<p>Hail! All ye worldy travelers!
Anyone with experience flying to South America? Specifically Ecuador?</p>
<p>My twenty-something is planning a vacation to visit a friend in Quito, Ecuador.
We were researching flights which range from about $500 - 700 round trip from the major east coast cities.
She could fly out of Logan, NY, Phl or even Dulles.</p>
<p>The question - the lowest fares are from non-American airlines. She doesn’t speak Spanish. Is it worth the price difference to fly a non- US carrier?<br>
If there is a layover or switch to a different airline in a foreign country must one go through customs?
Should she just call a travel agent?</p>
<p>I’ve flown on some South American airlines and many other non-American airlines. They all speak English as do the airport people so there should be no problem in that respect.</p>
<p>If one is switching from the international terminal to the domestic terminal, they usually would need to go through customs.
If they need to go through customs, adequate time between changes needs to be permitted.
She could try doing this through a travel agent, throgh an airlines on the phone, or just do it herself on the internet. If she’s at a larger campus they may have a travel office on-campus who can help.</p>
<p>Airlines employees tend to all speak English. The people in Quito don’t necessarily though, so have a phrase book at the ready. </p>
<p>One D, a year ago was returning from S. America via Mexico City and had to go through customs, despite not staying in Mexico. Very time consuming, and I’d never experienced this in my many years of flying internationally. Very uncommon. </p>
<p>I’m a big fan of Ecuador, and would think she’d have a great time. Beautiful country with very nice people.</p>
<p>My son spent 10 days there with a friend right after he graduated from college. Non U.S. airlines are fine. The only time she would have to go through customs and immigration is when entering a country for the first time. So on the way there, she will probably make a stop in Miami so no immigration. If he makes a stop somewhere else, but doesn’t enter the country, still no immigration. On the way back, if her first stop is Miami, she will have to go through customs and immigration before boarding her connection so make absolutely sure to allow adequate time.</p>
<p>If I remember correctly, I think my son paid somewhere between $300-400 for the flight. Keep shopping. I think he flew American Airlines to Miami and a foreign airline to Quito.</p>
<p>Don’t use a travel agent. They will just charge more.</p>