The Spirit Airlines and JetBlue Airways Merger Likely Won't Be Complete Until 2024

If you’re planning on booking a flight anytime soon, there’s some BIG airline news you should be aware of.

©Joe Cavaretta, Sun Sentinel | Getty Images via CNBC

Spirit Airlines and JetBlue Airways have been in a back-and-forth will-they-won’t-they possible merger for a few months now, and we’ve been watching the story unfold with bated breath. These two incredibly popular airlines joining together could mean big things for the travel industry, and today, we got an update on the deal!

According to CNBC, Spirit Airlines shareholders have officially approved the merger with JetBlue after a six-month battle. However, the airlines aren’t in the clear yet — they still need to convince federal regulators that that agreement won’t harm competition or drive up fares for consumers. The airlines expect to close the transaction completely no later than the first half of 2024.

Once the transaction is complete, the merged airlines would form the fifth-largest carrier in the United States. Spirit Airlines had originally planned to merge with Frontier Airlines until JetBlue made a $3.8 billion all-cash offer back in April.

If the takeover is approved, JetBlue plans to do away with the Spirit Airlines brand entirely. “This is an important step forward on our path to closing a combination that will create the most compelling national low-fare challenger to the dominant U.S. carriers,” Spirit Airlines CEO Ted Christie said. “We look forward to continuing our ongoing discussions with regulators as we work toward completing the transaction and delivering value to team members, guests, and stockholders.”

PHOTO

We’ll keep watching for more news on this merger and we’ll keep you updated with any new details. This could affect the way that many Americans travel, especially those who fly with budget airlines.

If you’re planning a flight soon, stay tuned to AllEars. We’ve got all the tips on how to navigate the airport, pack for your trip, and all the things you NEED to have with you on a plane. We’re your hub for travel news!