Query: Buying tickets in Bogota

fosth says on Aug 2, 2005, 12:24:

I was in the same boat (well plane) Sen
I was in the same situation as i need to get to Santa Marta the day after i arrive in BOG.
I had a few problems on the website similar to you as it kept asking me to ring the info line. However i'd heard of the increse in price due to booking on the phone.
Therefore i continued to try the site. My spanish isn't great but i managed to navigate it ok as it's similar to most other airlines sites and succededthrough trial and error.
Once they get your reservation they'll email you to confirm the they debit your account/card.
I'm in the UK so was the only viable option other than paying double through Expedia.com
Keep trying untill you get success,it will be worth it. If you need any more info PM me.

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Crazy4Cali says on Aug 2, 2005, 12:44:

agreed try to purchase the tickets through the website in spanish to get the best price.

Also try other websites like www.despegar.com.

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toneloc24 says on Aug 2, 2005, 12:48:

What days and times are you trying to book? I can help you by checking to see if the website is listing the same as what you are quoting.

I've booked both ways (website & phone) without incurring additional charges. I do have an issue with the new surcharge added in recent months.

"Don't tase me, bro!!!!"

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sen says on Aug 2, 2005, 16:33:

Buying tickets locally I tried, but I think I need a Colombian address and/or their own Frequent Flyer number.

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toneloc24 says on Aug 2, 2005, 17:38:

Use your hotel address.

The Avianca miles programs is no big deal. I signed up for it last year and already have 10,000 miles on domestic flights only. They're probably worthless, but what the hay.

"Don't tase me, bro!!!!"

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Miguel says on Aug 2, 2005, 22:06:

Last week I bought a ticket on Avianca in Barranquilla for travel from BAQ-BOG three hours in advance and the price was $109 usd.

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fosth says on Aug 3, 2005, 00:42:

Sen You don't need a Colombian address, all you need are 3 phone numbers. These can be in any country as the website has drop downs for this.
As for the frequent flyer program just check the 'no' box before you confirm the flights.
It took me 3 attemps before i got my reservation, the site is user friendly when it is working though.

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sen says on Aug 3, 2005, 09:17:

Avianca US or Colombian Hi Toneloc, Miguel and Fosth

Which site -- Avianca.us or Avianca.com -- did you try?

Also, Is it correct that the taxes of various sorts add up to more than 70,000 COP?

thanks

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toneloc24 says on Aug 3, 2005, 10:29:

Avianca.com. In the upper-right corner, for Mapa del Sitio, choose Colombia.

Yes, the Sobrecargoes and taxes add up to over COP70.000. I think the sobrecargo thing is fairly new. I don't recall paying that prior to my trip in July-05.

Not sure what your dates are, but I just did a quick test itinerary (economy class) for Fri. 8/5 - Sun. 8/14 and got back the following results:

Tarifas - COP291.000
Sobrecargos - COP52.000
IVA - COP54.880
Airport Tax - COP18.700
Total - COP416.580 or approx. $181 USD

"Don't tase me, bro!!!!"

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sen says on Aug 4, 2005, 11:43:

Got the tickets Lady Luck was on my way today and I found out that, suddenly, economy class (135,000 pesos) tickets for Barranquilla were available on the 11th.
And believe me, avianca US office prices were almost the same as the ones quoted by their website!!!
So booked the tickets. Thanks for everyone who gave me lots of tips.
BTW, the Avianca staff were very professional. Now, we have to get the tickets in hand before we fly ....

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