Columbia Airport Set to Launch Budget Flights to Florida Starting May 2025

Columbia Welcomes Budget-Friendly Flights to Florida!

Exciting news for travel enthusiasts in Columbia, South Carolina! Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is gearing up to roll out some impressive budget-friendly flight options to Florida, and it’s all happening starting in May 2025. That’s right, folks! Allegiant Air is stepping into the Capital City, and they’re bringing low-cost travel along with them.

A Bounty of New Routes

Allegiant Air is set to make waves with its biggest expansion ever, featuring a whopping 44 new nonstop routes nationwide. Among those routes are two sunny destinations that Columbia will be waving goodbye to: Daytona Beach and Fort Lauderdale/Miami. Flights to these popular spots will kick off on May 15, 2025, for Daytona Beach via Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), and on May 22, 2025, for Fort Lauderdale/Miami through Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

Want to know the best part? You can snag one-way fares starting at just $39 for SFB and $49 for FLL! Talk about a steal! Travelers are already expressing their excitement, saying they’ll definitely opt for flying out of Columbia instead of driving to bigger airports like Charlotte now that affordable flights are on the table.

Say Goodbye to Pricey Fares

Let’s be real: flying can get downright pricey. Just ask local traveler Matt Tripicchio, who recently shared his jaw-dropping experience of trying to change a flight that would have cost him around $1,300. He exclaimed, “I’d rather sit around for the flight that is a quarter of that price.” And who can blame him? Most travelers are always looking for a good deal, and CAE’s new offerings are likely to shift the travel dynamics in the area.

More than Just a Seasonal Breeze

Currently, Columbia’s airport is served by airlines including United, American, and Delta, but they lack a budget airline, especially when it comes to year-round routes to sunny Florida. While they do offer a seasonal service to Miami, the addition of these nonstop and affordable flights is set to be a game-changer for weekend getaways or quick trips to enjoy the warmth of Florida.

According to Kim Crafton, CAE’s VP of Marketing and Air Service Development, this initiative aligns perfectly with the surge in leisure travel they’ve been witnessing at the airport. She said, “I think that the alignment and the timing of having Allegiant coming in right now, with this surge of leisure travel and business travel, we’re really excited.”

Bringing It All Back Home

But wait, there’s more! This expansion doesn’t just bring conveniences to travelers; it also encourages a sense of community. Crafton pointed out the beauty of flying locally, supporting local businesses, and keeping the travel dollars right here in Columbia. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.

Record-Breaking Prospects

What’s even more impressive? CAE is on the verge of surpassing their impressive passenger numbers from 2019— a record-setting year. They are aiming to serve a staggering 1.4 million passengers by year-end, showing all signs of booming growth in the aviation sector. “This community is ready to travel and will travel,” Crafton added, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating the new travel possibilities.

So, Columbia residents, mark your calendars and get your bags ready! Affordable flights to Florida are just around the corner, and it’s looking like a summer filled with sun-soaked adventures and fun awaits you!