Spirit Airlines Order 2020-6-5

This order concerns the failure of Spirit Airlines, Inc. (“Spirit”) to comply with the Department’s oversales rule, 14 CFR Part 250. This order also concerns Spirit’s policy that resulted in the misclassification and misreporting of certain passengers who were involuntarily denied boarding as volunteers, and the failure to properly calculate and report data related to oversales in violation of 14 CFR 250.10. Violations of the reporting requirement under section 250.10 constitute violations of 49 U.S.C. § 41708. Violations of Part 250 and 49 U.S.C. § 41708 also violate the statutory prohibition against unfair and deceptive practices and unfair methods of competition, 49 U.S.C. § 41712. This order directs Spirit to cease and desist from future violations of 49 U.S.C §§ 41708 and 41712 and 14 CFR Part 250, and assesses the carrier a compromise civil penalty of $350,000.