Spirit Airlines could shut down overnight. Here's what travelers need to know

spirit airlines could shut down as early as 3 a.m. et saturday, according to people familiar. the carrier hasn't secured a financial lifeline to keep operating and hasn't commented on its plans. about 290 spirit flights are scheduled for saturday, with another 381 on sunday, per flightradar24. travelers who bought tickets with a credit card will likely get a refund. debit card or loyalty point purchases? slim to none, said travel consultant henry harteveldt. his advice: don't cancel proactively. wait for the airline to announce. spirit has been on the brink after failing to reach a deal with bondholders for a $500 million government bailout from the trump administration. it filed for its second bankruptcy in less than a year. united, jetblue, frontier and american have said they'll assist stranded customers and crews, possibly adding flights like during a hurricane. experts expect fares to rise in some markets if the discounter disappears.