Spirit Airlines Not Cutting 1,800 Attendant Jobs, Hiring Expands

(SOUTH FLORIDA) Spirit Airlines is moving ahead with a broad hiring push for cabin crew, countering online rumors of mass cuts and drawing strong interest from job seekers, including many immigrants with work authorization. The company held large-scale hiring events in the region on June 13, 2025, and recent postings show continued recruitment of flight attendants across multiple cities.

There’s no credible evidence that the airline is cutting 1,800 flight attendant jobs. Instead, the carrier is expanding, backed by a new $250 million headquarters in Dania Beach and the relocation of about 1,000 employees—clear signs of growth in the United States 🇺🇸 labor market.

Company listings in September 2025 show steady openings for flight attendants with full benefits. Pay varies by base and seniority, with ranges noted from about $32,300 to $92,800 per year. Spirit Airlines frames these roles around customer care, safety, and operational reliability—core tasks that depend on stable staffing.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the airline’s headcount moves in 2025 point toward expansion and future route planning rather than contraction.

Hiring Push and What It Means for Immigrant Applicants

For immigrants, the most immediate question is work permission. Spirit Airlines, like most U.S. carriers, generally requires employees to be authorized to work in the country at the time of hire. In practice, that means new hires must complete the federal Form I-9 employment verification at onboarding. Employers check identity and work authorization by reviewing documents from approved lists.

• Official Form I‑9 guidance is available at: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9
• Many airlines also use E‑Verify, a federal system that confirms I‑9 data: https://www.e-verify.gov

If you don’t yet have permanent status, there are lawful paths that can support work as a flight attendant, depending on your situation:

• Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can work without limits.
• Asylum seekers and certain humanitarian applicants can work with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) after meeting eligibility rules.
• Holders of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and DACA can also work with a valid EAD.
• Spouses of certain nonimmigrant workers (for example, some H‑4, L‑2, and E spouses) may be eligible for work authorization under specific rules.

Workers who need a new or renewed EAD apply with Form I‑765. USCIS provides the official application and category list at: https://www.uscis.gov/i-765. If you’re unsure which category fits, read the USCIS page carefully and consider getting legal advice before applying.

Spirit’s hiring events are drawing large crowds because they offer a clear path to a stable airline job, even for those changing careers. The core requirements remain straightforward:

• Minimum age: 21
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Skills: Strong customer service aptitude and effective communication
• Ability to pass background checks and drug testing
• Successful completion of company training
• Valid passport and ability to travel internationally on short notice

Training for new flight attendants typically covers:

• Safety equipment and emergency procedures
• First aid and medical response
• Service standards and customer care
• Aircraft familiarization and Federal Aviation Regulations

Candidates must pass each stage to receive an assignment at a crew base. While immigration status isn’t part of training, your work authorization must stay current to remain on payroll. If your EAD will expire soon, apply early to avoid gaps. USCIS posts processing times and renewal tips on the same I‑765 page.

What Applicants Should Know About Work Authorization

Airlines must follow federal law when hiring, and applicants must show proof of identity and permission to work. Practical points for immigrant applicants targeting Spirit flight attendant roles:

• I‑9 and acceptable documents:
  • You can show either one “List A” document (establishes both identity and work permission) or a mix of “List B” (identity) and “List C” (work permission).
  • See: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9
• EAD renewals:
  • Don’t wait. Some categories receive automatic extensions if you file on time.
  • Check https://www.uscis.gov/i-765 for categories and extension periods.
• Address changes:
  • If you move while your Form I‑765 is pending, update your address with USCIS quickly to avoid lost notices.
• International travel:
  • Flight attendant roles involve travel, but your ability to reenter the U.S. depends on your status. If you’re in a pending humanitarian status, consult an attorney before international trips.
• Sponsorship:
  • U.S. airlines often expect “unrestricted” work permission at hire. While policies can vary, it’s common for carriers not to sponsor new cabin crew for employment visas.

Spirit’s hiring events emphasize demand for bilingual candidates and crew who can assist families, seniors, and first‑time flyers. In South Florida, languages like Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Portuguese are valuable.

Important notes for specific statuses:

• TPS or DACA holders with a current EAD may apply if they meet other job requirements.
• Asylum applicants with an EAD can be considered.
• If you’re renewing a time‑limited EAD, bring proof of timely filing to onboarding along with your current card; some categories have automatic extension rules that can bridge short gaps.
• Students on F‑1 visas: Flight attendant roles rarely fit OPT because the job is not usually tied to an academic major and airlines typically require open‑ended work permission. Talk with your school’s international office and a qualified attorney before applying.

Preparing for Hiring Events

From a labor market view, Spirit’s continued recruitment in 2025 aligns with growth themes across discount carriers. Rising travel demand on domestic leisure routes often leads airlines to add crew ahead of schedule changes. Spirit’s investment in its Dania Beach facility and active hiring events send a clear signal: the company is planning for more flying, not less.

Job seekers should:

1. Watch Spirit’s careers site for event listings.
2. Arrive prepared with:
   • Resume
   • Passport
   • Proof of work permission (EAD, green card, U.S. passport, etc.)
3. Expect the format:
   • Group exercises
   • Brief interviews
   • Communication drills

Tips for success:

• Dress professionally and be punctual.
• Keep answers clear and concise.
• Be ready to explain how you handle safety issues, upset customers, and tight turnarounds.
• If you need a workplace accommodation for a disability, ask the recruiter how to request it early.

Practical Filing and Timing Advice

There’s also a broader policy angle: immigration processing backlogs can affect EAD renewals, making timing a key part of any job search.

• File early, track receipts, and use official channels to avoid delays.
• USCIS posts filing tips and fee details on the Form I‑765 page: https://www.uscis.gov/i-765
• Keep copies of everything you submit, including delivery confirmations.

Rumors about layoffs in 2025 have not been backed up by official records or press releases. Instead, the pattern shows Spirit Airlines investing in its people and operations while holding fresh hiring events.

For immigrants with valid work authorization—and for permanent residents and U.S. citizens—these openings offer a path into a safety‑critical role with a predictable schedule, clear training, and room to grow through seniority.

If you’re weighing whether to apply:

• Confirm your work status first.
• Review Form I‑9 guidance: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9
• Check if you need to file or renew your EAD with Form I‑765: https://www.uscis.gov/i-765
• Prepare for the hiring fair with the same care you’d give to a final interview—readiness matters in a tight hiring window.