Refunds and Compensation for Spirit Airlines Strike

Yurii Moskalenko
30.08.2024
Updated 05.05.2025

Flight delays or cancellations due to airline strikes can be frustrating, but there is good news for passengers. There is a law called EU 261/2004 that protects you. It says that airlines must issue compensation if your flight is cancelled or delayed as a result of a strike. In this article, we will explain what EU261 is and how it can assist you.

Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004

Now let’s focus on the particulars of EU Regulation 261. In the following sections, you will discover your entitlement to compensation and what advantages you can expect in the event of a flight disruption.

Right to Compensation

The European Union regulation stipulates that if you are protected by the EU 261/2004, you are entitled to seek compensation if a wildcat or planned strike of the airline’s workers disrupts your flight. Notably, such situations do not qualify as “extraordinary circumstances” i.e., those beyond the airline’s control.

Flight Cancellation Compensation

In line with EU Regulation 261, you can receive compensation of up to €600 if your flight is cancelled and the airline does not notify you about the cancellation within 14 days before your planned departure date.

However, as it often happens, there are exceptions you should be aware of. In particular, the airline is entitled to refuse compensation if they choose to offer you an alternative flight. Though this flight is required to meet certain requirements:

  • If your flight is over 3,500 km, your replacement flight must arrive at the point of destination with a delay of less than 4 hours;
  • If your flight is 1,500-3,500 km, your replacement flight must arrive at the point of destination with a delay of less than 3 hours;
  • If your flight is less than 1,500 km, your replacement flight must arrive at the point of destination with a delay of less than 2 hours;

If you agreed to the alternative flight proposed by the airline but arrived at your final destination later than you were supposed to, you are still eligible to claim compensation.

The key factors that affect the amount of compensation are the flight distance and the duration of the delay. Check the table below for compensation amounts:

Under 2 hours2-3 hours3-4 hoursOver 4 hoursNever arrivedDistance
€125€250€250€250€250All flights 1,500 km or less
€200€200€400€400€400Internal EU flights over 1,500 km
€200€200€400€400€400Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km
€300€300€300€600€600Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km

Flight Delay Compensation

Delays due to airline strikes of any duration can be frustrating and can significantly disrupt your plans. You may be eligible for compensation if the flight delay caused by an airline strike lasts at least three hours.

Regarding the possible compensation amount that passengers may receive, there are two important things to consider: the duration of the delay and the flight distance. Check the table provided below for compensation amounts:

Less than 3 hoursBetween 3-4 hoursOver 4 hoursDistance
€0€250€250All flights up to 1500 km
€0€400€400All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km
€0€400€400All intra-EU flights over 3500 km
€0€300€600All non-EU flights over 3500 km

Ticket Refund or Alternative Transportation

In the rare cases when a passenger’s flight is delayed for 5 or more hours or cancelled, the passenger obtains more substantial rights. You have two options to select from:

  • You can refuse the delayed or cancelled flight and choose a full ticket refund, meaning that you will also cancel your planned trip, and there won’t be a financial penalty for this.
  • You can agree to use an alternative flight that the airline arranges for you.

As you can see, you have the right to select the option that meets your needs.

Right to Care

Besides compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight resulting from an airline strike, passengers also have the right to care. Therefore, the airline is required to provide passengers with meals, drinks, and the opportunity to make two phone calls, fax messages, and emails. When your flight is rescheduled for the next day, the airline is obliged to provide you with a hotel, as well as transport between the airport and the hotel.

Upgrading and Downgrading

Sometimes it happens the airline might either downgrade or upgrade your flight’s class when offering an alternative flight. In these situations, you need to be aware of specific rules and your rights:

In case of upgrading: if your class has been upgraded, you aren’t required to pay extra for this benefit.

In case of downgrading: if your class is downgraded, the airline is obligated to reimburse you. Again, the compensation in this case is based on the distance of the flight:

  • 30% of the cost of the flights that are 1,500 km or less;
  • 50% of the cost of t is an intra-EU flight over 1,500 km; also, if these are all other flights that are 1,500-3,500 km;
  • 75% of the cost of the flight is 3,500 km and more.

These regulations cover all flights inside the EU; additionally, these regulations apply to flights that are either departing from or arriving in the European Union on airlines based in the EU.

When Are You Not Entitled to Compensation?

Unfortunately, you should understand that in situations where the airline cannot control or prevent the strike, there will be no compensation for passengers. Let’s take an example: any labor dispute may significantly affect aviation (such as a national labor or air traffic strike); however, such situations are not under an airline’s control, and it’s not its fault that this situation happens. As a result, an airline is not required to pay compensation for disrupted flights.

Even though many cases of strikes are not covered by EU261 and are classified as “extraordinary circumstances”, this does not automatically mean that the airline will not provide compensation.

In line with the ECJ ruling of 11 June 2020 (Case C-74/19), the airline must prove it has done everything possible to prevent a strike. If the airline cannot prove it, they are obliged to provide passengers compensation for flight disruptions.

Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004?

European Union Regulation 261 applies to all flights departing from EU airports. It also applies to flights arriving in the EU if the airline originates in the EU. This includes airlines from EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.

