ORLANDO, Fla. – Spirit Airlines is cutting service to nearly a dozen cities, meaning fewer options for travelers out of Orlando International Airport.
Spirit, one of the busiest carriers at MCO, called the move a “network realignment.” The airline said the changes are designed to streamline its schedule, but some passengers told News 6 they worry the cuts are a sign of deeper struggles.
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The Florida company confirmed to CBS News on Thursday that it would exit the following markets on Oct. 2:
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Boise, Idaho
- Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Oakland, California
- Columbia, South Carolina
- Portland, Oregon
- Sacramento, California
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- San Diego, California
- San Jose, California
The airline also said it is nixing plans to launch service in Macon, Georgia, which was slated for Oct. 16.
Andrew Brewer, a Spirit customer, said the airline’s low fares make a big difference.
“It’s sad because I think it’s very convenient, especially when you’re on a budget and then you can do other things with that money,” Brewer said. “We like Spirit.”
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Other travelers, including families visiting Central Florida’s theme parks, said losing options on budget carriers could limit their ability to plan trips.
Tina Lowry, who flew Spirit to Orlando with nine family members for a Disney vacation, said affordability is the only way a large group like hers could travel together.
“Budget airlines are really helpful for large families,” Lowry said. “We’re here with a group of nine people, so to have that happen would be a shame because it might prevent families from being able to travel and come to Disney like we wanted to.”
According to NerdWallet’s Travel Price Tracker, the overall cost of flying is up more than 20% compared to just a few years ago. That means cuts to low-cost carriers like Spirit could hit budget-conscious travelers even harder.