Where to leave from in the US
Replies: 25 - Last Post: Mar 14, 2013 11:27 AM Last Post By: xinloi
jump to
Where to leave from in the US
I'm hoping to spend most of next December in Guatemala. Was hoping to go on airline points, but that may not be possible. So I'm looking at getting to some point in the US possibly on points (I'm in Victoria, Canada) where there is a direct flight to Guatemala City and hopefully the best fare. Should I be looking at Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, or Dallas for the most frequent (and therefore hopefully the cheapest) flights? Maybe Phoenix?If you know, I'd appreciate your advice. Thanks.
3
I will avoid Chicago if at all possible -- I don't like O'Hare and the weather could be if-fy. I'm surprised there is nothing direct from LA -- I don't like LAX either, but I have friends I'd like to visit there.....I can usually get a good fare (or easy points flight) to Mexico City and I checked Interjet, Chef, and they are only showing fares until October, but yes -- just a smidge over $200 return. I'll keep checking back there. I don't expect anything great the end of December, but should be okay for the beginning.
4
Different airlines have different hubs; I try to avoid Miami and prefer IAH or DFW. I generally search using kayak.com and purchase the flights through Orbitz (has a cash back guarantee if someone buys your itinerary for less) or through the airline websites themselves. You can also set many sites to email you if prices for specific itineraries drop. Good luck!5
I agree with Stacey (sp) stay away from Miami. Hotels can be very expensive because of added taxes to pay for the Marlins stadium. People in Miami are not very friendly and airline/TSA employees can be rude most of the time. But luckily you can fly Spirit Airlines http://www.spirit.com/Default.aspx out of Fort Laurdedale (FLL) with good deals and direct flights to Guatemala. But stay away from signing up for the $9 fare club. Because they'll charge a $52 or so renewal fee to your credit card without your consent. You're doing the right thing by starting early because in order to get a good fare you'd need to book your flight no later than Sep because lots of guatemalans living in the US with the whole family in-tow fly to guatemala to spend the holidays back home with relatives. Good luck.7
Not sure why a Canadian would want to subject themselves to the derogatory Fascist TSA when you can fly direct from Vancouver to Mexico City then catch an AeroMexico flight direct to Guate?Air Canada's site shows flights in Dec 2013 to MEX.
If you insist on the cheapo US thing, I have always found MIA to be the lesser of the US airport evils.
Spirit tends to arrive in the wee hours of the night & are notorious for extra charges.
9
I avoid Miami as well, never a easy in/out and the security/immigration always a zoo...Ohare is my hometown airport, fly almost weekly from it the last 15 years, had a few delays, mainly summer thunder storms, rarely snow/winter shutdowns, but nothing direct from ORD, always via a major hub.
Spirit is a gamble on all levels, and Ft Lauderdale is 1 hour from Miami...
I prefer Dallas and Houston, with a 2.5 hour layover, better food/wine bars...
11
When I came to GTE, I used airline points (Horizon/Alaska Air) and flew on points to MX City and on to GTE. on Interjet. Flew from Southern Oregon (Medford) to LAX and on to MX City on points from Alaska Air. Then Interjet to GTE. You can do the same route from Seattle, Portland and I believe Horizon flies out of Vancouver and/or Victoria as well. If you have points with AK Air or their partners you should have no problem. My cost So. Oregon to MX City $78, and then $105 on Internet. The low cost on Interjet was due to the fact that they just started operating (Aug., 2011)13
I think I'll do the Mexico City, InterJet routing (now that I know it exists!) from Canada and avoid the USofA. I have never had a real problem with Immigration/Security there -- but it is another process to go through while enroute and I always feel that I am being suspected of something. If you are a USian, I doubt you would know what I mean as you would be going "home." US Immigration is not exactly welcoming to internationals.ADVERTISEMENT
Hotels & Hostels
Check out all our reviewed and recommended accommodation and book online.