Spirit Airlines CEO calls airline industry a 'rigged game,' US consumers are 'long-term losers'

Spirit Airlines CEO Ted Christie criticized the U.S. airline industry, describing it as a "rigged game" where profits are heavily concentrated in just two major companies, leaving consumers as the "long-term losers." He expressed these views during an earnings call, highlighting the struggles of smaller, non-legacy carriers. Christie also referenced the failed $3.8 billion merger with JetBlue, which was blocked by a federal judge following concerns from the Justice Department that it would reduce low-cost air travel options. He disagreed with the court's decision, arguing that the merger would have challenged the dominance of the "Big 4" U.S. airlines and benefited consumers.