Avianca Advisory

fzrdan says on Jan 24, 2005, 12:16:

Oh, great. I will take my first flight on Avianca next month. I think I will call them 3 or 4 times in the next few weeks to verify my flight. I never had that problem with any airline before. Is this an anomoly with Avianca or a pattern? Anyone?

oldbongo says on Jan 24, 2005, 12:26:

fzrdan... there has been a pattern of anomalies over the last
10 times i have travelled with them, unfortunately
there is no pattern to the pattern.
the latest was when they said they would send a credit request to visa for a refund.....never came...
as miguel said, get a hard ticket.

miguel...suerte in baq.... have fun with elmo...
lookin forward to ctg.

brad216 says on Jan 24, 2005, 12:26:

Avianca I've flown Avianca 3 times between Miami and Cali, once to Bogota, and once to San Andres. All 5 trips have gone fine so I think this is not a normal problem. All trips were purchased on internet and have recv'd emails. The only problem i had was that Bogota trip had a time change but they called me and informed me of time change 2 weeks before trip. Actually, I had given my fiancee's number in Cali and they called her instead of leaving message on my machine since i didn't answer phone. I have nothing but good things to say about them, especially since they are much cheaper than traveling on American Airlines. Good luck.

Miguel says on Jan 24, 2005, 12:34:

I also enjoy flying Avianca I don´t appreciate having to pay a c-note because some numb nuts entered the wrong date. And all of the employees I talked with said that if they took the initiative to help me, that they would have to pay the piper. Unless you have a hard ticket or an email confirmation, it´s their word against yours...and chi-ching!

fzrdan says on Jan 24, 2005, 12:56:

I have an email confirmation so I guess I am safe as far as the fee is concerned. I think I will still call a couple times to verify the time.

oldgringo, a pattern of anomolies? That is great stuff.

jaramillo says on Jan 24, 2005, 13:17:

Avianca still in business? I had similar problems in BAQ, and it also cost me a hundred bucks. Eight out of ten times Avianca will be fine (as most posts here will attest to). This means Avianca probably has a 20% serious problem rate, which is probably the worst in the industry. I honestly do not know how they have stayed in business. I guess by charging people those extra $100.

paisa29 says on Jan 24, 2005, 13:22:

Miguel te aconsejo usar la próxima vez la página web de Avianca es mucho mas seguro y puedes imprimir la factura.
Ellos lo llaman e-ticket pero realmente es el tiquete virtual que tenían antes, Avianca no tiene la tecnológia para la plataforma de
e-ticket todavia.

Gomezman5 says on Jan 24, 2005, 13:28:

Miguel, I had a similar problem with Avianca and Copa I think the problems stems from the fact they are using antiquated computers. Or, is it incompetent employees?

Get this one. I was in Panama, and they are the only airlines with non stop flights to Cali. I went to the office to change my flight from Cali back to Cali. (I did this before I left Panama for Cali).
I paid the change fee, and they told me there would be no difference in fare. They gave me a reciept indicating the new date to return to Panama. However, when I showed up on my day to depart Cali for Panama, they told me I had to pay a difference of $89 in fare and that I "should have been charged that in Panama when I bought the ticket". What can you do? You are at the airport, ready to fly, and then what are you going to do---- argue? Oh well

santiBOG says on Jan 24, 2005, 15:45:

Best Advice: Stay away from Avianca. They are very disrespectful of everyone's time. I always fly Lan or AA. They are not perfect either but at least they don't make you pay for their incompetence. I've used AA's e-tickets many times and they've worked flawlessly.

Another advantage of flying AA: people don't applaud when the plane lands.

Gomezman5 says on Jan 24, 2005, 16:36:

santiBOG That's funny!!!!

I never did quite understand that. The idea of applauding...ja ja.
But, the people that applaud, also say their prayers while the plane sit on the runway.

Anyway, I see that on AA, my favorite airline. It pays to be an
American Advantage member too. If you take advantage of all their promitions and use their credit card....you can accumulate miles
quickly.

jaramillo says on Jan 24, 2005, 17:36:

praying People applaud at the unexpected: a safe landing by Avianca. They pray for the expected: death.

