(ALBUQUERQUE) United Airlines is adding flights across dozens of routes to cover markets hit by Spirit Airlines’ second Chapter 11 bankruptcy and its pullback from 11 U.S. cities, a move designed to cushion travelers if Spirit faces a sudden shutdown. The schedule boost, including two new nonstop routes from Newark to Columbia, South Carolina, and Chattanooga, Tennessee, is set to begin on January 6, 2026, targeting cities where Spirit is exiting service on October 2, 2025.
Spirit says it will keep flying while it restructures, but the carrier has warned customers about widespread cancellations in the affected markets with less than a month’s notice. United’s expansion is explicitly positioned as contingency capacity to help travelers if Spirit reduces service dramatically.
Why United is adding flights
United’s move follows Spirit Airlines’ August 29, 2025 Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing — its second in less than a year. Patrick Quayle, United’s senior vice president of Global Network Planning and Alliances, framed the expansion as preparation for a worst-case scenario.
“If Spirit suddenly goes out of business, it will be incredibly disruptive, so we’re adding these flights to give their customers other options if they want or need them,” he said.
United is increasing frequencies from major hubs — Newark, Houston, Chicago, and Los Angeles — toward popular leisure and VFR (visiting friends and relatives) markets such as Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Miami, Atlanta, Baltimore, and New Orleans. Certain international points in Central America from Houston will also see more service.
Spirit pushed back on any suggestion it’s on the verge of immediate shutdown:
“While we appreciate the obsession certain airline executives have with us, we’re focused on competing and running a great operation. Suggesting anything else is wishful thinking on the part of a high-cost airline looking to eliminate a low-cost competitor,” the company said.
Spirit says it plans to operate under court protection while trimming routes and expenses to stabilize finances.
United and Frontier move to fill gaps
United’s expansion highlights specific additions:
– Two new nonstop Newark (EWR) routes to Columbia (CAE) and Chattanooga (CHA) — both markets Spirit is leaving.
– Added daily flights from Houston (IAH) and Chicago (ORD) to leisure destinations such as Las Vegas, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and New Orleans.
– Additional service to select Central American points from Houston.
United says these flights will be bookable starting January 6, 2026 and will be phased to support travelers potentially stranded if Spirit reduces service further or stops flying.
Frontier Airlines is also stepping in:
– Announced 20 new routes from Detroit, Houston, Baltimore, Fort Lauderdale, Charlotte, and Dallas.
– Promotional fares between $29 and $89 on the new routes.
Industry watchers note:
– Competition from United and Frontier could keep fares in check in some markets.
– If Spirit ultimately exits key routes entirely, fares may rise where few low-cost alternatives remain.
Cities directly affected by Spirit’s pullback
Spirit is closing stations in the following cities:
– Albuquerque, Birmingham, Boise, Chattanooga, Columbia, Oakland, Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Diego, and San Jose
Spirit also canceled a planned launch in Macon, Georgia. The timing — with changes effective October 2, 2025 — hits the fall travel period, affecting family events, college visits, work trips, and international connections that rely on domestic feeders.
Ripple effects and vulnerable travelers
Analysis by VisaVerge.com highlights how disruptions hit travelers with time-sensitive commitments:
– Visa holders with strict travel windows for work, study, or medical care face costly last-minute changes, overnight stays, or missed appointments.
– Mixed-status families and people on fixed timelines are particularly vulnerable to cascading consequences (lost wages, missed exams, etc.).
Fitch Ratings downgraded Spirit’s long-term rating to D after the bankruptcy filing, citing elevated liquidation risk and limited flexibility. Bankruptcy attorneys say possible outcomes include a sale or merger under court supervision — or, if cash runs out, liquidation. Spirit maintains it will continue serving customers during restructuring.
What travelers should do now
If you’re booked on Spirit after October 2, 2025, take action today. Spirit says it is contacting affected customers directly with refund or rebooking options.
Key steps and tips:
1. Check your reservation immediately.
2. Monitor Spirit’s emails and app notifications for refunds or rebooking options.
3. If Spirit cancels, consider taking a refund to switch carriers quickly.
Practical advice:
– If you paid with a credit card, track refund timing and keep records of emails, receipts, and any rebooking costs.
