United CEO Scott Kirby weighed in on Spirits' financial struggles.

A liquidation would leave any travelers with tickets on Spirit in the lurch.

And Spirit loyalty points would evaporate overnight.But travelers are unlikely to be totally out of luck.

A Spirit Airlines A320 landing at Portland International Airport into a setting sun.

A Spirit Airlines A320 landing at Portland International Airport.Credit:Dave Alan/Getty Images

When airlines have shut down suddenly in the past, competitors have stepped up to help stranded passengers.