A viral crowdfunding campaign to revive Spirit Airlines has gathered pledges totaling hundreds of millions of dollars in the week following the carriers abrupt shutdown. TikTok creator Hunter Peterson launched the effort on May 2, the same day Spirit ceased operations after accumulating roughly $8.1 billion in debt amid failed mergers, rising fuel costs, and unsuccessful restructuring.
Peterson proposed a community-owned model inspired by the Green Bay Packers, where ordinary Americans could contribute starting at $45, the average price of a one-way Spirit ticket. His website, letsbuyspiritair.com, has seen pledges fluctuate rapidly: reports cite figures from $214 million with an average of $865 per supporter, to $337 million from over 370,000 individuals, and up to $437 million in nonbinding commitments. The site has crashed multiple times from heavy traffic but collects no actual funds yet, as organizers consult lawyers and navigate bankruptcy proceedings.
Spirits assets are now in liquidation, facing creditor claims and regulatory hurdles. The campaign has drawn support from the flight attendants union representing 5,500 workers, while Peterson targets $1.7 billion to outbid private equity interests. All credit and debit card bookings are being refunded automatically, though claims via vouchers or loyalty points enter the bankruptcy process.