Colombia Bound Travelers; Miami Airport Rated Nations Worst,,,

Monpirri says on Mar 20, 2008, 11:07:

Vote for,

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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kalder says on Mar 20, 2008, 11:11:

It's a bloody awful airport. Same range of facilities and levels of employee courtesy as Moscow's Sheremetyevo.

"kalder- have you ever had a woman?"--Sam Salmon

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azunoman says on Mar 20, 2008, 11:32:

but the mijitos in terminal D rock

Ready, Fire, Aim

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Simon says on Mar 20, 2008, 11:33:

There are also a lot of fine women at that airport!

HERE'S SIMON!!!!

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Colombiche says on Mar 20, 2008, 11:47:

Lots of fine cuban guys too. Nobody will understand a word if you speak in English.... for some reason I like that airport lol.

No me den trago extranjero, que es caro y no sabe a bueno.... (Rafael Godoy)

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Mar 20, 2008, 11:48:

ah so it was not my imagination :))))

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azunoman says on Mar 20, 2008, 11:53:

My first experience there was when I had an interview with Eastern Airlines...inside the terminal I went to a hot dog shop, they had to get someone that spoke English for my hot dog and a coke order...not sure it has changed all that much....

Ready, Fire, Aim

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Simon says on Mar 20, 2008, 11:54:

Ah...le gustan los cubanitos, eh?

HERE'S SIMON!!!!

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eywed says on Mar 20, 2008, 11:56:

Miami airport is great. I have never had a parking problem. Found what I needed right away. Never a delayed or missed flight. Everyone has always been more than helpful to me and my family. I guess im the only lucky one. Even had some good meals as far as fast food goes. The only problem I have had is getting there thru Miami Traffic. Even getting thur customs was a snap. What give with you unlucky people when you get to Miami Airport?

Ay Hombe!!!!!

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Colombiche says on Mar 20, 2008, 12:10:

"Ah...le gustan los cubanitos, eh?'

Pues haber....... ahi como para engordar pupilita mientras que espero el vuelo.... :)))

No me den trago extranjero, que es caro y no sabe a bueno.... (Rafael Godoy)

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Simon says on Mar 20, 2008, 12:41:

Huyy...cuidado que soy muy celoso!!

Ah, y esas pupilas de lo que se perdieron de ver en Miami...jeje!!

HERE'S SIMON!!!!

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Waterdawg says on Mar 20, 2008, 12:41:

I vote for " Newark " .. That one is the worst in the States followed closely my Miami ..

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Monpirri says on Mar 20, 2008, 12:43:

I meant vote for "Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008"

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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Colombiche says on Mar 20, 2008, 12:44:

Tranquilito, como le dije, ahi solo para entretener el ojo mientras que espero pero yo soy muy juiciosa jijii.

No me den trago extranjero, que es caro y no sabe a bueno.... (Rafael Godoy)

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aztec says on Mar 20, 2008, 12:52:

My wife and I will not fly through MIA to Bogotá. Either Delta direct from Atlanta or Continental through Houston. We will actually pay more to avoid the airport. Looking forward to the Spirit flights from Ft. Lauderdale.

There sometimes appears to be more English Spoken in El Dorado than MIA. At least they act like they can communicate with me.

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miamimike says on Mar 20, 2008, 14:39:

MIA USED TO BE A PRETTY FAIR Airport years back, 60s, 70s ect but then the Cubans arrived in force(mariel boatlift) and that was the End for MIA. Anything the Cubans get their hands on or into, they turn into Crap with their crooked way of conducting business. Sadly this is, for the most part, what happened to MIA. Huge Construction Cost Overruns, poor service, employees barely speak english and lazy to boot, Theft/Pilferage rates of Passenger's Baggage is amongst the highest in the Nation, Undocumented Alien(illegal) Groups have been caught working in Secure areas of MIA, like 3 groups in recent years. After 9/11 this never should be, they have been caught more then once intercepting Bags loaded with drugs bound for Miami's steets. Weapon Caches have been found placed on planes bound for SA, placed there by these employees(illegal types). The Manager(cuban of course) of the Fuel Depot at MIA was caught last year stealing thousands of gallons of Fuel and reselling it in Hialeah(more cuban scams). The taxpayers payed for this error in judgement. Unless you are connected to the Cuban Mafia here in Miami, you will never get a chance to locate your small Business in MIA.That is why for years there has been such a poor choice of food amongst the MIA Eateries. Not everyone likes black beans and rice with Cortaditos of cuban coffee. Ask for American Coffee, the bewildered clerks at La Carreta in MIA will look at you like you sprouted a second head. And a green one at that. Most locals, if the Timing permits, go to Ft Lauderdale for their flights. MIA also has the MOST expensive departure Tax of ANY airport in the USA and thats a reason you don't see the good $99 deals you see in Ft. lauderdale(airport). Short Term parking-amongst the highest in the nation, if you go, never park in MIA, go to the Park&Ride 5 minutes north of MIA on Lejune Rd(31st Street). Much cheaper and safer driving wise. Many Locals truly believe MIA is past salvaging it is so corrupted.. Angela Givens, the Airport Director(who came from Atlanta's hartsfield) until 2 years ago, attempted to bring MIA up to speed and into the 21st century but since she wouldn't play ball with the Miami Cuban Mafia, her contract was cut. She came out OK, they bought her contract out, close to a Million Cool ones. BTW, this was the same Airport that in June 2001 9/11 Terrorist Bomber Muhammed Atta ditched his small plane on and walked away off the Airport unchallenged that day. MIA is simply the Epitome of imcompetency,,,

"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.

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miamimike says on Mar 20, 2008, 14:44:

Aztec-many locals here in Miami head to Ft Lauderdale for those gret Spirit deals. I go there myself even though its a farther drive its worth it. Everything at the Ft Lauderdale more or less is in order. A pleasant contrast to MIAMi and all the Bulla Noise&confusion.

"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.

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Colombiche says on Mar 20, 2008, 14:46:

I love Miami and the noise and confusion there!

No me den trago extranjero, que es caro y no sabe a bueno.... (Rafael Godoy)

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tomtom33 says on Mar 20, 2008, 14:48:

Yo tambien. I don't have to live there.

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deathnova says on Mar 20, 2008, 14:50:

Spirit flights from Ft. Lauderdale? I'm planning on flying to CTG in July and see that they're about $300 cheaper for the round trip. When will this start?

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ColombianoGringo says on Mar 20, 2008, 14:52:

They have Cartagena listed on their flight search.

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deathnova says on Mar 20, 2008, 14:53:

Naturally, I checked for July but i'm wondering when the flights actually begin so I can canvass some feedback on how everything went before deciding to be a cheapskate.

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ColombianoGringo says on Mar 20, 2008, 15:00:

On a related note, when is Jet Blue going to begin service to Colombia? Also, did AeroRepublica get a Colombia - US route that they were requesting?

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miamimike says on Mar 20, 2008, 15:17:

Yo tambien. I don't have to live there
------------------------------------------------------------

TT&Colombiche I like the Noise also but at my time&choosing. Airtravel today is stressful enough without having to put up with all Noise, confusion and Rude Employees in MIA. That place is a 3 ring circus to put it mildily. watch your Bags in that place!

"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.

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RAAAY says on Mar 20, 2008, 15:47:

deathnova says

..." but i'm wondering when the flights actually begin "

I'm pretty sure that they begin on May 6th or 8th..........


.

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

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tomtom33 says on Mar 20, 2008, 16:20:

Thanks for the warning, Mike. Under normal circumstances, I only go through there twice a year now. I must have been lucky so far.

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miamimike says on Mar 20, 2008, 20:36:

TT-I know you share the same "LOVE" for Avianca Airlines as I do and MIA is Avianca's kind of place if you get my drift-never on time, Loud, Disorganized, Rude employees-the Two are a match made in Heaven. Rude and Ruder,,,LOL

"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.

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eywed says on Mar 20, 2008, 21:11:

I been there 10 times to Miami just for Flights on Avianca and never an issue. Walked right up to the counter bags a little over weight no problem. Avianca emloyee helped with the bags. Very nice employees from the guys at the curb till were on the flight. I'm glad I never been thur what you folks have seen .

Ay Hombe!!!!!