Miguel says on Jan 24, 2005, 19:06:

I just posted this To help those, who in the future, might get ripped because of the inablity of someone at Avianca that inputs a 1 instead of a 3 that has cost me a hundred bucks.

isaactraveler says on Jan 24, 2005, 19:14:

BAH!!! I Like Avianca in fact, they are my airline of choice. No one ever stands up for these guys. You know, the last flight I was to take out to Colombia, like a bonehead I missed it.. I was up late packing crap and getting all my stuff together and I woke up too late to take the 7am continental flight to miami.

Continental switched me with a bit of difficulty and $50. Avianca did the same MUCH easier and it still cost me $50, but I remember thinking how it would be impossible and it wasnt, and I got there the next day no problems.

In the apprx 8 times I have flown with them, they have been on time, courteous and damn their food is good on that plane.

Signed
Pedro Avianca

fzrdan says on Jan 24, 2005, 20:04:

Today I decided to extend my trip to Cali by a few days so I needed to change my ticket from Miami to Cali on Avianca. I called them about 2 hours ago (9pm on east cost). The guy was very nice but he told me that he could not help me. He said: 'I don't have any matching fares for your new travel dates. You will have to call the Miami office directly. They have your ticket.' WHAT? I call the main Avianca reservations line and they can't help me? I have to call some local office? Do they have my ticket in a file cabinet in Miami or something? Wow. Maybe they need a major overhaul of their systems. I imagine they can't afford that though.

Hey, at least they guy was nice!

oldbongo says on Jan 24, 2005, 20:09:

frzdan.. you are beginning to see the pattern of anomalies?

get ready for colombia...

adrimm says on Jan 24, 2005, 20:17:

Have flown Avianca numerous times from LAX to BOG, only one delay of 45 minutes on one flight. And I have always found on board service to be very curteous. Tix were booked thru an agent. I admit that it's not the best airline in the world (from what I've heard one of the Asian ones is the best) but there are many out there that are far far worse.

fzrdan says on Jan 24, 2005, 20:29:

oldgringo You are right, I am seeing the pattern of anomolies now. I never thought I would say that!

Ready for Colombia? Oh yeah, even with all the crazy .... that happens. I was chatting with my novia today on the internet. She told me a story of how a woman that owns/works at the internet cafe she uses was killed last night very near the cafe because she wouldn't give up her car (or something to do with her car). On the webcam my novia showed me this huge freakin knife that she was carrying around now because she wanted to be ready. Damn. I carry a knife almost just like it in my car. Can't remember why. I don't carry it with me walking the streets though.

fzrdan says on Jan 24, 2005, 20:31:

adrimm I flew China airlines twice. They were great! Very nice planes, very nice people. Food was good. No complaints at all. I have never said that about any other airline.

suzannyo says on Jan 24, 2005, 20:49:

My favorite airline (joke)... Airline that serves Latin America...

TACA= Take a chance airline
-OR-
= Take a coffin along (either one's quite grim!) :)

In Tegucigalpa, Honduras everyone applauds every time a plane lands and doesn't hit a vehicle driving on the street at the end of the runway...heard they actually hit a bus once!

Suzanne :)

crispeta says on Jan 24, 2005, 21:42:

Avoid Avianca Colombia once had a good airline that was Called ACES, but Los Jefes de Avianca where getting their butt kicked by ACES, so they decided to join the two airlines to help AVIANCA become profitable. This relationship lasted for a year until one day they said that ACES was bankrupt, so Aces stoped flying and Avianca was the only international airline in Colombia.

miamimike says on Jan 24, 2005, 22:31:

I agree with Gomez and Santibog-Avoid Avianca I used Avianca once and that was too many times in a lifetime. They left LATE in Miami, Left 2 hr. Late from Bogota and then held my Luggage in Bogota for "suspicion"--that dirty laundry must have raised a "Red Flag"--arrived 2 days later in Miami. I would avoid them like the plague.Used Aces 3 times and the service was great-sorry to see they are no longer flying. Used LanChile--very good. Now use American as I belong to that AA Advantix Master Credit Card to rack up frequent Flyer miles on American. Avianca-no sirve para nada!!!