– Compare United and Frontier schedules and total trip costs (including bags and seat fees).
– Book the earliest flight that meets your needs if you have a tight deadline to minimize cascading delays.
Bullet points — What to watch for:
– Refunds are the most flexible option for switching carriers quickly.
– Documentation is crucial: save every message showing cancellations or major schedule changes.
– If you need proof of disruption for work or school, request a delay/cancellation letter from the airline; many employers and colleges accept these.
For federal guidance on cancellations and refunds, see the U.S. Department of Transportation’s page on refunds for canceled or significantly changed flights: DOT Refunds.
Planning decisions — questions to ask yourself
When deciding whether to hold or change a Spirit booking, consider:
1. How flexible are your dates?
2. How important is a nonstop vs. a connection?
3. What’s your tolerance for same-day changes if your first option falls through?
- If you’re low on flexibility or risk tolerance: a refund and rebook may be safer.
- If you’re flexible: you can wait for Spirit’s updates while keeping backup options in mind.
Broader industry implications
Spirit’s ultra-low-cost model has pushed fares down across many markets for more than a decade, prompting legacy carriers to add “basic economy” products and match low base fares. If Spirit’s footprint shrinks:
– Legacy carriers and selective low-cost rivals will decide where to backfill service.
– Routes left unserved by low-cost carriers could see higher fares.
Network planning constraints:
– Pilot and cabin crew staffing, aircraft availability, and maintenance slots limit how quickly airlines can scale.
– That’s why United is planning months ahead and speaking openly about the risk of a Spirit shutdown.
Personal stories and real-world impacts
The changes matter for everyday travelers:
– A nursing assistant in Albuquerque who flies twice a month to see family may face fewer schedules and higher prices.
– A graduate student in Columbia could lose nonstop options needed for weekend research trips.
– A small business owner in Chattanooga may see harder timing for deliveries and sales calls if connection times grow.
These are practical disruptions — not abstract market shifts — that change how people plan their lives.
Holiday planning and early 2026 travel
United says its new and expanded routes will be available to book starting January 6, 2026, aiming capacity at leisure and VFR demand. That timing matters for:
– Spring break and graduation travel
– Medical appointments and other time-sensitive trips
Frontier’s new routes — and potential follow-ons from other carriers — will further shape available options into early 2026.
If you’re stranded mid-journey
- Ask the airline for a delay or cancellation letter to document disruption for work, school, or reimbursable expenses.
- If your trip involves a cruise or tour, call the provider immediately; some will help rebook with proof the airline canceled your flight.
Where to get official airline info
- Spirit Airlines: spirit.com
- United Airlines: united.com
- Frontier Airlines: flyfrontier.com
Final takeaways and next steps
- United and Frontier are already moving to capture demand if Spirit reduces service or stops flying; other carriers could follow in specific city pairs.
- Monitor your bookings closely and act early to avoid scarce seats and higher prices.
- Save all communications from airlines and request formal documentation if you need proof for employers, schools, or tour operators.
The coming months will test Spirit’s claim that it can stabilize while operating under court protection. If restructuring succeeds, Spirit may reemerge smaller and focused. If it fails, a deeper shutdown would prompt a rapid route reshuffle — and travelers in Albuquerque and the other affected cities should be prepared to make decisions now.
This Article in a Nutshell
United Airlines announced expanded schedules and new nonstop routes to backfill markets affected by Spirit Airlines’ second Chapter 11 bankruptcy and its planned exit from 11 U.S. cities effective October 2, 2025. United’s moves — including two new Newark-to-Columbia and Newark-to-Chattanooga routes bookable January 6, 2026 — are positioned as contingency capacity to protect travelers from sudden disruptions. Frontier is adding 20 routes with low introductory fares. Spirit says it will continue operating while restructuring, though Fitch downgraded its rating to D, citing elevated liquidation risk. Passengers booked on Spirit after October 2 should verify reservations, monitor communications for refunds or rebooking, retain documentation of cancellations, and consider switching carriers if needed. The wider industry impact could include short-term fare volatility and route reshuffling depending on staffing and aircraft availability.