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ColombianoGringo says on Mar 20, 2008, 21:53:

Avianca employees are always very nice to me at MIA. In fact, earlier this year, my AA flight got into Miami really late and I had forty minutes to catch my Avianca flight to Bogota. There was a long line, so I asked one of the Avianca guys for help. He walked me right up to a counter agent and they took care of me in a few minutes. I made my flight although my luggage didn't, but they got it to me in Cartagena. I always take some clothes in my carry-on shoulder bag so that was not a big deal.

Honestly, I think people stress themselves out too much when traveling. You should anticipate problems and roll with the punches. As I mentioned in another post, I have gotten all kinds of "hook ups" from airline employees from free upgrades to travel vouchers because when I have a problem with an airline, I am nice about it instead of being a dick like most people. I always get my problems resolved and I don't get stressed and ruin my day. I suppose it helps that I speak Spanish to everyone at MIA, but I have the same results at other airports speaking English.

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miamimike says on Mar 20, 2008, 21:56:

eywed--if you lived here you would daily hear the Horor stories at MIA...And the Distaste many Colombians residing here have for Avianca. You have been truly blessed is all I can say,,,Maybe TT will retell his tale of his nightmare as it was pretty entertaining if I recall.

Rubito--truth of the matter is La Carreta isn't the best Miami has to offer in Cuban Cuisine. I took another PBH Old Time poster who had a layover here in Miami enroute to Colombia to Little Habana's Carreta a few months back and we had coffee and black bean soup.We went to look at the women and a Tour of Little Habana anyhow so food quality wasn't high on the Agenda. For great Cuban Food at a very reasonable price, I like the Original "Larios" by the Palmetto expressway. Glorida Estefan owns the Latest South Beach Larios on Ocean Drive but the Original Larios has better food at a 1/3 rd of the Price. At the Airport Carreta, repeat busines isn't high on the Agenda so they can get by serving crap food at Inflated prices. I always carry a Subway and a Soda with me if I have time to kill at MIA.just so I can avoid the Food vendors at MIA.

"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.

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eywed says on Mar 20, 2008, 22:14:

MM I have to agree with you I have been blessed as far a Miami airport goes. But for god sakes not subway bro.

Ay Hombe!!!!!

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miamimike says on Mar 20, 2008, 22:55:

Eywed-compared to what Food MIA has to offer, I'll take a Footlong Subway for $5 anyday(local footlong price in north Miami)

I Googled, out of curiousity, "Avianca Airlne Complaints" and out of hundreds of Hits, here are a few on the first page that some of us here on PBH have experienced.

http://blogs.usatoday.com/sky/2006/09/complaints_agai.html

"I purchased a round trip ticket to Cartagena Colombia from Avianca Airlines in Miami on August 28, 2006. This was an electronic purchase. On September 25 I called to cancel my trip due to illness and asked for a credit so I could use it to buy the ticket at a later date since I was not sure when I would get better. The customer service representative insisted that I get a full refund since it was a 100% refundable ticket. She said it would take five days to process. Two weeks went by and I did not get my money back to my Debit Card account. I called them and they said it would take a month this time. A month later I still did not get my money. I called again and they started to hang up on me rudely or to make me hold for hours. Finally a Mr. Johan Lopez told me that somebody would contact me the next day. It has been a week already and nothing.

**********I went to the BBB webpage and did a search on Avianca, and this particular branch in Miami is listed there as dishonest for doing things of this nature. I have been forced to hire a lawyer to make them face responsibility as a major corporation operating in the USA****************.


I hope this will help the general public if they are planning on going to Colombia using Avianca and then being forced to cancel their trip."


Thanks,


Posted by: Vidal E Vega | Nov 6, 2006 3:59:21 PM




http://www.consumeraffairs.com/cell_phones/10-15-10-800.html



"Raul of Fairfield, CA (01/04/08)
Vayama.com sold me a flight to Colombia on 11/17/07. The connection time to Avianca airlines was only one hour and forty five minutes. By the time I got to the LAX I had one hour to check in. The Avianca agent told me I was bumped out of my seat because they require three hours prior to their flights. Vayama.com did not inform me of this situation. I called the travel agent supervisor (Beth), and she told me it was between me and Avianca Airlines.

