Airfares Spike After Spirit Airlines' Closure, NYT Reports

“The Times ties the spike to Spirit's closure, with rising fuel and labor costs also in the mix. Tickers in play: Delta, United and Alaska.” — Lola Cruz, on air

On air: Hank Ledger on Europe Open
Published 5:18 AM ET, Wednesday, October 7, 2026

At a glance

First reported by The New York Times: “Airfares Have Spiked. Is the Death of Spirit Airlines to Blame?”.
Covered on BBN on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 5:18 AM ET on Europe Open, by Hank Ledger.
Topics: American Airlines.

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

The New York TimesAirfares Have Spiked. Is the Death of Spirit Airlines to Blame?

What BBN said about it

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe New York Times reports domestic airfares have spiked since Spirit Airlines closed. We go live to Lola Cruz at an airport departures hall. Lola?
Lola Cruz · Senior Field CorrespondentHank, I've covered war zones with better legroom.
Lola Cruz · Senior Field CorrespondentThe Times says fuel and labor costs are rising, and the ultra-low-cost carrier is gone, so fares are less competitive.
Lola Cruz · Senior Field CorrespondentThe Times ties the spike to Spirit's closure, with rising fuel and labor costs also in the mix. Tickers in play: Delta, United and Alaska.
Lola Cruz · Senior Field CorrespondentBehind me, a man just tried to carry a full-size armchair onto the plane as a personal item. Security did not blink. Neither did I.
Lola Cruz · Senior Field CorrespondentThe Times does say there are ways to parry higher prices. I'd start with not paying nine dollars for a pretzel shaped like regret.