Spirit Airlines to Begin Flights from Chattanooga This June

Key Takeaways

• Spirit Airlines launches Chattanooga operations on June 4, 2025, with nonstop flights to Newark, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale.
• Promo fares of $50 one-way available from March 5–20, 2025, for travel between June 4–August 12, excluding blackout dates.
• Flights operate 3–4 times weekly, with advanced booking required; discounted prices exclude Fridays and Sundays.

Spirit Airlines will officially begin operations at Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) starting June 4, 2025. This highly anticipated addition will bring the Scenic City direct flights to several key East Coast destinations, offering a new chapter in connectivity for the region. Not only does this announcement change travel options for local residents, but it also introduces potential for stronger regional ties and increased economic growth.

Spirit Airlines to Begin Flights from Chattanooga This June

New Nonstop Flights from Chattanooga

With Spirit Airlines launching services, Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport will see a significant upgrade in its offerings. Travelers will now have access to direct flights to Fort Lauderdale (via Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport), Newark (via Newark Liberty International Airport), and Orlando (via Orlando International Airport). These additions are the first-ever nonstop connections from Chattanooga to these major destinations.

Here are the details for each new route:

Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
Flights begin on June 5, 2025, operating three times weekly, with an introductory fare starting at $50 one-way.
Newark (EWR)
Flights start on June 4, 2025, operating four times weekly, also with fares beginning at $50 one-way.
Orlando (MCO)
Service launches on June 4, 2025, with a frequency of four times weekly. Introductory fares are available for just $50 one-way.

Promotional booking for these routes opens on March 5, 2025, and remains live through March 20, 2025. To qualify for this discounted pricing, customers must make reservations at least 14 days in advance. Travel dates span from June 4, 2025, to August 12, 2025, excluding blackout dates between July 2 and July 7, 2025. Passengers should also note that the special fare excludes travel on Fridays and Sundays.

What This Means for Chattanooga

The introduction of Spirit Airlines at Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport is a game-changer for the local travel ecosystem. With nonstop access to cities like Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Newark, residents will benefit from expanded leisure and business opportunities. According to April Cameron, President and CEO of Chattanooga Airport, this partnership brings valuable routes to the community, a development that aligns with the airport’s ongoing efforts to bring more flight options to its travelers.

Chattanooga now joins Spirit Airlines’ growing network in Tennessee 🇺🇸, which already includes operations in Nashville (launched in 2019) and Memphis (added in 2022). This underscores the airline’s broader strategy to strengthen its connections in the Southeast. For the city, it means growing visibility as a travel hub and gateway to the region.

Additionally, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando provide convenient access to popular tourist destinations like beaches and theme parks, while flights to Newark offer a direct route to New York’s metropolitan area. This spread of destinations adds substantial value for both leisure and business travelers in the area.

New Travel Experiences with Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines’ offering at Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport extends beyond just the new routes. The airline, which has recently updated its service model, now provides four travel options designed to meet various passenger needs. Here’s a closer look at these tiers:

Go Big
- Designed for premium flyers, this choice includes larger seats (Big Front Seat®), full baggage allowances, priority services, free snacks, beverages, and high-speed Wi-Fi for streaming.
Go Comfy
- Geared toward those who want added convenience, this option includes priority boarding, carry-on luggage, and flexible seating. Passengers also receive free non-alcoholic drinks during the flight.
Go Savvy
- A good balance for budget-conscious travelers seeking flexibility, this option features standard seats and the ability to carry luggage on board.
Go
- Known as the most budget-friendly option, this tier provides basic travel with the ability to customize services like baggage or seat selection.

The availability of these tiers gives Chattanooga travelers the flexibility to find an option that works best for their budget and needs, whether it’s a quick weekend trip to Orlando or an extended business visit to Newark.

Spirit Airlines: Recent Changes and Recognition

The decision to expand into Chattanooga comes at a transformative period for Spirit Airlines. In November 2024, Spirit filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, a legal process that helps companies reorganize their finances when they face significant debt. By February 20, 2025, the company announced plans to go private, which effectively transferred control to its main bondholders. As part of this financial turnaround, Spirit Airlines converted $795 million of its debt into equity, a move designed to stabilize operations and pave the way for growth.