The nightmare started; Avianca put me on standby for their flight which was two days later. This flight was full, and Avianca left me out for the second time. The Avianca agent (Mercedes) in LAX denied to put me on a different flight or send me by a different route. She told me it was Vayama.com's responsibility to accommodate me in a different flight. I requested to talk to the station manager of Avianca--no luck. I waited for this gentlemen until 1:45 in the morning. The fourth day in Los Angeles, away from my family, Vayama.com (Beth) told me they received a message from Jack Hanna (Avianca station manager) saying that he offered me a different route to my destination; this is false and an unfair lie. I did not talk to the station manager and was never, never offered an accommodation because they don't recognize Vayama.com as a priority. The fifth day I had to pay $600.00 more on top of my ticket purchase to Avianca to put me into their full booked flight. Did Vayama.com fail to communicate or state information about the time table between flight connections? Avianca representative (Mercedes) stated the Vayama.com sold me a faulty airline trip.

I spent nearly $200.00 on hotels, $120 in food, and $600.00 more to Avianca to assure me a seat. It caused a lot of mental stress on my part-- and on my wife and daughter. It took me four days to get over this nightmare. Anything that you can do in this matter I will appreciate. Thank you."

"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.

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Robert Jorge says on Mar 21, 2008, 00:56:

The relatively short time I lived in Miami, I saw NUMEROUS stories on the local news about corruption at MIA. My favorite was the guys who got busted for stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of liqour from the airlines. The police found rooms filled with booze in the guy's houses. Illegals working in secure areas is normal.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

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tomtom33 says on Mar 21, 2008, 04:10:

I'd be happy to recap. CG provided the impetus.

Avianca forced my to buy a second ticket for a CTG-MDE flight because they had messed up my reservation. I called the day before my flight to confirm. They told me that I had canceled my reservation. I agreed that I would pay the price difference and hassle it out later. When I got to the ticket counter, they made me get out of line and go to a different window where they told me that I had used the ticket. Of course I asked them why they waited until I showed up for the flight to spring this one. They had my phone number, and I had just spoken to them the day before. And, of course, we had an agreement the day before.

I had to buy another ticket. After a few weeks of cool-down, I called them and explained the deal. After several hours on hold, they admitted that it was their mistake. I asked them to reverse the charge for the second ticket. They refused. They offered a credit. When I tried to use the credit several months later, they could find no record of any credit.

Since I could no longer tolerate hours on hold, I wrote them a letter. My novia hand-carried the letter to a friend of hers who worked for Avianca. That friend delivered it to Avianca brass. I got no response. About 6 months later, I printed out copies of everything and hand-delivered the letters to Avianca myself. Of course, I got no response.

It is now a year after I delivered that second letter myself. My response to Avianca is to never give them another nickle if I have a choice.

A friend of mine in Cartagena had turned in his Avianca Gold card. He will also never use Avianca again if he has a choice.

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eywed says on Mar 21, 2008, 05:01:

A mistake here or there is one thing but Avianca seems to be doing this to a lot of folks which is fraud. File a report with the F.B.I. and follow up and see what happens you have the right to do so I would think.

Ay Hombe!!!!!

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tomtom33 says on Mar 21, 2008, 05:07:

Thanks, ey. I have spent so much emotional energy on this that I have none left. I try to choose my battles. This one, in my opinion, is not worth it.

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scott321 says on Mar 21, 2008, 05:15:

MIA is my favorite Airport in the USA. The people watching is great if you have a layover. If you want to girl watch there is no better airport.
If you have time to kill there is a really good restaurant that most people dont know about. Go to the hotel in the airport take the elevator up to the restaurant.
I have been in and out of MIA at least 100 times so its not a one time experience.

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eywed says on Mar 21, 2008, 05:21:

Or a last thought is of course the american way Sue them. Sounds like it could be a class action in no time at all.

Ay Hombe!!!!!

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eywed says on Mar 21, 2008, 05:22:

TomTom33 I understand the running out of energy thing, I think we all do these days.

Ay Hombe!!!!!