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? ... That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.,

Flyinrob13 says on Jan 25, 2005, 01:48:

My itenerary on Avianca was as follows: Miami to Cartagena...Cartagena to Bogota...Bogota to Miami. While in Miami, I had them change the Cartagena to Bogata leg to Santa Marta to Bogota. I was told that I would pay a difference in fare in Santa Marta. No big deal. Well, the folks in Santa Marta got the itenerary change, but after spending about half an hour talking back and forth, said that they had to charge me the full fare of the ticket, and that I would have to get a reimbursement in Miami. The reason was because they couldnt figure out how they could just charge me the difference. Whatever. Well, while in Bogota trying to get to Miami, I was informed that the plane was full, and I wouldnt be able to go on that flight. They told me that I could pay extra and go stand by to Ft. Lauderdale. I did, and didnt get on the flight. Well, the next day I showed up at the airport to try and get to Miami again, and I had to pay MORE, because I had an itenerary change. I explained that it wasnt my fault, and they stuck to their story. Well, of course, when I got to Miami, I had to work a lot of reimbursement issues. They wouldnt do it over the counter, only over the phone with customer care. Good luck. They were all very friendly though.

Miamigo says on Jan 25, 2005, 09:15:

Dayami Avianca is the cheapest usually so that's what I take. The only problem I have is with buying the fares they advertise on the web. You apply for a reservation and then you're emailed and told to call a local office here in Miami. This office is the only one that can deal with these avianca.us tickets. The woman's name is Dayami. I have spoken to her many times, she's very dry and doesn't seem to have a great sense of humor. I would like to do an elmo on her and put her down on all fours but she is probably fat and I'm married anyway.

Miguel says on Jan 25, 2005, 10:53:

My ticket ...was purchased through their business traveler program over the phone with the Miami office. It was not a web fare. I really have put the whole thing on the back burner till I return.

miamimike says on Jan 25, 2005, 11:11:

You get what you pay for with Airlines !! Age old axiom--"You get what you pay for" whether its a mechanic, car purchase, airline ect.I never pick athe "Cheapest" as I have had the misfortune early on in life to realize cheap is not usually the best.Avianca routinely leaves late,misplaces luggage and I have questions on their safty maintenence logs for their planes. To change itineries on a flight is always a major operation for these folks. Unorganized and complicated. Most of the professional Colombians I know of in Miami would never travel on Avianca. What does that tell a person?? I had that experience last time I flew with Avianca from Bogota to Miami-they told me the Flight was overbooked after I called the day before and the morning of my flight and at all times they told me"No problem"--you have a seat! Then on top of this after arriving at the airport 4 hours early the day of my flight--they told me "We have to wait for a late connecting flight from Argentina" Well we waited for 2 hours.I was adamant about my getting on that flight and argued for 1 hour--to get rid of me-they "Found one last seat" MEanwhile they left 10-15 colombians, who sat politely and silently not protesting this treatment--well they remained behind for their politeness. I boarded the plane. When I took my seat-I looked around as the plane took off and counted 64 VACANT Seats. They could have boarded these other poor folks but left 'em behind. No consideration for connecting flights these folks missed or missed workdays for many of those left behind. That day and experience showed me what kind of company AVIANCA was--avoid them like the plague!!!

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? ... That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.,

miamimike says on Jan 25, 2005, 11:17:

Better to pay a few dollars more.... ON subsequent flights I flew LanChile, Aces and AMerican. The flights almost always left pretty much on time, arrived on time--customer service acted in a more professional and expedient nature on your problems, if you had a problem.The peace of mind gained for a few dollars more was worth it. My theory is if I cannot $100 or more for my Airline ticket-I probably should not be going on Vacation anyways.Caveat Emptor !!

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? ... That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.,

michaelz says on Jan 25, 2005, 11:20:

try aerorepublica For flights withing Colombia, try aerorepublica. I've flown with them many times and they have always been very helpful - much better than avianca.

Miamigo says on Jan 25, 2005, 11:48:

Avianca has... ..., and other than sometimes having to call to ask when my e-ticket is going to be issued, I've never had a problem with Avianca. I really don't think it is worth the extra money to fly American. In fact, my only complaint is when I fly out of Fort Lauderdale (an option not available with American) as opposed to Miami, they don't show a movie on those flights.

lpdiver says on Jan 25, 2005, 15:03:

You will have to sort it out yourself... But don't have expectations of getting cash back and you won't be disappointed. I don't know why it happened and maybe you never will. Did the agent speak fluent english. Did you say for example I am departing on one-three instead of saying "January third" They put the day first when using numeral dates in Colombia. February 11, 1947 would be 11/2/57 for example.

