Monday, July 15, 2024
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Travelers will soon find it easier to reach Colombia from the Midwest, thanks to a new direct flight announced by Avianca Airlines. This development promises to enhance connectivity and provide significant benefits to passengers, particularly in terms of convenience and access to various destinations within Colombia. The new service is expected to have a broad impact on global travel, especially for those flying from the United States to South America.
Direct Service from Chicago to Bogotá
Avianca Airlines has revealed that it will commence new, direct flights between Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport. This new daily service will operate on an Airbus A320 aircraft and is scheduled to begin on October 27, 2024. The flight is set to depart Chicago at 2:35 pm CST and arrive in Bogotá at 8:25 pm COT, aligning with Colombia’s timezone, which matches CST.
Enhanced Connectivity and Network Expansion
Rolando Damas, Avianca’s Sales Director, mentioned that this new route would facilitate more seamless connections to the United States through Avianca’s extensive network. It will also enable the influx of new visitors to Colombia and other regions. With the introduction of the Chicago route, Avianca will now operate services to 13 different cities in the United States, including major hubs like Boston, Dallas, Las Vegas, and New York.
Benefits for Frequent Flyers
Avianca, headquartered in Bogotá, was recognized as the “most on-time global airline in 2023” by air tracking service Cirium. This commendation underscores the airline’s reliability and commitment to punctuality. Furthermore, Avianca’s membership in the Star Alliance, the same alliance as Chicago-based United Airlines, offers additional benefits. Frequent flyers can earn miles and enjoy various perks within the same airline alliance, enhancing their overall travel experience.
Cultural and Tourist Attractions in Bogotá
Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia, is a cultural epicenter rich in history and attractions. The city is home to numerous popular museums such as the Santa Clara Museum and the Miguel Urrutia Museum of Art (MAMU). The Gold Museum, featuring over 400 unique gold pieces from Colombia’s history, is a favorite among travelers.
Expanding Travel Options Within Colombia
From Bogotá, passengers have the opportunity to connect to a variety of other flights, including those to the Magdalena region on the Caribbean coast, known for its pristine white-sand beaches and historical landmarks. Additionally, travelers can reach Medellín or explore the Amazon rainforest. Colombia’s portion of the Amazon rainforest, though less renowned than its counterparts in neighboring countries, offers a unique and less crowded experience, increasing the chances of wildlife encounters.
Expert Insights
Colombia-based luxury travel adviser Boris Seckovic shared with Travel + Leisure that the lesser-known segment of the Amazon rainforest in Colombia is advantageous for wildlife enthusiasts due to the lower number of visitors, enhancing the probability of encountering diverse species in their natural habitat.
Global Impact on Travelers
This new direct flight from Chicago to Bogotá is expected to have a substantial impact on the air travel industry by improving access and convenience for travelers. The enhanced connectivity will likely encourage more people to explore Colombia and other South American destinations. It will also strengthen cultural ties and boost tourism, benefitting both the Colombian economy and the airline industry.
