Image by flickr user Cubbie_n_VegasImage by 20080522_spirit_air.jpg Spirit airlines is opening its second S.C. destination in Columbia.

If you need to get a cheap flight and you just can't find a good price with Charleston's local low-cost airline AirTran, Spirit Airlines is starting regular flights between Columbia and Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Fort Lauderdale is the airline's main hub and will put Columbia one stop away from cities across the U.S. and all across the Americas.

The airline offers fares as low as $9, but the number of such seats are limited and only available on select dates. More of the deals are offered if you join their $9 Fare Club, which costs $9 for a 60-day trial and $39.95 annually.

The airline is able to charge such low fares in part because of aggressive policies such as charging for checked baggage and in-flight beverages.

The airline also flies out of Myrtle Beach.