I alway take notes...name date and time of who I spoke with. And I always ask them to repeat to me critical info. We had a mistake at the airline counter at the airport in Bogota. As we were walking away I noticed that they had issued the ticket in another persons name. It took us 45 minutes to straighten it out and we caught it while still at the counter.

Ticket agents are human and make errors. Hold them accountable...if you can...don't let it ruin your life...learn and move on. Will you really miss that c note five yeaers from now?

Antony

Caveat Emptor

"cook some rice!"

Miguel says on Jan 25, 2005, 21:07:

Exacto Antony Hell, I don´t even miss that c note two days later. My point is...or rather, will be, when I deal with them...is that they made the mistake. They can either choose to correct it or lose my business and gain my bad press for their operation. I missed the part of this ruining my life...de ninguna manera. Viva AviNunca.

lpdiver says on Jan 26, 2005, 05:06:

They al make mistakes Your experience was small compared to mine...IT took COPA three days to get me to Medellin...Damn near missed my own wedding!!!But they have been great on all other occasions.

You pays yo money and yo takes yo chances.

Tony

Caveat Emptor

"cook some rice!"

Miguel says on Jan 26, 2005, 16:00:

hmm Bruce Cockburn, right?

eGNever says on Jan 29, 2005, 14:23:

Should I worry I have my reservation with Aviana and all is paid up. Havent received my confirmation, even after 10 calls. They seem to have to wrong email adress, which has supposedly been corrected 3 times..... Are they retarded??? Im very nice on the phone...but seriously? She repeated back my dates and everything was good. She said I could always show up with my reservation number and they could pull it up. Is it worth another 10 calls to get a confirmation???

lpdiver says on Jan 29, 2005, 14:28:

I always like to have something in writing Everyone has a fax machine, at least have her fax it to you. Get a name...etc.

"cook some rice!"

Miguel says on Feb 3, 2005, 20:30:

E N T O N C E S... Have tham overnight your ticket...do not chance walking up to the counter and having the same problem I had.

Miguel says on Feb 7, 2005, 10:31:

And now, about the flight home on Avianca... After I ponied up the 100us in Miami because of Avianca's error, I received a new print out of the itinerary. I also made sure they had not only one, but two phone numbers where I could be contacted in Colombia. I arrived at the airport yesterday, two hours before my 945am flight to Miami, only to be told the flight was leaving at 1245pm! The counter person told me the schedules changed 1 feb. Perhaps I am missing something here, but one would think that Avianca would have let their employees know of such changes. Someone conjectured in this post that maybe their computer system is outdated, or it is just incompetence. Definitely something is f##ked up. After I get back into the routine of everyday life here in the States, I will call the Miami office and try to deal with them. My expectations are, to say the least, pequeño.

Miguel says on Feb 10, 2005, 22:32:

My ongoing saga I talked with Avianca Miami yesterday and pleaded my case, and much to my astonishment, they admitted they made a mistake. As a matter of fact, the supervisor I talked with was the same person who made my reservation. I have to fax them a copy of the "penalty coupon" and my credit card receipt, and supposedly, they will refund the 100 usd...I will keep you posted.

MrS_P says on Feb 13, 2005, 12:13:

ggrrrrr Well, I'll share this with you nice people and please dont delete the post cause sometimes we just need to vent:
AVIANCA ES UNA MI*RDA!!!!!!!!!!!!
I live in colombia and i happen to be a victim of their incompetence every time i try to travel with them, or at least until 6 years ago that i stopped and decided to use aerorepublica for national routes and any other airline for international.
Not only they have no respect for your time and the fact that you are paying for the service, but they also have the nerve to try and make you look like its your fault (by not showing up 6 hours in advance), this happened to my mother like every 2 months, she had to travel between barranquilla and cali (no direct flight, connects in bogota) and for some reason, something always happens in bogota and she cant board the plane to cali)
They sent me a member card for the whatever miles club they have a few years ago, before i fed up and the last time they played the bogota trick on me and my mother....i just went downstairs to the avianca counter, ripped the card in 2 and threw them inside the office saying:
metanse su p*ta tarjeta por el p*to c*lo!!!!! (stick the f**** card up your f***** *ss).....now that made me really happy, even though i still had to wait for the last flight, it felt good and it was a good closure for my painful relationship with avianca.
Just forget that avianca exist and use aerorepublica, their service is great even if you hear the landing applause. :P