You probably know Spirit Airlines because it’s one of the most well-known low-cost airlines in the United States. However, it’s going through a very serious financial crisis that has led the company to make difficult decisions in order to remain operational amid a complicated economic environment and decreasing demand in the budget flight market.
One of the most important decisions announced is that, starting November 1, 2025, 270 pilots will be fired. This is part of a broader strategy to cut costs and adjust its staff to a new flight schedule, which is much smaller than in previous years. So, let’s see more in detail what’s happening in the airline.
Context
Since 2019, Spirit Airlines has not recorded profits, which led the company file for bankruptcy in November 2024 (you can imagine the situation didn’t get any better). It’s true many companies had filed for bankruptcy, but it became the first major airline in the U.S. to do this since American Airlines in 2013.
Although it tried to improve after the bankruptcy filing, it wasn’t successful. The main problem has been the constant drop in revenue and a significant reduction in demand for economy class tickets, which is Spirit’ Airlines’ main market.
Reduction in flights and staff
The company explained that the decisions to fire pilots are meant to “align staffing with the current flight schedule.” Essentially, if there are fewer scheduled flights, fewer pilots are needed.
During May and June, Spirit Airlines reduced its operational capacity by one million seats compared to last year, a 24% decrease compared to the same period last year. In addition, the company is on its third personnel adjustment in 2025, showing that the company has been consistently reducing staff throughout the year.
What Spirit Airlines has said
Instatements to Forbes, representatives of the airline stated that these measures are “necessary to ensure we operate as efficiently as possible.” Their goal, according to them, is to return the company to profitability, after several years of operating at a loss.
These types of adjustments also reflect a broader trend in the airline industry: demand for budget tickets is falling, while airlines are seeing growth in premium ticket sales. Andrew Nocella, Chief Commercial Officer at United Airlines, recently stated that revenue in economy class has been “negative,” although demand for premium seats has increased.
Image issues and recent controversies
Financial problems aren’t the only thing Spirit Airlines should worry about, it has also faced criticism for its treatment of passengers. In a recent case, the airline was widely criticized after denying boarding to a passenger because of her clothing.
Curious about what happened? Well, Tanasia Grayer was the woman whose shorts didn’t meet Spirit Airlines’ dress code because it was considered “inappropriate.” She even offered to cover herself with a bathrobe, but was still not allowed to board. Spirit Airlines defended the decision based on its dress code having changed and that it requires passengers to have “adequate coverage” in order to go on the plane.
Of course, these situations are viral on social media and may be affecting the company’s public image, and with a bad reputation there’s no customer confidence.
What should passengers do?
People who frequently fly with Spirit Airlines should be very attentive to possible changes in their itineraries, since with fewer staff and fewer flights in operation, there may be unexpected cancellations or schedule adjustments.
Although Spirit Airlines is still operating, it is doing so with a much smaller structure, and there is no guarantee that the situation will improve soon. Would you still choose Spirit Airlines or would you consider other alternatives?