On my first few trips, leaving Medellin airport was a breeze. I noticed a change in April - security was very backed up. I thought it was some type of temporary work slowdown. It was not.

The procedure when you get to Medellin Airport is as follows:

1. Depending on which airline you are flying, you may need to pay a departure tax (it’s included with some airlines). Go to the small office, give them your passport and get the paper stamped. You do not pay there, but rather you will pay at your airlines’ counter.

2. Go through the first security check located right in front of airline check-in counter. Military personnel will open your bags and go through them. They’ll ask the usual questions: how long was your stay, how many times in Colombia, what was your purpose. You’ll then be permitted to get your boarding pass.

3. Go to your airlines’ counter. Check any bags if necessary, get your boarding pass and pay the departure tax if necessary (it is with COPA).

4. Proceed to immigration. This line was virtually empty on my first three trips, not so recently. I think they added another international flight. COPA leaves at 8:15am, American at 8:40am and there is an Avianca flight to Miami around that time.

5. Go through the second security check. This is where everything gets bottled up. It’s the usual bags through the machine and walk through the metal detector, but now there are tables along the left wall and EVERYONE’s carryons get searched. They also ask you the same questions. In fact, the two soldiers asking me questions were the same two who initially screened me before check-in.

6. Board the plane.

This process used to take 15 minutes. On my April trip it took almost 2 hours – they had to hold the plane for some passengers still stuck in security. On Sunday it took 90 minutes – a little shorter, but nowhere near as quick as it used to be. It’s much faster in Cartagena.


(Message edited by wallstreet on June 29, 2005)

At the check point before the counter, tell the uniformed dudes that all your bags are carry-on (whether so or not) and they won't want to open them.

As for the opening of the bags after the X-ray machines, I've never gotten out of that in MDE nor in CLO, and infact once or twice they've poked a sharp object through my suitcase wall to see if there's anything between the inner/outer walls.

All I had was my laptop and carry-on. Still searched.

When they asked what my purpose was in Medellin, I pointed to the two girls who accompanied me to the airport, standing on the other side of the ropes. They laughed, zipped up my bag and I was on my way.

It never used to bottleneck so badly after the x-ray machine. I think it's because they added another flight and it's too much to handle.

That's the one thing CTG has going for it - super fast getting out (and coming in).

It's not intolerable and it's more organized than BOG, but I'm leaving the hotel at 6:15am as it is - I'd rather not leave at 5:45am.

I may actually fly Avianca on the next trip. They have a nonstop to NYC that leaves MDE at 6pm - gives me an extra day. I think it only flies Thursday through Sunday, the other days it stops in BOG and then it's a redeye to JFK - getting in a 6am.

For summer MDE has an afternoon flight (AA) - so no getting up at 5a
...that is, if you don't mind going thru Miami instead of Panama.

If you use DFW or MIA or ORD, you're more or less stuck with AA (especially once you hit levels).

I flew the Avianca non-stop both ways JFK-MDE last week and schedule-wise it was awesome. The flight leaves JFK at 7am and with the one-hour time-difference (which ends next week) you get into MDE at 11:30am.

I was up front on the 757, and while the amenities left something to be desired (IFE sound didn't work, seats barely recline although there's loads of room, etc.) the schedule is awesome. Arrived 15 minutes early and it took just under 15 minutes to clear immigration/customs. This was made even more impressive in that I had two checked bags including golf clubs (leaving them in my apartment for the winter) AND I got the red light at customs so they gave my bags a cursory look.

I was out the door at 11:30am - the time the flight was scheduled to arrive.

Rturning to NY was even better. The flight leaves at 6pm (actually left 15 minutes early) and there are no other flights leaving at that time, so immigration and customs are a breeze - no long lines and no getting up at 5am.

The flight gets into JFK at midnight (11pm starting next week) - so you can still make it to work the next day fairly refreshed.

The nonstop only runs 4 days a week, the other days you connect through Bogota and returning to NY it's a redeye. Still, it makes weekend trips from NY doable.

Copa has a 4:45pm flight out to Panama then Lax which is the way Im going. It gives me another day of play.

FYI, it's actually AeroRepublica that has the 4:45pm flight, COPA has the 8:15am flight. I was at MDE last night and saw the blue "OnePass Elite Access" carpet by AeroRepublica - so that's where you would check-in, as opposed to the COPA counter.

My tickets say Copa all the way and I called Copa and asked them and they said it was a Copa flight.

OK - it must be a copa codeshare flying on aerorepublic metal. Sorry - I wasn't trying to confuse you.

Here's the link showing the flight will actually be on an AeroRepublica plane- even though the ticket was sold by copa.

http://www.aerorepublica.com/noticia.php3?nt=150

You'll be fine - just follow the crowd - it's not a big airport. There's only one other international flight around that time and that's the nonstop to JFK on Avianca leaving at 6pm.

