We fell short of our Fall Fundraiser goal of 2,500 donations. Help us catch up ⏩ Give Now

Is Spirit Airlines’ business model to blame for the near riot over cancellations?

Annie Baxter May 12, 2017
HTML EMBED:
COPY

Is Spirit Airlines’ business model to blame for the near riot over cancellations?

Annie Baxter May 12, 2017
HTML EMBED:
COPY

Spirit Airlines is in the spotlight this week after cancelled flights led to a near riot at its hub in Fort Lauderdale. The discount airline blamed “unlawful labor activity” by the pilots during contract negotiations, with their refusal to work some flights causing hundreds of cancellations. The union has denied the accusation but says its members will obey a judge’s order not to engage in boycotts or a work slowdown. Spirit pilots make less than their counterparts at bigger carriers, and the airline is known for its relentless focus on cutting costs, including a slate of passenger charges for basic things like printing your boarding pass at the airport. Is the unrest a sign that Spirit’s business model is finally catching up with it?

Click the audio player above to hear the full story.

There’s a lot happening in the world.  Through it all, Marketplace is here for you. 

You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. We rely on your financial support to keep making that possible. 

Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you.