The US travel affordability crisis reached an inflection point in 2026. Spirit Airlines — the country's largest ultra-low-cost carrier — shut down all operations on May 2 ↗, cancelling every flight without notice to passengers. Jet fuel prices surged approximately 70% following conflict in the Middle East, with airline fuel costs expected to reach $350 billion globally (up from $252B in 2025) — fuel now accounts for 31–45% of airline operating costs ↗. The bifurcation between premium and economy travel has never been sharper: legacy carriers are adding lounges and lie-flat cabins while eliminating budget options.

How might we make travel feel attainable again — without waiting for prices to drop?