Do you know about getting the tax exemption, so you only pay $31 in departure tax as opposed to $62?




(Message edited by wallstreet on March 14, 2006)

Avianca has a flight leaving Medellin at 10:10 am for Miami.

The road to the airport is under construction and may take a little extra time. I came in at 7pm when there was no traffic and it was slowwwwwww.

Scrubb, there are three main roads to the airport, the shortest one to El Poblado has a lot of construction work going, but if you take one of the other routes they should only take about 45 mins, as long as you don't hit rush hour in Medellin. Where as the El Poblado one takes about 30 mins normally.

Hunter

The best way to get to and from the airport during construction on the "Las Palmas" route is via the Autopista. It's longer, but faster.

One more thing - if there is heavy rain, add at least an extra hour - if not two. Last Saturday I left Medellin at 6:30pm for a 9:10pm flight. Traffic was really bad and then grond to a halt on the highwat. There was a terrible accident - 4 people dead. I saw it on the news the next day - as I missed my flight. Heavy rain grinds everything to a halt down there - beware.

Has anybody ever taken the bus from Bogota to Medellin? If so, how long does it take, and what would a ballpark one-way ticket cost in USD? Thanks.

Newbie Info:

It was raining so the trip to the airport took about an hour. I left at 7:00 am to arrive at the airport at 8:00 am for a 10:10 am flight.

When leaving, it appears that American Airlines has the exit fee paid for while other airlines do not.

The exit fee is 74,000 COP.

You need to go to a window at the far right (when standing to face the airport entrance door) to show your passport to a guy who registers it and gives you a card. YOu then go to the second window about 30/40 yards to the left (when facing the same way) to pay your 74,000 COP.

After that you get into line for your boaring pass.

I think there were 3 checks on the way out with one of them going through everything in your bag. The guy just looked at my camera etc but did not turn it on. They will go through most of your bottles and jars etc.

I took a different road to the airport than I came in on. I think it was the highway but there were numerous rock slides partially closing lanes.

One observation, I can't believe how steep they cut into the mountain face, even when it is dirt and how close to the road the cuts are. They leave very little clearance such that rain and slides will always be a problem.

Scrubb,

If you saw rockslides, you went via Las Palmas. Very scenic, but very winding and real traffic as they are widening the road.

If you take the Autopista, you'll see no rockslides and it's not as scenic - but it's the best way into and out of town right now.

Just as you get off the Autopista, I like to have to driver cut thru Zamora (sp?) It's what a call a two-bodyguard neighborhood. Zero gringos, tons of cantinas and every non-pro is reachable.

But don't stop there unless you are armed, have back-up and know what you're doing.


Huevon,

The bus from BOG - MDE takes 12-13 hours. DOn't remember the cost, but it's cheap, I think like $20. And no - I never took it, but I've had many girls I know take it. It's safe, but long.

When I came into Medellin, it was a winding road under construction.

When I left yesterday morning, it was a paved two lane road each way, but there were rock slides.

They have now re-opened the Las Palmas Highway. It is still under construction as they try to make it a four laner everywhere. It is now in places...but other places they are still building and paving. It is much quicker to get to El Poblado and the Mansion this way they going through the Autopiste Norte and through El Centro.

Also, maybe it is just me, but the last few times I have entered the country they just wave me through and do not give my bags the thorough once over. Not sure why....maybe it is the fact that with 10 trips under my belt in about a year they are all starting to know me. Ah think?

radio

Flying into MDE from MIA, I have never had a bag opened. MIA to CTG, I have always had at least one bag opened. And I hold a resident VISA.

Anyone know of any late night flights options that exist from BOG to MDE?

My Continental flight arrives BOG at 9:47PM and I'd like to get by without having to stay the night in Bogota if possible. Avianca's last flight out is at 9:45pm so I won't make that.

Does anyone know where I should wait for my friend's flight to arrive? I get into MDE about 2 hours before him. Haven't decided if I should wait at the airport or head into town without him. It's both of our's first trip to Colombia. Any advice?

MaliMike

Well, it is about a 45 minute ride and will cost you 52,000 COP by taxi. Wait 2 hours for your friend and ride together. At least you will have somebody to talk with if you don't speak Spanish.

FYI-There are now "collectivos" (white taxis)that you can share a ride with other people for about 10K per person. Takes you to the domestic airport. Hop a local taxi from there to your final destination.

If you are coming in on Aires, they have bus service from JMC to the domestic airport for 10K as well. Have to buy the ticket on board the plane. For Aires passengers only. Very comfortable ride.

