Spirit Air: bad idea?

gamm2 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Sep 7, 2008, 17:25:

wabbits says on Sep 7, 2008, 21:17:

actually the flights line up perfectly, with a little over an hour for each connection, which its why its bizzare they couldn´t sell it as a single flight.

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Papi de Alejo says on Sep 8, 2008, 05:25:

One hour might not be enough when having to clear immigration and customs. Try to check in at your point of departure. So that they have you on the manifest. They just might try to speed you along.

PdA

PdA

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johnny2008 says on Sep 8, 2008, 05:31:

These low cost carriers frequently claim to be "point to point" airlines, yes you can put together a trip from BOG to NYC but don't go moaning if they screw up the first leg.

I guess it is a risk you have to take if you want to save dollars.

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tasco66 says on Sep 8, 2008, 06:09:

wabbits if you have two tickets you may have to do two check ins. One hour to clear customs, collect your luggage and check in Fort Lauderdale will not be enough time to catch your connecting flight. Better check this matter with the airline in advance and let us know how it went.

Not being bound to swear to the dogmas of any master

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esanch36 says on Sep 8, 2008, 07:12:

1 hour is cuttin close....your flight prob wont land in time and god knows what customs will be like...good luck

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sanandressi says on Sep 8, 2008, 11:33:

AVIANCA flies directly Bogota Washngton Dulles several times a week...I hope you saved a lot of money by doing this....?

"This train will stop in Tucumcari"

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wabbits says on Sep 8, 2008, 16:38:

Thanks everyone for the tips and advice. After looking at my itinerary more closely, I have 1hr 20m for the first flight, but only 50m for the return, which kinda scares me. I will call them and see what they say. Does anyone know what standard policy is if i -do- miss the second leg of the flight? I imagine i could spend a few more hours in the airport, but it'd be a real bitch to have to pay for a new ticket. Por eso i was thinking about getting insurance to cover myself.

Sanandressi, I did check out Avianca, and it was about $400 more..(can you believe?) Continental was the cheapest and was $300 more.

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gringita says on Sep 8, 2008, 21:08:

My husband just flew AC to Fl to Bog on Sat & everything went perfect. We bought the flights separate AC & Fl round trip & Fl to Bog round trip. The site let us buy the Ac to Bog together but won't give us the promotion pricing. I called service & they told me fine to buy them separate to take advantage of the pricing. He was worried about the short amt of time also but he had so much time. He said that he stepped off the plane & that his gate for his next flight was just a few feet away.

They let him check in for both flights in AC. We paid under $300! But I was watching for a promotion to come up & he was abe to be flexiable with his travel dates so it worked out for him.

We flew from AC to Orlando for our summer vaction & our family (4) flew for under $200 total. We have had no issues with this airline.

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paisa29 says on Sep 9, 2008, 05:38:

wabbits...Don´t worry! just relax...everything is gonna be alright.

"Fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality" Conrad Hilton

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nueva york bombero says on Sep 9, 2008, 06:54:

I hate to keep spitting this out, but I just paid $269 Roundtrip with taxes ($90 each way) to Cartagena from NY on Spirit! It's a third of the price of other airlines! It's certainly worth checking out!

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droble77 says on Sep 9, 2008, 12:40:

Great price! I'm going tomorrow to CTG on Spirit, we'll see tomorrow what happens with regards to Hurricane Ike nearby. . . My price was a little more than yours, but still very good, but I also then paid in advance for luggage and seats. Don't forget to add those costs later.

Also, I don't think they collect in advance ANY of the Colombian airport/exit taxes so don't forget to have at least 60-100K COP with you at the airport for your return flight.

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wabbits says on Oct 18, 2008, 15:13:

Happy to report that my roundtrip flight BOG > FLL > DCA went flawlessly. No cancellation, delay, lost luggage etc. Can´t speak for the experiences of others, but I myself will fly with them again.

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Papi de Alejo says on Oct 18, 2008, 15:27:

I'm with you on this. I flew from LGA(New York) - FLL - CTG roundtrip last month and everything went well except, I missed the flight back. The one way from CTG to NY was more than I paid for the round trip. I have made a note to myself. "Self", I said, "when next we are in Colombia, go back to US routines and speed at least the day before departure." Self has agreed.

PdA

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nueva york bombero says on Oct 19, 2008, 06:57:

Point taken Papi....I'll have to remember this!!!

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GregYohn says on Oct 20, 2008, 10:53:

Hola!

I saw $409 for flights from JFK - Cali with Avianca now. I think most of Colombia is the same price. They get to Colombia on time and you either stop in Medellin or Bogota. It sure beats missing the flight from FLL! Avianca has sometimes 2 flights in the same hour flying to Cali from Bogota, so only a little delay is to be expected!

12VOIP.com gives free calls to Colombia.Greg

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