Cheap airfare king Spirit Airlines has begun offering daily nonstop flights from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Cartagena, Colombia as part of a new campaign.

On May 8, Spirit flew its maiden voyage from Ft. Lauderdale to Cartagena for an introductory rate of $49. Though there were a few opening-day jitters--three of the seats were double-booked; there was, inexplicably, more than the typical drama about getting luggage into the overhead bins--the flight landed safely and on time.

The introductory flight was a media event in Cartagena, which heretofore has had to rely on nondaily local carriers like Avianca for nonstop flights from Miami or on connecting flights on Delta for U.S. traffic. Spirit is the city's first U.S. carrier offering daily nonstops.

Cartagena Mayor Judith Pinedo, Spirit Director of Communications Juan Arbelaez and U.S. Ambassador to Colombia William Brownfield were on hand for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and press conference.

Ft. Lauderdale-Cartagena Flights

Flights leave daily nonstop at 10:40 a.m. EST, arriving at 12:25 p.m. CST (Cartagena is on Central Time). From Cartagena, the flights leave at 1:15pm CST, arriving at 5:10.

Spirit offers connecting service for this flight from many U.S. cities; from New York, for example, a 6:40 a.m. going, 8pm flight returning, connects easily with the FLL-Cartagena voyage.

Typical Prices, One-Way

Although as on other low-cost airlines, there are no classes per se, the first few rows of the plane offer large seats that sit tow rather than three together.

The company has trademarked the term Big Front Seat for these seats, with a normal seat called Deluxe Leather.

Big Front Seat -- $129 midweek; $229 Fri, Sat, Sun

Deluxe Leather -- $154 midweek; $175 on Fri, Sat, Sun

High Season in Cartagena

Cartagena has two high seasons: one in July and August, when many Latin Americans and guests internationally are on summer break, and again from December to February, when snowbirds arrive. Naturally, fares are somewhat higher during peak travel weekends. On July 3, the start of the U.S. July 4 weekend, fares from Ft. Lauderdale are $194 for regular seats, $394 for large ones; on the same day, fares from Cartagena are $89 regular, $129 large.

Next Latin American/Caribbean Routes Offered

Spirit is next planning to offer nonstops from Ft. Lauderdale to Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, this summer. The airline also has plans in the works to add Bogota to its list of destinations later in the year, with other Colombian cities a possibility later on.

What Keeps Spirits Fare So Cheap

No Beverage Service--The traditional airline complimentary beverage service has been completely done away with on Spirit, with drinks--even water, soda and coffee--offered at a captive fee of $3, and beer, wine and spirits somewhat more. A variety of snacks is also on offer. The flight attendants make a commission on the snacks and beverages.

No Rising Gas Costs--At least not for now. The airline has worked out a deal with gas suppliers through 2009, so it won't get any nasty surprises before then, according to Spirit executives.

Good to Know About Spirit Flights

Bring a credit card--Spirit doesn't accept cash for its beverage or snacks concession.