlines post-pandemic. COVID hurt travel hard. Now, high prices and slow growth bite. Big carriers like Delta and American cut too, but less. Spirit, as a budget player, feels it deeper.
Experts say leisure travel might rebound in 2026. Holidays could help. But for now, caution rules.
A Tough Road Ahead for Budget Travel
Spirit started in 1983 as a no-frills flyer. It grew fast with add-on fees for bags and seats. That model worked until costs soared. Bankruptcy lets it renegotiate debts and leases.
CEO Davis leads the charge. His September email urged teamwork. “We’re working to reduce capacity by 25%,” he wrote. It’s bold, but needed.
Flight attendants shared mixed feelings online. Some understand the math. Others fear for families. One posted, “Love my job, but this hurts.”
As December nears, eyes watch Spirit. Will furloughs stick? Can it fill seats? Bankruptcy court decides soon.
For now, book wisely. Check routes before trips. And spare a thought for the crew making it happen.
This move shakes the airline world. Budget travel hangs in balance. Spirit fights to fly another day.
