Due to more airline alliances, cuts in travel and the synergy effect of sharing resources, Central America is in some ways becoming cut-off from Europe. This results from the fact that many flights to Central America are now optimising aircraft capacity and flying via the USA.
There is nothing wrong with flying via the USA - it's a great country - but the airports are just constructed differently. In Europe, passengers can change planes at an airport without passing immigration and 'entering the country' in which they have just landed. This saves time and unnecessary aggravation; the reason being that you are only flying via that country and not staying there.
However, US airports are constructed without transfer zones. Everybody flying via the USA is therefore judged as flying to the USA and needs to pass immigration. Many law-abiding people detest the rapidly increasing surveillance measures we are encountering and would therefore prefer to avoid flying via the USA.
So how do travellers who value their privacy avoid flying via the USA?
A few major airlines AF, AZ, IB fly directly to Caracas. From there, you can change planes to other Latin American destinations. Also, several airlines fly directly to Mexico City, including AF, BA, IB, KL, and LH; in addition, there are direct charter flights that include other cities. Travellers from Canada can also fly directly to Mexico City and then embark for other Latin American countries.
Wake up airlines in Central America! Now is a chance for you to profit from this opportunity to help give a much-needed boost to your economies.
Aviateca of Guatemala, Copa of Panama, Lacsa of Costa Rica, Nica of Nicaragua and Taca of El Salvador and Honduras.
Central America rewards the visitor with the Mayan ruins of Flores in Guatemala, the pristine beaches of Honduras and the splendid national parks of Costa Rica, to name just a few worthwhile destinations.
If travellers are aware of other connections, please contact the webmaster and we will post an update here.
Other reports on intrusive surveillance: The Traveller with NO Clothes and personal privacy.
