Spirit Airlines, the most famous U.S. discount carrier, ceased operations before dawn on Saturday, May 2. The pioneering American low-cost airline collapsed under financial pressures, including a sharp rise in fuel costs, despite the White House's best efforts.
Some Spirit Airlines customers may be out of luck following the shutdown. However, other airlines have made arrangements to honor tickets for passengers whose flights were canceled.
According to some experts, the company played an important role in forcing other airlines to keep fares low, even in its reduced state.