Spirit Airlines Expands Service in South Carolina with Nonstop Flights from Columbia Metropolitan Airport: What Every Traveler Must Know Now

In exciting news for travelers from South Carolina, Spirit Airlines has announced the launch of its inaugural nonstop flights from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE). Starting in June 2025, Columbia will benefit from Spirit’s affordable and convenient service, including the only nonstop flights to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Orlando International Airport (MCO), and a new route to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). This expansion brings a wealth of travel opportunities for Columbia residents, offering easier connections to major cities and popular vacation destinations.

The addition of Spirit Airlines’ service to Columbia is expected to offer significant benefits to local residents and businesses alike. Travelers now have direct access to key East Coast destinations, all while enjoying Spirit’s signature budget-friendly fares. The airline’s entrance into the Columbia market also opens up more seamless connections to Latin America and the Caribbean, making it a convenient choice for international travelers.

This expansion further strengthens Spirit Airlines’ growing presence in South Carolina, following its long-standing service in Myrtle Beach (MYR) and its more recent launch in Charleston (CHS). This move promises to stimulate both local tourism and the overall economy, providing more options for business, leisure, and international travelers alike.

Spirit Airlines Columbia Service: A New Era for Local Travel

Spirit Airlines is making its mark on Columbia with new nonstop flights to major destinations. Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is now home to three new routes, making travel more convenient and affordable for residents. The services launched on June 5, 2025, just in time for the summer travel season, and include:

• Fort Lauderdale (FLL) – 3x weekly flights, starting June 6, 2025
• Newark (EWR) – 4x weekly flights, starting June 5, 2025
• Orlando (MCO) – 3x weekly flights, starting June 5, 2025

In addition to these convenient destinations, travelers will also have easy one-stop connections to several Caribbean and Latin American cities. This marks a major milestone for Columbia, as these routes are the only nonstop options from the airport to these bustling hubs.

According to John Kirby, Vice President of Network Planning at Spirit Airlines, the new service is designed to make travel more accessible for the residents of Columbia and the surrounding areas. “Spirit’s arrival in Columbia brings South Carolina travelers easy access to some of the top destinations on the East Coast at an unmatched value,” said Kirby.

Connecting Columbia to the World: A Step Forward for Local Tourism

The launch of Spirit Airlines’ new flights is expected to enhance tourism in Columbia, particularly as the city is growing in prominence as a tourist destination. Known for its rich history, arts scene, and proximity to beautiful natural parks, Columbia stands to benefit from increased connectivity to major cities like New York and Orlando. Travelers visiting Columbia can now enjoy more convenient access to the city, facilitating both business and leisure travel.

Additionally, Spirit’s entry into Columbia Metropolitan Airport provides an opportunity for local businesses to thrive. The improved connectivity to destinations like Orlando offers easy access to Florida’s attractions, while the route to Newark opens up opportunities for residents to explore New York City with ease. Columbia’s proximity to major cultural and business centers can help position the region as a key destination for tourists and corporate travelers alike.

Kim Crafton, Vice President of Marketing & Air Service Development at Columbia Metropolitan Airport, expressed excitement about the new partnership. “We are thrilled to now be able to offer the local community a cost-effective flying option with Spirit Airlines,” Crafton said. “Increasing air service to a community can be a long process, but we are thankful to have secured Spirit Airlines’ service for Columbia and the Midlands region.”

Spirit Airlines’ Charitable Contribution: A Strong Community Partnership

In conjunction with the new service launch, Spirit Airlines further demonstrated its commitment to the Columbia community by making a charitable donation. The Spirit Charitable Foundation awarded a $10,000 grant to Palmetto Place Children and Youth Services, a local nonprofit organization that provides support for children and teens who have faced abuse, neglect, or homelessness. This generous contribution helps strengthen the bond between Spirit Airlines and the Columbia region.

Palmetto Place serves as a safe and supportive environment for young individuals in need. With this donation, Spirit Airlines is not only expanding its service but also contributing positively to the community. Kim Crafton highlighted the importance of such partnerships: “It’s a great feeling to know that our collaboration with Spirit Airlines will bring long-lasting benefits to our community.”

Free Spirit Loyalty Program Promotion: A Great Deal for New Travelers

To celebrate the launch of its new Columbia service, Spirit Airlines is offering a special promotion to its Free Spirit loyalty program members. Travelers can earn 1,500 bonus points on roundtrip flights and 750 bonus points on one-way flights to and from Columbia. To qualify, flights must be booked by June 10, 2025, and traveled by July 9, 2025.

The Free Spirit loyalty program is free to join, and members can quickly start earning rewards and status qualification points (SQPs) on their flights. These bonus points are a great way for new and existing members to maximize the benefits of their travel to and from Columbia. As a low-cost carrier, Spirit Airlines continues to offer a variety of travel options that suit different budgets and preferences.

This promotion is an excellent way to reward new passengers flying from Columbia, offering travelers more value on their future trips. Spirit’s Free Spirit program is one of the best ways to earn rewards and exclusive perks while enjoying Spirit’s affordable fares.

Spirit’s Transformation: Enhanced Guest Experience

As part of its efforts to improve the travel experience, Spirit Airlines has undergone a transformation to offer passengers more choices and comfort. The airline now offers four distinct travel options, each designed to meet the varying needs of passengers:

• Go Big: Enjoy enhanced comfort with a Big Front Seat®, carry-on and first checked bag, Priority Check-In and Boarding, and complimentary snacks and drinks, including alcoholic beverages.
• Go Comfy: Offers more space, a carry-on bag, Priority Boarding, and a small snack and non-alcoholic drink.
• Go Savvy: A standard seat selection, carry-on bag, and no change or cancel fees.
• Go: For travelers who prefer to keep it simple, standard seat selection is available, and checked bags and other extras can be purchased separately.

These enhanced travel options ensure that Columbia travelers will experience convenient and comfortable flights at various price points, providing flexibility for everyone.

Spirit Airlines’ dedication to providing affordable travel while improving the passenger experience has earned the airline recognition in the industry. Recently, Spirit was named Best Airline Overall for 2025 and recognized for safety and affordability by WalletHub. Furthermore, Spirit’s Fit Fleet® continues to be one of the world’s youngest and most fuel-efficient, ensuring a smoother and more sustainable journey for travelers.

The Future of Spirit Airlines in South Carolina

The new Columbia service is part of Spirit Airlines’ long-term strategy to expand its network across the United States and beyond. Spirit first entered South Carolina over 25 years ago with its service to Myrtle Beach, and in 2023, it expanded further with service to Charleston. Columbia represents the third destination in South Carolina for Spirit, and the airline plans to continue growing its footprint in the region.

Spirit’s entry into Columbia further solidifies South Carolina as an important market for the airline, with its growing presence offering more travel opportunities for both local residents and visitors.

Conclusion: A New Era of Travel in Columbia

With the launch of Spirit Airlines’ nonstop flights from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) to major destinations like Newark, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale, the city is set to become a more connected hub for both domestic and international travel. This expansion not only enhances the travel experience for Columbia residents but also contributes to the growth of local tourism and business opportunities.

Spirit Airlines continues to prove its commitment to offering affordable travel with enhanced options for passengers. The introduction of new routes and services is expected to make Columbia a more attractive destination for travelers, ultimately benefiting the region’s economy and tourism sector.

Whether you’re flying for business, vacation, or to visit family, Spirit Airlines offers a convenient and cost-effective way to travel. As Columbia’s air service continues to grow, Spirit’s entry into the market marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for travelers in South Carolina.

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