Southwest Airlines will support travelers who have run into trouble due to the closure of competitor Spirit Airlines. Customers with a Spirit reservation can take advantage of special fares for overlapping routes at Southwest ticket counters at their departure airport through Wednesday, May 6. United is also offering special fares to Spirit bookers and is immediately looking for people among Spirit staff who
want to apply.

Spirit went bankrupt this Saturday partly as a result of high fuel prices, which in turn are the result of the unrest in the Middle East. For domestic flights, Southwest now offers special Spirit fares of $200 for flights up to 500 miles, $300 for flights up to 1,000 miles, and $400 for flights longer than 1,000 miles.

Spirit was known as a particularly low-cost airline with fares often below $100.

Southwest also offers discounts for international flights. Additionally, Spirit customers with Silver or Gold status can benefit from a status match to SouthwestÆs A-List program.

Budget airline Southwest says in a press release that it expresses its sympathy with Spirit employees and hopes to be able to æextend the airline's hospitality to the affected travelers.

Other airlines, including United, are also offering special fares to Spirit bookers who have become stranded. At United, these range from $199 to $299. United is also offering low-cost options for Spirit staff who were en route to fly home. In addition, the company immediately states that it would like to hear if they would like to come and work at United.

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