Airlines LAX to CTG: Avianca & TACA

[Quiet Pine]

I hope to go to Cartegena, Colombia, at the end of the year. It seems I can save over $300 by getting to Los Angeles and flying to CTG. Search brings up two airlines at the lower fare: Avianca & TACA. I know nothing about them. Anyone have any experience with either? Would you encourage me or warn me away? Thanks for your opinions.

 

[am1]

Ive flown TACA. Most likely you will stop in El Salvador among other places. Small airport with overpriced fast-food. It possible you could get an overnight layover or even a couple days in Medillien or Bogota. I would not suggest el salvador as the airport is quite far from the city. No idea on the Columbian cities.

They serve drinks and you will get a meal every leg of the flight.

All that said I think you would be on the same flights just depends who sells you the ticket.

You could try Copa and switch planes in Panama. They have had a deal with the tourism board in the past where one could stay for 2-3 nights on the same ticket. Or you could get a 8-10 hour layover. Enough time to rent a taxi for that time and see the canal and a few other places of possible interest. THis would be the safest of the cities where you would have a layover. Cab to downtown is $35.

 

[Quiet Pine]

You could try Copa and switch planes in Panama. They have had a deal with the tourism board in the past where one could stay for 2-3 nights on the same ticket.

Interesting. My g-g-grandfather traveled through the isthmus in 1851, from Maine to San Francisco, during the gold rush. Of course I never could replicate his experience, but it would be interesting. Thanks for your input.