BA leaves Colombia

juanalejo says on Nov 3, 2004, 20:30:

correction ...Colombians living there...

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Peter (Moderator) says on Nov 3, 2004, 21:29:

Hmm..... questions So what other airlines provide connections from Bogota to Europe? Avianca and...? Was BA the only service to London (I'm guessing yes?).

Poor but snappy

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British Paisa says on Nov 4, 2004, 01:49:

NO, you can fly with Air France, Iberia or American Airlines, also Continental. So it won't really matter; always thought BA was pretty crap anyway with the stop over they did in Caracas!...

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CaptPablo says on Nov 4, 2004, 08:47:

UK to Colombia options Well that`s bad news. BA did have the only London/Bogota flight without changing planes (ever since Avianca pulled out). So now the options are split into 2 catagories as I see it:-

Via the States:
Continental via Houston or Newark
American via Miami or New York

Not via the States:
Air France via Paris
Iberia via Madrid
Avianca via Madrid

I just came out a couple of weeks ago using Continental's non-stop LGW/IAH flight and then IAH/BOG. Great service on the 777 from London and then the 5hr hop down to BOG.

Avianca only fly now to Madrid in Europe from where of course there are non-stop connections to many UK airports. Iberia via Madrid offer some of the cheapest fares.

And don't forget other adventurous options such as buying a flight-only charter deal to the Dominican Republic and then buying a ticket with Avianca in Santo Domingo to Bogota.

Another piece of news Iberia have now started direct flights from Madrid to Panama City. The first service from Europe to Panama since KLM pulled out in the early 90's. Iberia to Panama was previously via Miami but due to secuity issues they have decided to offer direct service. Ah, yes, there did used to be the Aeroflot Moscow/Shannon/Havana/Managua/Panama flight but since the collapse of the USSR I'm not sure if that stiil runs!

There are many other combinations of course using various European and/or US airports and airlines.

From a 31C 100% humidity Cartagena I hope this can help.
Cheers,
Pablo

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Roncita says on Nov 4, 2004, 14:13:

I agree, that's bad news! I always fly BA as I prefer to fly direct. Mind you, I guess I was kind of expecting it, since Avianca stopped their direct flight. I am due to fly back from Bogota to London with BA in March - what will happen now I wonder? Will I have to go via Madrid with Avianca?

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Peter (Moderator) says on Nov 4, 2004, 15:37:

I have to say it is a real shame because we will be left without any direct flights to Bogota. I have personally not had any problems with the BA service, although my sisters and dad have had flight delays (at Caracas) which have meant near connection flight misses and a stay at a hotel (paid for by BA).

My only gripe with BA is their Bogota staff who are right old b"£$£ at when dealing with luggage at check-in. I have only ever had my hand luggage weighed at Bogota, they don't do this when you leave London for Bogota.

Have flown with Avianca, Iberia, Air France, BA. Air France is lovely, the food is great and the transit through Madrid and Paris is easy. This year went with Delta via Atlanta and I was surprised by the good service. The only draw back is the late arrival and early leaving, meaning that you must be based at Bogota. We are not, so it means staying with family at Bogota and travelling the next day to Armenia.

But for Colombian nationals it means having to get an American visa for the transit through the States. My parents are having to do this at the moment as we have got flights with AA via Miami/New York.

So after BA pulls out the only resonable options would be:
Air France
Iberia
Avianca
Continental
Delta
American Airlines

Poor but snappy

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adrimm says on Nov 4, 2004, 22:35:

Too bad Hmmpht. Puts a kink in my nice neat little future trip travel triangle. I like BA too. Boo. ...now where did that easyjet link go....

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Lomax says on Nov 5, 2004, 04:17:

Another option: AirMadrid As mentioned above, Iberia and Avianca are flying from Madrid.

There is also one price fighter active in this field: AirMadrid (www.airmadrid.com). Although it makes a stop in Cartagena, it will finaly arrive in Bogota. Wonder why people does not consider AirMadrid as an alternative. Any input very much appreciated.

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Qitta says on Nov 6, 2004, 11:51:

Yes, im due to fly home in March too- will they refund the difference or offer some sort of alternative? They havent even emailed to let me know.....

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juanalejo says on Nov 6, 2004, 12:26:

BA I have been told you will be given an option to fly via BA/American via Miami or with Iberia via Madrid.

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Hunter says on Nov 6, 2004, 15:39:

S... I go back and for to London twice a year and it was the best option for me.

I wonder why they stopped it, I have flown with them a dozen times and all the flights I have been on were nearly full.

I have a return ticket for April, so I suppose I will have to contact them to see who I will be flying with.

Thanks for the info.

Hunter

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bitt3rvanilla says on Jan 16, 2005, 12:03:

ALitalia will start flying from London to Bogota with a short stop in Rome, starting march.

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ixent says on Jan 24, 2005, 11:39:

Air France increasing frequency to daily Apparently Air France will increase its flight frequency from 5 / week to daily on its Paris-Bogota route. Maybe it has seen an opportunity following BA's withdrawal.

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Lomax says on Feb 1, 2005, 14:31:

AirFrance already increased its frequency Actually, I just managed to book a flight Bog-Paris for next March on a Monday (this was never possible before). While checking the online schedule, I was surprised by the fact that Air France is apparently already servicing Bogota on a Daily basis. I also read that further negotiations will take place on 28th February, next.

Furthermore there are rumors that Avianca will (re)start a new European service from London directly to Bogota. So those of you desperately waiting for a new service from London will be served instantly.

Cannot wait until the Alitalia route will be operative. Let's see what that will do with the prices. Becomes more competitive now. Did any of you ever travelled to Bogota via the Netherlands Antilles?

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Motilon says on Apr 11, 2005, 10:05:

Alternatives Trouble is most direct routes limit luggage allowance to 22Kg x1
but travelling by US airlines gives to the full 32kg x2 albeit with the hassle of connecting flights.

If AV does take up the LDN - BOG route I hope it improves its overbooking practice as well as punctuality.

I think BA should review its policy and reinstate the route pronto.

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Jack Smith says on Apr 12, 2005, 16:48:

Great news for Avianca? Avianca can pick up the route again?

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Motilon says on Apr 14, 2005, 11:08:

Alitalia to Bogotá via Rome ! What !
To Bogotá with a short stop in Rome! Sounds like the wrong way to go!
Maybe also stop in Cairo on the way and see the piramides.

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