Nov 12 (Reuters) - Spirit Airlines ( SAVE ) is preparing

to file for bankruptcy protection after merger talks with

Frontier Airlines broke down, the Wall Street Journal reported,

citing people familiar with the matter.

The ultra-low cost carrier is in advanced discussions

with bondholders to hammer out a bankruptcy plan that would have

support from a majority of creditors, the report said.

Spirit is preparing a bankruptcy filing within weeks,

the report added.

Spirit did not immediately respond to a Reuters request

for comment.