Spirit Airlines is not the only low-cost carrier expanding operations in Minnesota and adding flights to warm-weather destinations.

On Tuesday, Allegiant Air said it will begin nonstop seasonal service between St. Cloud and Orlando on Dec. 18. A day earlier, Spirit announced service from the Twin Cities to Los Angeles, Phoenix, Orlando and Tampa.

Allegiant's twice-weekly flights will start with a $99 round-trip fare for customers who book tickets by Thursday and complete travel by April 29, 2014. After Thursday, fliers can book a trip for $89 each way through Aug. 27.

Allegiant Air also flies nonstop from St. Cloud to Phoenix.

"We are delighted the community has demonstrated high demand for direct service from the St. Cloud Regional Airport to Phoenix," prompting Allegiant Air to add the Orlando service, said St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis.

The Las Vegas-based airline announced Tuesday that it is adding service to Orlando from nine other cities, including Bismarck, N.D.

Allegiant began serving St. Cloud last year. Until the airline came to town, St. Cloud had been without airline service since Delta Air Lines stopped flying there.

Allegiant specializes in linking travelers in smaller U.S. cities with popular vacation destinations. It currently serves 99 cities.

Tim Harlow • 612-673-7768