Now that I've shared the big news that I'm heading back to Colombia at the end of June, it's time to book the airfare.
I looked around on individual carriers' sites, and again, found Kayak delivered reliable results.
For a 1-way ticket from New York City to Cartagena, it costs (tax included):
- $235 on Spirit Airlines (if I want to depart at 6:40 am)
- $267 on Spirit Airlines (if I want to depart in the evening, and spend a night in Fort Lauderdale airport)
- $472 on Delta Airlines (if I want to leave at 8 am)
As you can see, the difference between Spirit Air and Delta is $200+. The choice would seem obvious, even with the $30 international checked baggage fee I'd pay with Spirit Airlines, right?
But there's a twist.
There is a contract dispute happening right now with the Spirit Air pilots, and if it's not resolved by June 12, they're going on strike, which would leave me in limbo (camped out on my brother's couch, to be specific). The news clips indicate the airline hopes to resolve the dispute before June 12, but of course they'd say that so as not to affect ticket sales.
So this is where you, dear readers, enter the picture.
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Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 66 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.
Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:
- G Adventures for small group tours.
- World Nomads for travel insurance.
- Hostelworld for booking hostels.
- Rail Europe for train passes.
Water Damage Ft Lauderdale
Tuesday 15th of March 2011
Thanks for your article! I learn a lot from you about this.
Dave
Sunday 23rd of May 2010
I don't think you can ever be certain, but I've never been asked to check my backpack for it being too big. It might not fit exactly in the metal racks they have at airports to illustrate maximum dimensions, but it's in the right ballpark.
Kai
Sunday 23rd of May 2010
Guys, do you actually see an issue taking a backpack (70l) along? They state a size (length+width+height <= 158cm) and weight (<=23kg) limit on their webpage.Can I be certain that they take my backpack along when staying within those limits or will they claim that it's not a suitcase and ask for more money?
Kai
Saturday 22nd of May 2010
Guys, do you actually see an issue taking a backpack (70l) along? They state a size (length+width+height <= 158cm) and weight (<=23kg) limit on their webpage.Can I be certain that they take my backpack along when staying within those limits or will they claim that it's not a suitcase and ask for more money?
Matt
Friday 21st of May 2010
Sounds like an absolute bargain of a fare. I didn't know it was that cheap to get to Columbia!
I'd gamble, book with Spirit, and camp out on your bros couch if it comes down to it. The insurance might not be a bad idea just in case. Through fate to the wind ...