However, Spirit Airlines isn’t a European airline. Therefore, they are not obliged to issue compensation if their flights operate outside the European Union. This applies even to their flights to the European Union if they start outside the EU.

ItineraryCovered by EU 261
Flights departing from EU airports✔️ Yes
Flights arriving at EU airports❌ No

How to Get Spirit Airlines Strike Compensation

Dealing with flight delays or cancellations due to strikes is always frustrating. Such situations can ruin not just your trip but also create problems – emotional, financial, etc. To seek compensation for this inconvenience, proceed with these steps:

  1. Fill in our form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
  2. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We are well-versed in the EU laws well and will make every effort to secure your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.

Recent Flight Delays and Cancellations

Was your flight delayed or cancelled due to the strike? Check our table for the latest flight delays and cancellations. Assess your right to compensation using our claim checker, and let us protect your rights and pursue compensation for you.

Did not find your flight in our table? Try our compensation form, and we will check it for you.

Date Airline (Flight number) Route Status Your compensation

09.05.202507:00

Spirit Airlines

2377

Burbank (BUR)

Las Vegas (LAS)

cancelled

Refunds

09.05.202506:00

Spirit Airlines

2726

Charlotte (CLT)

Miami (MIA)

delayed

Refunds

08.05.202521:45

Spirit Airlines

2135

Charlotte (CLT)

New York (MCO)

cancelled

Refunds

08.05.202520:47

Spirit Airlines

2376

Las Vegas (LAS)

Burbank (BUR)

cancelled

Refunds

08.05.202514:30

Spirit Airlines

2568

Minneapolis (MSP)

Detroit (DTW)

delayed

Refunds

08.05.202509:19

Spirit Airlines

2579

Tampa (TPA)

Las Vegas (LAS)

delayed

Refunds

06.05.202523:11

Spirit Airlines

1340

Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

Comayagua (XPL)

delayed

Refunds

05.05.202513:56

Spirit Airlines

216

Detroit (DTW)

Atlanta (ATL)

delayed

Refunds

05.05.202513:36

Spirit Airlines

145

Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

Santo Domingo (SDQ)

delayed

Refunds

05.05.202512:58

Spirit Airlines

914

Burbank (BUR)

Las Vegas (LAS)

cancelled

Refunds

05.05.202510:45

Spirit Airlines

913

Las Vegas (LAS)

Burbank (BUR)

cancelled

Refunds

05.05.202508:52

Spirit Airlines

465

New York (MCO)

San Antonio (SAT)

delayed

Refunds

05.05.202505:30

Spirit Airlines

414

Myrtle Beach (MYR)

Windsor Locks (BDL)

delayed

Refunds

05.05.202505:30

Spirit Airlines

503

Boston (BOS)

Myrtle Beach (MYR)

delayed

Refunds

05.05.202505:30

Spirit Airlines

763

Dallas (DFW)

Detroit (DTW)

delayed

Refunds

05.05.202505:05

Spirit Airlines

817

Las Vegas (LAS)

Detroit (DTW)

delayed

Refunds

04.05.202518:48

Spirit Airlines

726

Baltimore (BWI)

San Juan (SJU)

delayed

Refunds

04.05.202508:05

Spirit Airlines

247

Burbank (BUR)

Las Vegas (LAS)

delayed

Refunds

02.05.202517:07

Spirit Airlines

742

Las Vegas (LAS)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Refunds

02.05.202508:05

Spirit Airlines

247

Burbank (BUR)

Las Vegas (LAS)

delayed

Refunds

01.05.202518:30

Spirit Airlines

603

Charlotte (CLT)

Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

delayed

Refunds

01.05.202508:10

Spirit Airlines

818

Dallas (DFW)

Newark (EWR)

cancelled

Refunds

01.05.202507:05

Spirit Airlines

1120

Dallas (DFW)

Cancun (CUN)

delayed

Refunds

28.04.202516:17

Spirit Airlines

637

Tampa (TPA)

Pittsburgh (PIT)

delayed

Refunds

28.04.202515:34

Spirit Airlines

460

Tampa (TPA)

Philadelphia (PHL)

delayed

Refunds

28.04.202508:51

Spirit Airlines

250

Las Vegas (LAS)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Refunds

27.04.202513:41

Spirit Airlines

683

Las Vegas (LAS)

San Antonio (SAT)

delayed

Refunds

27.04.202512:35

Spirit Airlines

1501

Las Vegas (LAS)

Detroit (DTW)

delayed

Refunds

27.04.202512:23

Spirit Airlines

273

Las Vegas (LAS)

San Jose (SJC)

delayed

Refunds

27.04.202510:45

Spirit Airlines

913

Las Vegas (LAS)

Burbank (BUR)

delayed

Refunds

27.04.202507:30

Spirit Airlines

8801

Tampa (TPA)

Atlanta (ATL)

delayed

Refunds

26.04.202522:00

Spirit Airlines

724

Newark (EWR)

Myrtle Beach (MYR)

cancelled

Refunds

26.04.202520:00

Spirit Airlines

446

Newark (EWR)

Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

cancelled

Refunds

26.04.202518:43

Spirit Airlines

358

Newark (EWR)

Pittsburgh (PIT)

cancelled

Refunds

26.04.202515:06

Spirit Airlines

1350

New York (MCO)

Newark (EWR)

delayed

Refunds

26.04.202514:31

Spirit Airlines

2034

New York (RSW)

Newark (EWR)

delayed

Refunds

26.04.202511:12

Spirit Airlines

416

Austin (AUS)

Newark (EWR)

delayed

Refunds

26.04.202510:43

Spirit Airlines

868

Nashville (BNA)

Newark (EWR)

delayed

Refunds

26.04.202509:30

Spirit Airlines

549

Chicago (IAH)

Newark (EWR)

delayed

Refunds

25.04.202512:40

Spirit Airlines

1015

Chicago (IAH)

Baltimore (BWI)

delayed

Refunds

25.04.202511:38

Spirit Airlines

291

New York (MCO)

Baltimore (BWI)

delayed

Refunds

25.04.202510:48

Spirit Airlines

601

Baltimore (BWI)

Dallas (DFW)

delayed

Refunds

25.04.202506:00

Spirit Airlines

598

Dallas (DFW)

Baltimore (BWI)

delayed

Refunds

24.04.202512:58

Spirit Airlines

914

Burbank (BUR)

Las Vegas (LAS)

delayed

Refunds

21.04.202518:27

Spirit Airlines

453

Atlanta (ATL)

San Antonio (SAT)

delayed

Refunds

20.04.202506:51

Spirit Airlines

906

Baltimore (BWI)

Las Vegas (LAS)

delayed

Refunds

17.04.202508:05

Spirit Airlines

247

Burbank (BUR)

Las Vegas (LAS)

delayed

Refunds

14.04.202514:36

Spirit Airlines

985

Salt Lake City (SLC)

Las Vegas (LAS)

delayed

Refunds

11.04.202512:58

Spirit Airlines

914

Burbank (BUR)

Las Vegas (LAS)

delayed

Refunds

10.04.202508:05

Spirit Airlines

247

Burbank (BUR)

Las Vegas (LAS)

delayed

Refunds

08.04.202506:00

Spirit Airlines

649

Charlotte (CLT)

New York (LGA)

delayed

Refunds

07.04.202519:50

Spirit Airlines

212

Atlanta (ATL)

Newark (EWR)

delayed

Refunds

07.04.202518:59

Spirit Airlines

658

Indianapolis (IND)

Newark (EWR)

delayed

Refunds

07.04.202518:49

Spirit Airlines

357

Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

Newark (EWR)

delayed

Refunds

07.04.202517:06

Spirit Airlines

1521

New Orleans (MSY)

Newark (EWR)

delayed

Refunds

07.04.202516:28

Spirit Airlines

3954

Detroit (DTW)

Pensacola (PNS)

delayed

Refunds

07.04.202516:25

Spirit Airlines

479

Las Vegas (LAS)

Los Angeles (SMF)

delayed

Refunds

07.04.202515:31

Spirit Airlines

950

Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

Newark (EWR)

delayed

Refunds

07.04.202515:14

Spirit Airlines

1340

New York (MCO)

Newark (EWR)

delayed

Refunds

07.04.202514:37

Spirit Airlines

2900

New York (MCO)

Pensacola (PNS)

delayed

Refunds

06.04.202500:59

Spirit Airlines

725

San Juan (SJU)

Baltimore (BWI)

delayed

Refunds

05.04.202521:20

Spirit Airlines

845

Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

Baltimore (BWI)

delayed

Refunds

02.04.202520:04

Spirit Airlines

631

Seattle (SEA)

Los Angeles (LAX)

cancelled

Refunds

02.04.202516:11

Spirit Airlines

630

Los Angeles (LAX)

Seattle (SEA)

cancelled

Refunds

31.03.202514:56

Spirit Airlines

598

Dallas (DFW)

Baltimore (BWI)

delayed

Refunds

31.03.202514:35

Spirit Airlines

878

Miami (MIA)

Baltimore (BWI)

delayed

Refunds

31.03.202513:45

Spirit Airlines

823

Baltimore (BWI)

Chicago (IAH)

delayed

Refunds

30.03.202519:03

Spirit Airlines

317

Chicago (IAH)

Los Angeles (LAX)

delayed

Refunds

30.03.202516:41

Spirit Airlines

3758

Milwaukee (MKE)

Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

cancelled

Refunds

30.03.202516:11

Spirit Airlines

630

Los Angeles (LAX)

Seattle (SEA)

delayed

Refunds

30.03.202515:59

Spirit Airlines

888

New York (MCO)

Latrobe (LBE)

delayed

Refunds

30.03.202513:23

Spirit Airlines

674

Las Vegas (LAS)

Los Angeles (LAX)

delayed

Refunds
Yurii Moskalenko
2193 articles
Yurii educates people about human rights and advocacy. He creates helpful materials for travelers to assert their rights. With certifications in law and economics, Yurii turns legal terms into simple, actionable advice. His travel experience gives him valuable insight into the challenges travelers face, helping him better understand their needs.

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