There is also bus service now from the airport to the SanDiego mall for about 8K. Better than being dropped off in El Centro with your luggage and a quick taxi ride to Poblado or wherever you are staying.

Lastly, when leaving, if you go to terminal sur (next to the domestic airport), they have bus service to JMC but not until 9AM in the morning. Outta luck if you have an early flight. About 8K if I recall correctly but definately cheaper than a taxi or private ride.

Do you and your friend have a standing agreement or arrival plan, if not better discuss it. If staying at the same hotel you may want to go ahead, unpack, and wait for him. However, if he requests you wait in order to share a taxi, and the fact you both are unfamiliar with the area, locate his arrival gate, go have a snack or drink, and then be there to greet him, that's what makes for a good wingman.

Agree! Go to the arrival gate and wait for him. Then spend the money and take a taxi to Medellin. Only 50,000-60,000 COP and ride together. Hell your on vacation so why penny pinch? - Have fun! - Hemp

I wouldn't wait, since you have no idea if his flight will be delayed or anything. 2 hours is pretty substantial.

Wait and split the fee, enjoy a coffee, soda, empanada and the lovely paisas waiting for their western union novios to arrive. You will be accosted by every taxi and somebody trying to sell you something, just say "no gracias" until you are ready to leave.

Certainly there are flight status boards in the airport. Set an alternative agreement that if the flight is more than 30' late [after the orig.2 hr difference] you'll me up at the hotel or other designated location.

CFK, I realize it's been years since you've retired, but the airlines don't exactly do a great job of updating the flight arrivals/departures boards anymore. If they're flying in on the same airline, he may be able to find out that way, but other than that, again, it's a major crap shoot. Why waste 2 hours at the airport anyways? I don't think too many of us would wait around at GIG two hours for someone to arrive.

All the lastest and greatest aircraft flying int'l routes have ACARS [onboard automatic reporting system]that keeps the respective company advised within a +/- 15minute window. Shouldn't be a factor. [no excuse why the airline would not have current flt.info] OTOH, if you just want to piss someone off.....

Why does this airport have no toilet seats?

The last time I went to mde, I arranged a taxi beforehand. someone who works at MM. He was a no show, and when I called, he thought it was for a entirely different day which was b.s. so I took the bus. It was the cheapest and perhaps the best way to travel if you're staying in centro. For some reason it felt safer than taking a taxi out front based on the stories I've heard.

CFK, that's a great idea, assuming there's open access to the Colombian air traffic control system.

Now, getting back to realty, he's going to deplane and head to immigration and customs. He could maybe then go to departures to see if the inbound flight on whatever the other airline is is on time, and they may actually give him accurate information. Then again, being Latin America, they may not know for sure until the Giant Metal Bird lands and pulls up to the gate.

Either way, waiting it out at an airport for hours for someone else to arrive is a very poor use of time on a mongering run.

Never say, "no gracias". Just say "gracias" and shake your head no.

The flight arrival and departure boards are updated real time.

Mitchee...I was there 2 days ago and they had toilet seats???

Mali-Is he flying direct to MDE or is he clearing customs in BOG? If the former, meet him at the international arrival gate. If the latter, meet him at the domestic arrival gate as he will have cleared customs in BOG.

The eye candy at the arrival gates can be worth the wait. OTOH, if you have someone lined up for your arrival, screw waiting for him while you are screwing a lovely Paisa. If not, wait for your wingman and hit the ground running together.

"I was there 2 days ago and they had toilet seats"

Good to hear the CEO of the Fecal Pile is on top of things!

More than likely Malimike is arriving from Panama via Copa (1 hour flight) so very easy to enter and clear customs, etc. The other guy arriving from? MDE is a very nice airport to hang around a couple hours. Taxi to Medellin is about 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic. Winding mountain roads and beautiful views. Wait at the airport for your buddy like I suggested before. Grab a cafe, sandwich and look at the Hot Paisas. Have a good trip. - Hemp
CFK I am sure they clean the toilets!!!

Thanks for all the advice. We have discussed arrival, just haven't set anything in stone yet. He is flying in direct international, I am flying in direct on Copa. I am one of those security obssessed folks that wants to be inside security check points at airports. Force of habit from training. On the other hand, I don't relish trying to clear immigration when his flight comes in.

Sounds like there are pros/cons no matter what. Will probably have a plan with several fallbacks. Looking forward to my first visit. Going to be a long haul from Alaska but worth it I hope.

MaliMike

Do us all a favor, stick Sarah Palin head down in an Alaskan toilet before leaving.....

You can kill time getting a shoe shine while waiting for your friend. Mud and gravel don't turn on the chicas down there the way it does all the cornfed dykes up your way

Dude, if you're afraid to leave the airport, you may want to cancel your trip. It's not the Medellin of old, but it isn't Disney Land either.

