Spirit Airlines, still under Chapter 11, appears poised for a shutdown after a failed $500 million bailout. Passengers face uncertain refunds and the possibility of being stranded at hubs like Kansas City or Cancún.

If Spirit ceases operations, federal rules on refunds lose weight as secured creditors outrank travelers. Credit‑card users can pursue chargebacks within 120 days, while those who paid by debit card have no statutory protection.

Travel insurers covering bankruptcy claim 75 percent of plans, but timing limits apply. Customers should seek immediate refunds, explore rescue fares, and file as creditors in the bankruptcy proceeding to secure whatever priority remains.