Does Spirit’s collapse signal the end of cheap flights?

Summer travel season is getting underway. But this year, travelers are facing a perfect storm of new pressures in the airline industry. The budget airline Spirit Airlines has collapsed after years of financial struggles, eliminating one of the country’s biggest low-cost carriers just as millions of Americans prepare to fly for their summer vacation. At the same time, the war in Iran is driving up fuel costs and disrupting global aviation routes, raising concerns about higher ticket prices and fewer options for travelers. Questions remain about what flying will look like in the months ahead — and whether the era of cheap, easy air travel is starting to disappear. USA TODAY Consumer Travel Reporter Zach Wichter joins The Excerpt to talk about what all of this means for summer travelers. Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com . See Privacy Policy at and California Privacy Notice at .

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Does Spirit’s collapse signal the end of cheap flights? is an episode from 5 Things by USA TODAY The Excerpt.

This episode is 00:14:48 long.

This episode was published on May 12, 2026.

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