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Spirit Airlines to Furlough 1,800 Flight Attendants on Dec. 1 During Bankruptcy Overhaul

The airline says the furloughs align staffing to a 25% capacity reduction after pulling out of roughly a dozen cities under its second Chapter 11.

Overview

  • Flight attendants may take six- or 12-month voluntary leaves beginning Nov. 1, with involuntary furloughs applied by inverse seniority effective Dec. 1.
  • The cuts affect about one-third of roughly 5,200 cabin crew, and the union says volunteers will retain medical benefits and seniority during leave.
  • Spirit plans a 25% year-over-year capacity cut in November and has suspended service in cities including Albuquerque, Portland, Salt Lake City, and four California airports.
  • Management has already reduced pilot staffing and told ALPA it is seeking about $100 million in pilot cost savings, with potential Section 1113 action if no agreement is reached.
  • The carrier reentered Chapter 11 in late August, says tickets and loyalty points remain valid, and unions are arranging preferential interviews for affected flight attendants at other airlines.