05/03/2026
Hours after Spirit Airlines ceased operations, JetBlue moved aggressively to fill the void in South Florida with a major rescue plan and a long-term expansion of its Fort Lauderdale operation.
According to a JetBlue press release issued May 2, 2026, the airline is offering $99 one-way rescue fares to any traveler with a valid Spirit itinerary on the same route, available for travel through May 6. Stranded customers can call 1-800-JETBLUE to access the fare. JetBlue has also capped Blue Basic fares at $299 on nonstop routes between Fort Lauderdale and San Juan that were previously served by Spirit, available for travel through May 8.
JetBlue's bigger move is at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). The carrier will add 11 new cities from FLL plus additional flights on existing routes, growing to nearly 130 daily departures this summer. That is more than 75 percent higher than its 2025 schedule and the largest operation in JetBlue's history from the airport.
CEO Joanna Geraghty said, "South Florida is a key market for JetBlue, and we recognize this is a challenging moment for many travelers. Our focus is stepping up in the near term by adding service, maintaining connectivity, and keeping fares competitive."
Fort Lauderdale was JetBlue's first destination when the airline launched in 2000, and was also one of Spirit's largest hubs. Spirit had held about 27 percent of the FLL market before its shutdown.
For Spirit's displaced employees, JetBlue is extending its jumpseat agreement for the next two weeks, allowing Spirit pilots and flight attendants to fly home in available cabin seats. The airline has also committed to offering interview opportunities to qualified Spirit team members.
