Spirit Airlines grounded, leaving passengers scrambling
Spirit Airlines has announced that it will temporarily suspend operations after years of financial difficulties due to the recent rise in fuel prices.
- Even though the airline has suspended operations, Spirit Airlines credit cards are still valid.
- The card issuer, Bank of America, is currently not accepting new applications for the card.
- Cardholders can still make purchases, but they won’t earn points.
Spirit Airlines credit cardholders can continue to use their cards for purchases even now that the airline has suspended operations.
Bank of America, which issued the Free Spirit Travel Mastercard and Free Spirit Travel More World Elite Mastercard, says the card accounts remain active.
Bank of America spokesman Don Vecchiarello told USA TODAY that the issuer is not accepting new applications for Spirit credit cards, but existing cards will continue to function normally. However, even if you purchase it, you will no longer earn points from the discontinued frequent flyer program.
“Current Free Spirit accounts will remain open and active and will continue to be serviced by Bank of America. Free Spirit cardholders can continue to use their cards as usual for everyday purchases and no immediate action is required on their part,” Vecchiarello said in an email.
He added that Bank of America will contact cardholders about account updates, and said some people may be able to transfer their accounts to other cards issued by the bank.
“Bank of America remains committed to serving Free Spirit cardholders as we work through this transition and will continue to keep you informed every step of the way,” Vecchiarello said.
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and can be reached at zwichter@usatoday.com.
