Spirit Airlines shut down
Definition
The abrupt cessation of operations by Spirit Airlines, the ultra-low-cost U.S. carrier, in early May 2026, following failed bailout negotiations with the government and mounting financial pressures.
A phrase capturing the dramatic collapse of a budget airline notorious for ancillary fees, cramped seating, and bare-bones service, leaving passengers grounded and memes soaring.
Examples
After Spirit Airlines shut down, my $29 flight dreams evaporated faster than their in-flight water sales.
Spirit Airlines shut down just in time for summer – now everyone's upgrading to 'spirit walking' to the airport.
In the Spirit Airlines shut down saga, the real baggage was the $500 million bailout that never landed.
Spirit Airlines shut down, proving that even the cheapest spirits eventually run out of fuel.