Your Disney vacation might be in trouble, as a popular budget airline has filed for bankruptcy again, this time for the second time in less than a year.
Disney Vacations on Hold as Major Budget Airline in Deep Trouble (Again)
The happiest place on earth might feel a little harder to reach. Families planning dream vacations to Walt Disney World and Disneyland could soon face unexpected obstacles, not inside the parks, but in the skies above them.
On Friday, Spirit Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time in less than a year—a troubling sign for travelers who depend on the country’s biggest budget carrier to keep Disney trips affordable. For years, Spirit’s bright yellow jets were a common sight landing in Orlando and Los Angeles, delivering families eager for a dose of Disney magic at the lowest possible cost. Now, that model faces serious turbulence.
So, what happened to Spirit, what does this mean for your upcoming Disney vacation, and how can you plan around the uncertainty?
Spirit’s Bankruptcy: What We Know
Spirit, which previously exited bankruptcy in March, admitted it has been losing money fast. The airline reported a $257 million loss since March 13 and says it will now shrink its network and reduce its fleet to save hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
CEO Dave Davis acknowledged that its first restructuring focused too narrowly on debt relief: “It has become clear that there is much more work to be done.”
SPIRIT AIRLINES FILES FOR CHAPTER 11 BANKRUPTCY
SPIRIT AIRLINES FILES FOR CHAPTER 11 BANKRUPTCY
— NewsWire (@NewsWire_US) August 29, 2025
While Spirit insists that flights remain bookable and the airline will continue operating, travelers are understandably wary. Assets and liabilities between $1 billion and $10 billion raise questions about whether the carrier can sustain operations without further cuts.
The Disney Connection: Why Fans Should Care
For many families, Disney trips are already financial stretches. Spirit’s ultra-low fares into Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Southern California airports like LAX, Long Beach, and Orange County often made the difference between going and staying home.
If Spirit cancels routes or grounds aircraft, Disney travelers may face:
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Limited Flight Options – especially from smaller U.S. cities.
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Rising Ticket Prices – competitors like Frontier, Southwest, and United may adjust fares upward.
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Added Travel Stress – even scheduled flights could face last-minute cancellations.
Without Spirit’s aggressive pricing, some families may have to delay vacations—or trim budgets in other ways once inside the parks.
Tips to Protect Your Disney Travel Plans
If you’re flying Spirit soon, don’t panic—yet. Instead, take a few proactive steps:
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Track Your Booking Closely: Watch for cancellations through the Spirit app or email alerts.
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Build in Flexibility: Book refundable hotel stays and consider purchasing travel insurance.
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Research Alternate Airports: In Florida, Tampa (TPA) or Sanford (SFB) may serve as backups. In California, Burbank (BUR) and Long Beach (LGB) are strong alternatives.
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Consider a Backup Flight: If your trip is non-negotiable, some travelers are booking a second, cancelable ticket with another airline for peace of mind.
Insider Hacks Frequent Flyers Use
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Travel Super Light: Spirit’s baggage fees add up. Stick to a single personal item whenever possible.
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Book First Morning Flights: Earlier departures are less likely to be impacted by cascading delays.
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Watch Frontier Airlines Closely: With 20 new competing routes just announced, Frontier may swoop in to capture Spirit’s Disney-bound market.
The Bigger Picture for Disney Vacation Guests
This isn’t just another corporate bankruptcy—it’s a change that could reshape how families experience Disney. Spirit built its reputation on ultra-low prices, but post-pandemic, demand has shifted toward bigger seats and international travel. With Spirit shrinking, the era of $39 one-way flights into Orlando or Anaheim may be ending.
For some fans, that could mean fewer park visits. For others, it may require making trade-offs once on property: fewer Genie+ upgrades, skipping sit-down dining, or shorter trips altogether.
If you’re flying Spirit to Disneyland or Disney World, don’t wait until the last minute to prepare. The airline says it will keep operating, but its financial struggles are too big to ignore.
In the end, the scariest part of your Disney trip shouldn’t be whether you make it there in the first place.
