Spirit Airlines reshaped aviation in the United States, but it became a victim of the rising costs it once excelled at controlling.

When Spirit Airlines shut down over the weekend, it brought an end to a company that had revolutionized air travel in the United States with its ultra-low-cost approach.

Niraj Chokshi, who covers aviation for The New York Times, discussed why the company unraveled and whether those problems could spread to other airlines. And Lynsea Garrison, a producer for “The Daily,” spoke to a Spirit flight attendant about what the airline represented.

On Today’s Episode

• Niraj Chokshi, a reporter at The New York Times covering aviation, rail and other transportation industries.
• Colleen Burns, a flight attendant for Spirit Airlines.

Background Reading

• Spirit Airlines shuts down after years of struggle.
• Here’s how the demise of Spirit could help other airlines.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/07/podcasts/the-daily/spirit-airlines-flying.html