For plenty of Windsor-Essex travellers, a cheaper vacation often starts with a drive across the border. For years, Spirit Airlines was one of the cheapest ways to fly out of Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport – offering bare-bones fares that made the half-hour drive worth it. Now, that option is gone. Spirit shut down over the weekend, blaming financial troubles and leaving thousands of passengers stranded – including many at Detroit Metro. The airline never flew out of Windsor International Airport, but for Windsor-area travellers looking to save, it had become a go-to. If you had a trip booked, here’s what to know: Getting your money back Spirit says refunds for unused flights booked directly through the airline on a credit or debit card should be processed automatically. If you booked through a travel agent or third-party site, you’ll likely need to go through them instead. If you used travel credits, vouchers, or loyalty points, getting reimbursed may be more complicated as the airline works through bankruptcy proceedings. The U.S. Department of Transportation says travellers can also contact their credit card company and request a chargeback for services they paid for but didn’t get. Consumer advocates say the key is acting fast – and holding onto everything: Receipts, booking confirmations, cancellation notices, and any emails from the airline. Need a new flight? There are options Several airlines are stepping in with so-called “rescue fares” – discounted tickets for stranded Spirit passengers. JetBlue is offering $99 fares, but only through Wednesday, May 6 for customers with a Spirit booking. Other airlines offering limited-time deals on overlapping routes: The catch: Some of those offers only last a few days and seats are limited. For Windsor travellers who’ve grown used to cheap flights out of Detroit, Spirit’s collapse doesn’t just mean cancelled trips. It could also mean the next getaway costs a whole lot more.
