Spirit Airlines' shutdown has reduced budget travel options, causing airfares to rise for nine consecutive months with holiday fares up 11-13% year-over-year. Former customers report fewer deals and say competing airlines have become less price-competitive, with some scaling back trips due to higher costs.
Airlines are cutting cheaper, less profitable flights in response to sustained high jet fuel prices, with United, American, and Southwest executives indicating plans to trim capacity in coming months. The moves follow earlier schedule reductions and fee increases, leaving budget travelers with fewer affordable options as fuel costs remain elevated amid geopolitical tensions.