FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport was unusually quiet Saturday, especially in Terminal 4, once home to Spirit Airlines.
Where crowds and boarding calls would typically fill the space, confusion and uncertainty took over as thousands of passengers were left stranded following the airline’s sudden shutdown after 35 years in operation.
For many travelers, the day was anything but smooth.
“It’s crazy. I don’t even know what to do,” said Melissa Puntriano, one of the many passengers trying to make sense of the situation.
Puntriano had been traveling with her two daughters and was attempting to return home to Tennessee after undergoing surgery. Instead, she found herself scrambling for answers after receiving a message early Saturday informing her that Spirit Airlines had ceased operations.
“It’s frustrating, especially that I’m sick… I counted on them,” she said.
Across the airport, similar scenes played out. Travelers who had booked with the budget carrier moved from counter to counter, searching for alternative flights, often without success.
Kendra Dixon, traveling with a group of nearly 10 family members, said the experience was overwhelming.
“Completely overwhelmed. We have a family of like 10 of us traveling. It was like chaos—everyone trying to figure out alternative plans,” Dixon said.
She had been hoping to make it to Houston for her nephew’s graduation.
Inside Spirit’s terminal, passengers were met with a stark message: the airline had ceased operations, and customer service was no longer available.
Many questioned how the shutdown was handled.
“Spirit should have just not permitted anyone to buy tickets if they knew they were going through this process,” Puntriano said.
With limited options, stranded travelers began looking to other airlines, only to encounter soaring prices and limited availability.
“I’ve been airline to airline—they don’t have space,” Puntriano said. “They are telling us they’re going to give us a discount, but when you get there, there’s no discount.”
She said she was quoted nearly $1,000 just to get her family home—far more than she could afford.
“It’s too much. I cannot afford it … that’s why I did all my accommodations before,” she added.
Others shared similar frustrations about last-minute ticket costs.
“In this economy, I know it’s cliché to say, but it’s true—the tickets are just unaffordable,” Dixon said.
As Spirit planes remained grounded just beyond the runway, the emotional impact of the shutdown was clear.
“Spirit meant a lot of things to a lot of people… dang, farewell, Spirit,” Dixon said.
While many passengers expressed frustration over what felt like an abrupt end to a long-standing airline, others reflected on its role as an affordable travel option for millions.
Now, with Spirit Airlines gone, travelers and industry watchers alike are left wondering what the long-term impact will be, especially when it comes to ticket prices and accessibility in the months ahead.
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