Spirit Airlines' closure has left thousands of workers and their families navigating an unexpected transition. If you are one of those workers, this page is for you. Federal, state, and local agencies have come together to make sure you have access to the resources, benefits, and support you need to move forward.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and our state and local workforce investment system partners offer many services to help businesses and workers deal with the effects of layoffs.

Rapid Response Services to Laid-Off Workers

Being laid off is a stressful and difficult experience, however, you do not need to go through this transition alone. Below you will find information on the means to maintain an income (unemployment insurance), information on health insurance options, access to skills upgrading and training resources, and much more.

Services and resources vary by state and by specific layoff situation, so be sure to attend Rapid Response sessions when they are offered so that you are aware of the full array of benefits for which you may be eligible.

  • Learn about Unemployment Insurance here, and we'll help you understand how to start your claim.
  • Rapid Response for Laid-Off Workers who have been displaced. Access a comprehensive range of direct services, benefits, training opportunities, and income support.
  • Rapid Response Services to Employers. Avoid future layoffs, access incumbent worker training programs and skilled job seekers, and become familiar with employment rights and regulations such as the WARN Act, administered by the DOL.
  • For information on health benefits and pensions, know your rights and coverage options during periods of unemployment and job transitions.
  • COBRA Continuation Coverage provides a way for workers and their families to temporarily maintain their employer-provided health insurance during situations such as job loss.

Contact your state Dislocated Worker Unit for more information.

Connections with Re-Employment Services

DOL is here to help you get back to work as soon as possible and minimize the impact a layoff has on your life. The American Job Center system was designed to bring together many separate partners to seamlessly provide an array of services, from resume preparation to job search to placement to supportive services, for anyone who wishes to have access to them. Every state has an American Job Center network that is open to all residents, including those who have been laid off or expect to be laid off from their jobs.

To find local Employment Service resources, use the CareerOneStop.org American Job Center Finder or call ETA's toll-free help line.

Services are designed to meet local needs and may vary from state to state. Some services have eligibility requirements; be sure to check with your local American Job Center for details.

More Support for Spirit Air Team Members and Customers

  • Florida Spirit Team Members
    • Spirit employees in Florida affected by the layoff may call a dedicated help line at 1-800-385-3920.
    • FloridaCommerce in partnership with CareerSource Broward will be hosting rapid response events in Orlando for displaced Spirit employees. Find more information here.
    • CareerSource Broward is offering resume assistance, job search assistance, career counseling and access to training to you at no cost.
  • Georgia Spirit Team Members
    • WorkSource Georgia has put together important information for Georgia workers affected by the Spirit Airlines closure. Find more information here.
  • Illinois Spirit Team Members
    • Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has continued monthly employer contact and provided Rapid Response support, including workshops and a dedicated company layoff page,
    • A scheduled virtual UI workshop with Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) is set for May 22 at 10 a.m. CT.
  • Michigan Spirit Team Members
    • Michigan Works! staff and UIA representatives will be available to assist affected workers with unemployment insurance claims, reemployment services, job search resources, and training opportunities. These sessions are designed to ensure employees have direct access to the support and guidance they need.
      • Wednesday, May 13
        • Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. ET
        • Location: Northwest Activity Center – Detroit, 18100 Meyers Rd, Detroit, MI 48235
      • Thursday, May 14
        • Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. ET
        • Location: Wyandotte American Job Center, 2121 Biddle Ave, Wyandotte, MI 48192
      • Date: Friday, May 15
        • Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. ET
        • Location: Wayne American Job Center, 35731 W Michigan Ave, Wayne, MI 48184
  • Nevada Spirit Team Members
    • For Nevada Rapid Response Information please click here.
  • Texas Spirit Team Members
  • National Spirit Team Members
    • Supporting Spirit – American Airlines has set up a dedicated website which has postings for Spirit team members who may want to seek job opportunities with American.
    • United Airlines has set up a special website for Spirit employees to apply for open positions at United. United will spotlight the applications for United recruiters to prioritize.
    • Virtual Career Event – Boeing will host a virtual career event via Teams on Monday, May 11, from 9-10 a.m. and 3-4 p.m. ET.
    • Southwest Airlines has a dedicated website to help Spirit professionals navigate what's next.
  • Spirit Customers
    • Special Fares – United Airlines has launched a dedicated website, offering capped, one-way special fares to help Spirit customers reach their destinations. For the next two weeks, Spirit customers can rebook by entering their confirmation number along with the details of their canceled flight.

Guidance for State Unemployment Insurance Directors

  • Review the Employment and Training Administration's localization of work guidance to determine the state where individuals may be eligible for Unemployment Insurance benefits.

National Dislocated Worker Grants

The Employment Training Administration will provide additional information regarding the Spirit layoffs as a qualifying mass-dislocation event and encourage state workforce agencies, local workforce development boards, and other eligible applicants to check this website regularly for updates. National Dislocated Worker Grant funding may be available to award Employment Recovery Dislocated Worker Grants to supplement existing state WIOA dislocated worker formula allocations and reconnect the impacted workers with in-demand jobs.