Greetings from Western North Carolina! The ATX Jetsetter crew is spending the holiday weekend in the mountains with my parents. I’m writing this from the back deck, mimosa in hand, with the Texas vs. Ohio State game on TV. It’s 75 degrees and life is good.
Unfortunately, life isn’t good for Spirit Airlines which made the news yesterday afternoon by declaring bankruptcy for the second time in less than a year. While the carrier states it plans to reorganize and continue operations, I think its days as a standalone carrier are done. That news and more in the ATX Jetsetter weekly recap for the week ended August 30, 2025.
Spirit Declares Bankruptcy, Again
Spirit Airlines declared Chapter 11 Bankruptcy earlier this week for the second time in less than a year. The ultra-low-cost carrier has been struggling financially for years and its clear that the first bankruptcy didn’t solve the financial struggles facing the airline. Now it seems poised to make the necessary changes but, ultimately, I don’t see a path forward for the airline.
American is Opening a Flagship Lounge in Charlotte
American Airlines has announced plans to open a Flagship Lounge at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). This will be the sixth Flagship Lounge and ninth premium lounge for the airline upon completion. Details are scarce but it is believed the lounge will be located on the Mezzanine Level of the main terminal.
Southwest Announces First New International Destination Since 2021
Southwest Airlines has announced its first international destination since 2021. The carrier will launch service to Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) in St. Maarten as of April 7, 2026.
Frontier Takes Direct Aim at Spirit in Latest Route Announcement
Frontier Airlines has taken direct aim at Spirit in its latest route announcement. The Denver based ULCC clearly smells blood in the water, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the two carriers merge in the near future.
Review: Delta Sky Club Austin
The Delta Sky Club in Austin (AUS) is a great lounge to relax in before flying out. Though crowding can be an issue, especially given Delta’s expansion in Austin, the staff does a great job of keeping things moving. The AUS Sky Club is by far the best out of the Delta outstations I have visited and I’m glad that this is available at my home airport.
Summary
This is the first of five straight weeks of travel for me, so you may notice the posting slow down a bit in September. Fortunately, it means I’ll have a ton of new review content , including reviews from our recent trip to Japan.
While I couldn’t include everything in this recap, we’ll keep bringing you the top stories each week at ATXJetsetter.com. As always, thank you for checking out the weekly recap for the week ended August 30, 2025!