This restructuring allowed Spirit to reassess its markets and identify new opportunities to expand its reach. Chattanooga is now one of their carefully selected destinations that is expected to provide passenger demand and profitability going forward.

While these changes brought challenges, Spirit Airlines has maintained an impressive industry reputation. For instance:

The Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) named Spirit a Four Star Low Cost Carrier in 2025.
Ch-aviation highlighted Spirit’s fleet, known as the Fit Fleet®, as one of the world’s youngest and most efficient airline fleets for the same year.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also awarded Spirit its prestigious Diamond Award of Excellence in Maintenance for the seventh year running, a testament to the airline’s commitment to safety and quality service.

Spirit operates an all-Airbus fleet, a design approach that prioritizes fuel efficiency and passenger comfort, further enhancing the experience on these new Chattanooga routes.

Economic and Tourism Boost for Chattanooga

The incoming flights are likely to benefit Chattanooga in ways that extend beyond travel conveniences. Increased air connectivity often leads to boosts in tourism and the local economy, and Chattanooga is no exception.

John Kirby, Spirit Airlines’ Vice President of Network Planning, emphasized Chattanooga’s appeal as a destination known for its scenic beauty, southern hospitality, and thriving outdoor activities like hiking and paddleboarding. These nonstop flights make Chattanooga more accessible to travelers from Newark, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando, encouraging tourism growth in the city.

Beyond visitors coming into Chattanooga, these flights also provide local residents with easier access to nearby prominent markets. This connectivity is likely to make the city more attractive to businesses, potentially bringing new investments into the area. Conferences, expos, and other large-scale events may also increase as access improves through these direct flights.

Additionally, with Fort Lauderdale and Orlando being major travel hubs, Chattanooga residents have the ability to connect to international destinations across the globe with greater ease after reaching these cities.

Important Booking Details for Travelers

If you’re planning to be among the first travelers to take advantage of Spirit Airlines’ launch in Chattanooga, here are the key dates and information to remember:

Booking window for introductory fares: March 5, 2025, to March 20, 2025
Travel period: June 4, 2025, to August 12, 2025
Blackout dates: July 2, 2025, to July 7, 2025
Tickets must be booked 14 days in advance to qualify for special pricing.

It’s also worth noting that the introductory $50 fare excludes travel on Fridays or Sundays, so travelers should plan their trips accordingly to maximize the savings.

Final Thoughts

The arrival of Spirit Airlines at Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport is much more than just a milestone for the airport itself. By adding direct routes to Fort Lauderdale, Newark, and Orlando, Chattanooga residents gain access to improved mobility, and the city opens its doors to new visitors from major East Coast cities.

This development is particularly exciting in the context of Spirit Airlines’ impressive recovery efforts, regional strategy, and commitment to affordability. As both local and international travel trends continue to grow, this partnership positions Chattanooga as a rising player in aviation and economic development.

For more information on the new Chattanooga routes and travel options, visit Spirit Airlines’ official website via this link.

Learn Today

Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection → A legal process allowing businesses to reorganize finances and operations while managing significant debt without shutting down.
Introductory fare → A special promotional price offered for a limited time to encourage early bookings on new flight routes.
Nonstop connection → A direct flight between two destinations without any layovers or interruptions during the journey.
Blackout dates → Specific dates when discounts or promotional offers cannot be applied, often due to high travel demand during those periods.
Diamond Award of Excellence → A prestigious recognition by the FAA for exceptional maintenance standards and safety practices in the aviation industry.

This Article in a Nutshell

Spirit Airlines Lands in Chattanooga

Starting June 4, 2025, Spirit Airlines will connect Chattanooga with nonstop flights to Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Newark. This game-changing addition offers affordable $50 fares, boosting local travel options and economic growth. Accessible hubs unlock new adventures for residents while welcoming tourists to Chattanooga’s scenic charm. Travel just got brighter!