Is the price-gouging and profiteering along the Managua-Miami route over? For years now, TACA and American Airlines have been taking advantage of the demand from Nicaraguans to go to that destination, and passengers have been paying through the nose, up to $500 for a round trip flight. Misplacing your luggage is free. Fares from other points in Central America to Miami were significantly lower.

Then in late July, Spirit Airlines began servicing the route from the capital to Fort Lauderdale, three times a week at present, with plans to go daily by November. The price they charge for the journey is around $300 after taxes. All of a sudden, American and TACA became consumer-friendly, and in their new found largesse they began to offer “promotions” at significantly reduced prices and better deals for those using credit card points.