Spirit Airlines Rejoining the New York Stock Exchange American

Updated: April 25, 2025, 12:40pm CDT

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Spirit Gets Approval for the NYSE American
How Does Spirit Compare to Other Airlines Post-Bankruptcy?
Final Thoughts

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Well, this is interesting. Less than a year after Spirit Airlines declared bankruptcy, the struggling airline is now relisting on the stock exchange. Let’s take a look at the details.

Spirit Gets Approval for the NYSE American

Months after a proposed merger between JetBlue and Spirit Airlines was rejected, Spirit filed for bankruptcy. And although the timeline was short — Spirit filed in November 2024 and exited bankruptcy in March 2025 — it looks like the airline has a plan for success.

With investments totaling $350 million, Spirit is looking to become profitable again by enhancing the guest experience. This includes new fare offerings, which are very similar to other airlines’ basic economy, economy, economy plus, and first class, with seat selection, bigger seats, premium drinks, carry-on bags, checked luggage, and snacks included.

Spirit Airlines fare classes — Image Credit: Spirit

After emerging from bankruptcy, Spirit’s newly issued shares weren’t available on a formal exchange; instead they’ve been trading in the over-the-counter market.

Now, today, Spirit Airlines has received approval to rejoin the New York Stock Exchange American, with trading set to begin at market open on April 29, 2025. It’s yet to be seen how new investors will react to a company that has already demonstrated its financial instability.

How Does Spirit Compare to Other Airlines Post-Bankruptcy?

Spirit has already started revamping its business model with the introduction of new fare classes. Previously, customers would receive a bare-bones ticket and the option to add extras such as luggage. Now, however, travelers can pre-purchase all the amenities they’d like.

Does this make Spirit more competitive?

Here’s an example of a round-trip flight from San Diego (SAN) to Las Vegas (LAS) at the end of May 2025.

Spirit SAN LAS fare — Image Credit: Spirit Airlines

Your total for both flights comes in at $52.60. Note that this is the basic Go fare, which doesn’t include a carry-on, seat, snacks, drinks, or checked bag.

While you can opt for the improved Go Savvy fare, which includes a carry-on bag but not a checked bag, the price jumps to $122.60 round-trip.

In contrast, here’s a look at a Southwest Airlines flight for the same dates:

Southwest SAN LAS — Image Credit: Southwest

At $76.61, Southwest’s Wanna Get Away ticket is more expensive than Spirit’s Go fare. However, it includes carry-on bags, 2 free checked bags (for now), snacks, drinks, and full-size tray tables.

That means it easily outdoes Spirit’s Go Savvy fare, which costs $46 more and provides far fewer benefits.

Hot Tip:

We’ve got numerous tips to help you avoid paying extra fees when flying with low-cost carriers, such as Spirit.

Final Thoughts

It’s been a big year for Spirit Airlines. With the rejection of a merger, attempts to make the airline profitable, a bankruptcy filing, and now approval to re-join the NYSE American, Spirit has certainly been shaking things up.

Will investors bite? Or will they see an airline that still fails to provide value to customers amid a tight race for market dominance? Time will tell.