05/02/2026
To the incredible crew, pilots, gate agents, and ground staff of Spirit Airlines --
From all of us at Trader Ralf Travel and the many clients we've had the pleasure of booking with you over the years, we want to say thank you.
You showed up, you smiled, and you made budget-friendly travel a reality for millions of families who otherwise might not have gotten off the ground. The bright yellow planes became a symbol of affordable adventure, and that matters more than people give credit for.
Today marks the end of an era -- the first shutdown of a significant U.S. airline in 25 years. More than 17,000 employees dedicated their careers to this airline, and today is a genuinely hard day for all of them.
To every Spirit employee: your skills, your professionalism, and your dedication to passengers do not go away with the yellow paint. The aviation industry needs people like you, and we have no doubt the skies will bring you back.
We hope to see you all up there again soon.
With gratitude,
Jim and the Trader Ralf Travel family
