Once again, flights to Cartagena?

Mononoke28 says on Dec 21, 2007, 13:04:

I also got some quotes for May and the prices were above $1,100. I was hoping they'd be lower since they got all these bids for new airlines to fly from the US to Colombia.

Diana

Diana

durito says on Dec 21, 2007, 13:32:

Spirit airlines is supposedly starting Ft. Lauderdale - Cartagena service in February.

Saltador says on Dec 21, 2007, 13:37:

I actually start my trips from Chicago. I just checked and I can fly roundtrip Ohare to Barranquilla for 658.00. That would put me in Barranquilla at 1:30PM, so maybe I'd get to CTG almost the same time any way. I'd have to pay for a bus or van to CTG, but it's still 400 dollars cheaper. And that's a lot of Aguilas...

Gator says on Dec 21, 2007, 14:30:

Thank the price of jet fuel

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

cdy says on Dec 21, 2007, 16:39:

Just on -line tonight checking airfare to CTG in June, best I could find from Miami is $686.
Have not heard of Spirit flying to CTG, they are starting service to Panama City in March it is helping to drive the prices down some.

JetBlue is suppose to start direct flights from Orlando to Bogota in June I believe.

nine inch nails says on Dec 21, 2007, 20:47:

Sad but true. Found $18 round trip today on Spirit to nice Nicaragua. Love Colombia but Nica nice also. In the end the RT to Nica was $109 including taxes from FLL.

Just think Avianca and AA in cahoots to keep the fairs high. Wouldn't be surprised if they collaborate to keep competition out of Colombia.

get down, get down

Miguel says on Dec 21, 2007, 23:19:

Fort Lauderdale-Cartagena service on Spirit starts 8 feb 2008.

Saltador says on Dec 22, 2007, 06:20:

I tried to confirm with Spirit that their service will start in February, but the person I spoke with was clueless. Assuming I have to use American to fly in to Barranquilla, what is the best way to get to Cartagena, and what can I expect to pay?

Gator says on Dec 22, 2007, 07:03:

Why American and not Avianca who has a direct flight from MIA? You can also contact COPA who makes that flight with a plane change in Panama City. To make the trip fromBAQ to CTG, only about 100 km, Grab a cab, the most expensive, or take a busita.. A lot of bus lines make this trip. A company named MAR SOL makes this trip by van hourly. Say an hour and a half-van about 10 USD and small bus say 8 USD

DO NOT DEPEND UPON AIRLINE SEARCH ENGINES LIKE TRAVELCITY. ALWAYS CALL THE AIRLINE DIRECT.

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

cdy says on Dec 22, 2007, 07:20:

Also called Spirit about CTG, they have no info, sure it was Sprirt? I know Jetblue is making a push for Colombia but was getting oppostion from AA.

Have flown Spirit to CR, not my favorite airline, plane is small but comfortable, customer service is pretty much a non-starter. Flying out of Ft Lauderdale with them is a bit of a zoo, they are understaffed at peak times.
Great pricing though if you can hook up with one of their specials, just don't have a strict timetable, if there is a problem with the plane or crew you will most likely not get out on the day planned.

Saltador says on Dec 22, 2007, 08:12:

Gator,
Avianca pricing has gone up a great deal. They're quoting me 688.00 for the round trip MIA/CTG which I have flown dozens of times in the past and never paid more than 528.00. This is for the first week of march, over 2 months away and not in high season.

Gator says on Dec 22, 2007, 08:37:

I just called avianca and depart 3/9 return 3/23 and was quoted 599 including taxes ??

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

Saltador says on Dec 22, 2007, 09:19:

I may call again, I was looking at arriving on Friday Feb 29 and departing Monday March 10.
That's weird because you're trip includes Semana Santa, which I would think normally would cause the price to increase...

Miguel says on Dec 22, 2007, 13:27:

From Spirit's website:


12/3/2007
Spirit Airlines Plans Service To Cartagena, Colombia
Spirit’s entrance to Cartagena to be possible as a result of initiatives taken by the Colombian government in releasing tariff floors, extending bilateral agreements with the U.S., and including Cartagena in open skies.

Miramar, Florida (December 3, 2007) – In the coming months, passengers will have a new alternative in flying to Cartagena, Colombia from Fort Lauderdale. Spirit Airlines has received authorization from the U.S. Department of Transportation to begin service between the U.S. and Colombia, and is currently working through the Colombian regulatory process in order to begin operating the first ultra low cost carrier (ULCC) service to Colombia.

Spirit Airlines plans to begin operations from Fort Lauderdale to Cartagena aboard its fleet of Airbus 319 aircraft. In addition, Spirit is looking to initiate operations to other Colombian cities subject to the necessary government authorizations, and will service the market with fares lower than current competitive fares.

Spirit will service the operations to Colombia with a fleet of Airbus 319s with a capacity of 144 passengers, which will increase travel opportunities for travelers to Colombia from South Florida, and its connecting network throughout the United States, with its signature ultra low fares.

“We would like to applaud President Uribe’s vision for seeing Cartagena as a tourism and industrial capital of the Caribbean,� said Barry Biffle, Spirit’s Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “Spirit will do our part in supporting his vision by providing low fare access to fuel the growth.�

Saltador says on Dec 22, 2007, 16:34:

I'm going to try to pin them down on this. I certainly want to try using their ultra cheap flights to get there if they will be in service by March.

Miguel says on Dec 23, 2007, 01:42:

Saltador...tienes que hablar con Camilo el barranquillero que trabaja en el departamento de informático en Spirt.

Saltador says on Dec 24, 2007, 10:00:

Flights to Colombia [Incident: 071222-000120]
From: Spirit Airlines (customerr at spiritair.com)
You may not know this sender. Mark as safe | Mark as unsafe
Sent:Sun 12/23/07 9:36 AM
Reply-to:Spirit Airlines (spiritair at mailnj.custhelp.com)


To: saltador1 at hotmail.com



Subject---------------------------------------------------------------
Flights to Colombia Discussion Thread---------------------------------------------------------------
(Carlos Martinez) - 12/23/2007 10:36 AM
Dear Scott McNish: Thank you for contacting Spirit Airlines. We are planning to commence travel to/from Colombia very soon, however at this time I am unable to provide an exact date for our inaugural flight. Please visit our website, www.spiritair.com for the latest information regarding our routes.
Sincerely, Carlos Martinez Consumer Relations Spirit Airlines