Cat when was the last time you were in Medellin?

Your right it is not Disney Land but it is Fantasy Land in certain areas! - Hemp

Hemp, when was the last time you were under the age of 60?

The point is, the guy seems real bent on waiting around for hours for someone to show up from another flight, and seems worried about leaving the planeside area of the airport. That sounds like a lot of apprehension and not a good sign to kick off a monger run in the a 3rd-world country.

What about Orlando Disneyland? It is like visiting another country.

MM

Cat - kindly tell me what my age has to do with this thread? Do you have something against guys 60+? - I'm sure there are other guys on this board 60+ who would be interested.

* The point is these visiting guys will be fine and it is their decision. Hundreds of guys a year visit Medellin.

* The point is you always seem to be an expert "ON EVERYTHING" including Medellin Airport and ATC, etc. etc.. I FIND THIS FUNNY FROM A GUY WHO HAS NEVER EVEN BEEN TO MEDELLIN.

* The point is why is everything from you in such a sarcastic "know it all" manner? Always has been and probably always will be! Very sad!

* Have a good day!

Hemp a/k/a Old Man

CAT-Third world country??? I'll put Medellin up against 80% of the cities in the US for being more cosmopolitan and progressive.

You have been watching too many Hollywood movies and like Hemp said, visit first then comment because you do not know what the fuck you are talking about.

PARTS of Medellin Mostly JUST the south from Parque Lleras and south as far as Sabaneta for sure is very modern and cosmopolitan but the surrounding areas in the north can get as 3rd world as 3rd world can get. I would bet 1%-3% of Medellin is "modern cosmopolitan" while the surrounding areas live in poverty and the Colombians like to distinguish who has money and who doesnt by rubbing it in your face by being superficial. Have you taken the Metro Cable up to the LA SIERRA Shanties? I think they still use Outhouses. I have traveled by Buseta from Sabaneta to Copacabana. That the only way to get a lay of the land.

Some of the worst gang violence happens in these areas in the north.. as you can see from the photo the Police are standing on the Highest points in the Northeast of the city. This was not YEARS ago Escobar days, This was 2 months ago.

http://colombiareports.com/colombia-news/news/11553-red-cross-to-mediate-with-medellin-gangs.html

Stay out of the bad barrios and you will be safer or just stay out of Medellin. More for the rest of us.

Cat,

Doesn't matter what airport or where I am, I always get into the gate area when I can. Not scared to leave, shit, I've been all over Asia. I just don't like being hasseled and it sure is a lot easier to meet my friend at his gate instead of hoping to catch him outside customs.

Everyone else, thanks for the advice.

Mali

28 posts about what gate/area Mali should meet his friend..lol

Sandman and Hemp, I always enjoy your posts ;)
You guys always keep it real, I like that

Mali, from a person that might soon make MDE his home, plaese take as many photos as you can. And if possible, write a killer report, it would be extremely cool to get a really detailed perspective of a first timer as I will be in the same boat here potentially very soon. I hope you have an awesome time!


J666

Lets visit Chicago, New Orleans, LA, Detroit, St. Louis, NY., Atlanta or any other large metropolitan city you can think of.

I'll show you slums, shanty towns and areas of the city where the police do not even go into certain neighborhoods.

I'll also show you upscale modern cosmopolitan areas.

Besides Poblado, don't forget Castropol, Las Palmas, Laureles (eh Jimmy??), Conquistadores, parts of Belen and many others. I

I never went to S Lakeshore Dr the whole time I lived in Chicago but I sure walked around a lot in Naperville. Just like I do here!

I go to parts of Belen, very nice actually.

"Does anyone know where I should wait for my friends flight to arrive. I get into MDE 2 hrs before him. Any advice?"

How in the hell did toilet seats, crime,taxis,Colombian Air Traffic Control,Age 60, gang violence,Disneyland, Sarah Palin, and Chicago end up in this thread?

Because we knew if we kept at it long enough you would find something to chime in about....LOL

Since when does CFK need "something" as an excuse to chime in?

Would someone please throw some scalding hot (near boiling) McDonald's coffee on this conversation?

LOL, funny thing Sandman, I just returned to Chicago from several weeks in SE Asia and southern China. Tonight I witnessed at least 3 drunken fistfights and had more anxious moments while bar hopping in Gold Coast than I did on entire trip abroad. Yep there are parts of Chicago south and west side that you would think you were in a different country. Add New Orleans to the list of USA cities that are quite scary.

I live 10 minutes from the airport. If you are a noobie who is apprehensive I could wingman with you on your trip to Medellin. Would have to be the right situation. Just email me and we can talk more about it privately.