Spirit Adds Nonstops from PIT to Cancun

The average temperature in February in Pittsburgh is 31.1 degrees Fahrenheit – just a smidge below freezing. The average temperature in February in Cancun, Mexico, is a balmy 73 degrees Fahrenheit.

Spirit Airlines is betting they know where Pittsburghers would rather be this winter.

The Miramar, Fla.-based ultra low-cost carrier announced Wednesday that it is adding nonstop service from Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) to Cancun International Airport beginning Feb. 13. The scheduled service will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

“Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway with friends or a dream family vacation, Cancun’s premier resorts, crystal blue waters and incredible attractions offer a myriad of vacation opportunities,” said John Kirby, Spirit Airlines’ vice president of network planning.

Cancun becomes Spirit’s eighth destination and first international route from PIT, joining Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach and Florida cities Tampa, Ft. Myers, Ft. Lauderdale and Orlando. Last year, more than 500,000 passengers at PIT flew on Spirit.

Spirit recently announced it will increase the number of daily flights to Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale to twice-daily later this year and into 2020. The airline also connects PIT to more than 20 markets in the Caribbean and Latin America via Ft. Lauderdale, including destinations like Aruba; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; and Montego Bay, Jamaica.

“Latin America, specifically the Caribbean, is a key area of focus for expanded air service,” said Br