The uncertain future of Spirit Airlines could increase travel costs and stress for Americans.

• A federal judge's order last week blocked the $3.8 billion deal between JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines, which is now being appealed by the airlines.
• The financial uncertainty of Spirit Airlines is causing anxiety among leisure travelers, including college students, family holiday fliers, missionaries, and those seeking affordable airfare options.
• The closure of Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, located east of downtown Pittsburgh and attracting travelers from a three-state area and regions including South Florida, could have a significant economic impact on small airports.

The federal judge's decision to block a $3.8 billion-dollar deal that would have purchased Spirit's rival has left the airline with an uncertain future. However, the ruling also caused shock among some of Spirit's key stakeholders.

The impact of Spirit Airlines' inability to continue flying from the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport (LBE) will be felt most acutely in a few places. Located an hour east of downtown Pittsburgh in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, the airport serves the gritty coal towns in the area and attracts travelers from a three-state region with its free parking, short TSA lines, and low fares. Although the airport has most of the amenities of a major airport on a smaller scale, it only serves one airline - Spirit.

LBE is served exclusively by Spirit Airlines.

As the only one, they are truly vital; it would be devastating if they failed, stated Gabe Monzo, executive director of the airport.

From several daily flights to one direct flight to Orlando, Spirit has reduced its schedule at LBE.

But Monzo says service will likely resume to Myrtle Beach in the spring.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's 2022 study found that the regional economic impact of passengers arriving and departing from LBE airport was $213.9 million, with $100 million of that coming from Spirit Airlines travelers.

Spirit’s bargain-basement fare fliers

If Spirit can't find a way forward, it won't be the only one left in the lurch.

No-frills fares are available for leisure travelers, college students, missionaries, and others through Spirit Airlines.

Spirit Airlines is used by Professor Jase Ramsey, a management professor at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, for family vacations from the nearby Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), and it is also incorporated into his courses.

The absence of Spirit Airlines from the Florida market will hurt families in two ways. It will increase prices for tourists from the north, but it will also limit affordable vacation options for South Florida families traveling to the Caribbean.

If something happens to Spirit from a price perspective, it will negatively impact our region. They are typically our low-cost leader, making them the go-to airline for family vacations outside of here, as stated by Ramsey.

From a tourism perspective in South Florida, Spirit is a lifeline.

"South Florida relies heavily on them, and they are a healthy market with two low-cost providers that compete with each other," Ramsey stated, referring to both and , which also operate flights to RSW and offer low fares. He recently returned from a Caribbean vacation with his wife and child, drawn to their affordable prices and unique destinations that some other airlines avoid.

Offbeat destinations, small margins

In 2018, when civil unrest gripped Haiti, Spirit Airlines provided a vital connection for some travelers with direct flights from Port-au-Prince to Fort Lauderdale and New York.

Lisa Stutzman, who organizes travel for Ohio-based Christian Aid Ministries, stated that the flights continued, which was beneficial for us as we were able to maintain certain programs. She added that the flights were advantageous for Haiti as well, noting that both American and Delta canceled service to Port-au-Price at the time, leaving Spirit as the only option.

But not everyone in Port-au-Prince is a fan of Spirit.

Jean-Baptiste, president of the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Port-au-Prince, stated that while Spirit may be a suitable choice for some Haitians, its high cost can be prohibitive for those facing economic difficulties, which may contribute to its challenges.

According to Jean-Baptiste, Spirit is a popular choice because our economy is struggling, and they offer affordable tickets, but ultimately, people end up wasting time and money.

Haitians who travel to the United States often purchase items that are cheaper than in Port-au-Prince, but they encounter difficulties when trying to bring those items back home due to Spirit's rules regarding bag dimensions and weight.

Jean-Baptiste stated that measuring every bag is stressful, especially when it exceeds the weight limit, which often occurs after shopping in the U.S. He explained that this can result in additional costs, making the item more expensive than if it were purchased in Haiti. Although he has flown Spirit a few times, he prefers American Airlines. However, for Haitians looking to leave, Spirit can be a suitable option.

Spirit Airlines' focus on unique destinations, such as Port-au-Prince, distinguishes it from other airlines, according to Paul Vaaler, a professor at the University of Minnesota Law School and Carlson School of Management. Nevertheless, Vaaler notes that Spirit's small profit margins make it challenging for the airline to compete.

On Friday, the airlines formally appealed the judge's ruling against the JetBlue and Spirit merger, with Vaaler believing the decision was not sound and could be overturned on appeal.

Vaaler stated that the ruling of the Clayton Act was very wooden, based on the competition statute. He suggested that a more muscular Jet Blue could make prices more competitive, rather than stifling competition.

Vaaler pointed out that the judge overlooked the positive impact of a merger, stating that a larger JetBlue could exert greater pressure on legacy airlines. This is particularly relevant in markets like Los Angeles, which attract both leisure and business travelers.

Spirit faces competition not only from airlines but also from buses and trains due to its low prices.

Vaaler stated that the presence of ultra-low cost carriers attracts a new group of travelers and keeps prices low for everyone. He emphasized the importance of offering these choices as they reach destinations that legacy airlines do not.

In Latrobe, airport director Monzo hopes Spirit remains in the sky.

"We will keep plugging away, as Spirit has kept us alive," Monzo stated.