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miamimike says on Mar 21, 2008, 10:46:

TT--last time I used Avianca from Bogota to Miami, the plane departed Bog 2 hours late and left 15 Colombians on the waiting Seats,some of who had been there waiting 3 hours before the flight was to leave. They didn't straggle in at the last minute! Strange but true! LOL I was there a few hours before also and called 24 hours before to confirm my flight as they requested. Upon Arrival, They told me my seat was gone also but I stood up and protested and would NOT accept NO aggressively and finally I was permitted to board-the last person to get a seat. The others sat politely and said nothing. And they got nothing! When I got into the Plane, I counted 66 Vacant seats, so plenty of room for those left behind. The BS reason they gave for the 2 hr late departure was they were waiting for a connecting flight from BA Argentina. Later, this was checked and it was a BS Story. When we arrived in Miami, I had it in my mind to go to the Avianca Ticket Counter in MIA and unload on the Duty Manager but once I got there, Avianca's counter was already mobbed by many Angry Colombians(not americans) who were on the same flight all shouting and Waving their hands/fists at those on Duty at the Avianca ticket counter. Since they were already doing such a Great Job I stood back and watched the fun. They used Spanish Cuss words I never heard before and never since that day either. LOL And I never used Avianca since that day...

"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.

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droble77 says on Mar 21, 2008, 10:47:

Weird, haven't had any major problems with Avianca (knocks on wood!). In fact, had a complimentary upgrade to first class (they accidentally assigned another guy to my seat, was very lucky because the original seat was not a reclinable one!) once on the leg from JFK - MDE and on my last trip to BOG, they offered me $600 to stay an extra day in Bog. The girl I was dating thought I was crazy to decline but I had already "called in sick" that last day in Bogota and I really needed to get my ass back to work the next day. Yikes! Maybe I should take my pic off this board. Too much personal info! :)

They do kill you on change fees and they took 1000 ff miles when I redeposited them (no upgrade seats on the flight I changed to. . .) but I guess this was partly my fault because I was making too many damn changes. I will say that if I didn't speak Spanish fluently I would be more worried about their service. It's also a good idea not to make a lot of changes or have a complicated itinerary.

As for MIA, I've had some frustrations with customs, security, bad signage, etc. Not so much with the airlines. My flights with Avianca on MIA left/arrived on time or slightly early. I actually prefer JFK or EWR, they are huge and crazy, but I'm a local so I guess I feel like I can handle these places. MIA on the other hand, I come in feeling "prevenido" but the airport always seems to throw a curveball I didn't anticipate. Grrrrr. . . . :-(

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tomtom33 says on Mar 21, 2008, 12:52:

Your story is better than mine, Mike.

Please excuse me, Simon, but I think that this is a Colombian thing. I know how to address grievances in the US. Colombians seem to accept being shabbily treated, standing in lines interminably and waiting on hold.

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azunoman says on Mar 21, 2008, 13:54:

One good tip on Miami Airport besides the great mijtos in terminal D.

If you are flying someone through Miami, and they are older or have difficulty walking long distance, arrange to have them taken to the next gate or wherever they need to go. It must be two miles from our landing gate to immigration. We always do this for our mother in law now she doesn't totally hate going through there.

Ready, Fire, Aim

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miamimike says on Mar 21, 2008, 16:41:

AM--True, you better like long distance marathon speedwalking cuz in MIA, you get a Real Workout! LOL

TT-True the post I wrote is a Good one sorry to say. I wish it wasn't true. Oh, forget to add, They lost my Luggage on that flight. It never arrived the same day on the same flight! They said is was suspicous in nature. Right, inside was a Garbage bag of dirty underwear and Socks.LOL Hope they enjoyed going through that mess. Not only that, my metal luggage carrier was also delayed on the same flight. It was delivered 2 days after it arrived to my Job at the Krome detention center. I knew they(Avianca) did it in Retatliation for my standing up and defending myself at the ticket counter but I made my flight and work shift. Airlines like Avianca don't like a person they cannot con and who stands up for their rights as a passenger,,,

"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.

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bogotabrian says on Mar 23, 2008, 13:01:

My parents didn't like Ft. Lauderdale too much. =)

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ColombianoGringo says on Mar 23, 2008, 16:55:

I didn't much like FTL either. It is cramped and when the lines are long, you have to weave your way through like in El Dorado. Is there any way to get between the terminals besides the buses? The whole place struck me as an airport that grew too fast without a good plan. Still, I could care less as long as I get a good deal. I really don't let the small stuff bother me when I travel.

The best piece of travel advice is to always take a change of clothes in your carry on bag. That way if your bags are lost or delayed, you at least have some clean clothes.

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