Transportation In bogota

Flying Bogota: Your Guide to Airlines

Whether you're planning a move to Bogota or simply looking to explore Colombia's vibrant capital, understanding the flights in Bogota is key. This page provides essential information about flying to bogota, major airlines connecting Bogota to the world, how to travel with your beloved pets, and an overview of domestic carriers for exploring Colombia.

low angle photo of airplane

Major International Airlines to Flying to Bogota

El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogota is a major hub in Latin America, offering direct connections to numerous cities in the US, Canada, and Europe. Here's a look at some of the prominent airlines that fly directly to Bogota.

US

  • American Airlines:
    • Offers direct flights from major US cities like Miami (MIA) and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW).
  • Delta Air Lines: 
    • Provides direct connections, primarily through its Atlanta (ATL) hub, though flights from New York (JFK) may connect via Atlanta.
  • United Airlines
    • Flies direct to Bogotá from hubs such as Houston (IAH) and Newark (EWR).
  • Avianca: As Colombia's flag carrier, Avianca has an extensive network, including direct flights from various US cities like Miami (MIA), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Orlando (MCO), New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), and Boston (BOS).
  • LATAM Airlines:
    • Offers direct flights from US cities like Miami (MIA) and Orlando (MCO).
  • Spirit Airlines:
    • A budget-friendly option with direct flights from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Orlando (MCO).

Canada

  • Air Canada:
    • Provides direct flights from major Canadian cities like Toronto (YYZ) and Montreal (YUL).

Europe

  • Avianca: 
    • Connects Bogotá directly to several European cities, including Madrid (MAD) and Barcelona (BCN).Iberia: Offers direct flights from Madrid (MAD).
  • Air Europa:
    • Also flies direct from Madrid (MAD).
  • Lufthansa: 
    • Connects Bogotá with Frankfurt (FRA).KLM: Provides direct service from Amsterdam (AMS).
  • Air France: 
    • Offers direct flights from Paris (CDG).
  • Edelweiss Air: 
    • Seasonal direct flights from Zurich (ZRH).Turkish Airlines: Flies direct from Istanbul (IST).
Traveling with Your Pet

Bringing your furry friend to Bogotá requires careful planning and adherence to airline and country regulations. Most airlines allow small cats and dogs to travel in the cabin, provided they meet specific size and weight requirements and their carrier fits under the seat in front of you. Larger pets generally travel as checked baggage or through cargo.

person near brown puppy in gray camera bag with camera kit inside
Pet in Cabin


Carrier Size: Soft-sided carriers are generally preferred and must fit under the seat. Dimensions vary by airline and aircraft type.

Weight Limit: Typically, the combined weight of the pet and carrier should not exceed 18-25 lbs (8-11 kg).

Fees: Expect fees ranging from approximately $100 - $150 USD for domestic flights within the US/Canada and $200 - $300+ USD for international flights to/from Europe or South America.

Reservations: Pet space in the cabin is limited, so it's crucial to book your pet's travel in advance, often at least 48 hours before your flight.

Health Certificate: A health certificate issued by a veterinarian is almost always required, usually within 10 days of travel.

Age Requirements: Most airlines require pets to be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned.


Pet as Checked Baggage/Cargo

Carrier Size: Soft-sided carriers are generally preferred and must fit under the seat. Dimensions vary by airline and aircraft type.

Weight Limit: Typically, the combined weight of the pet and carrier should not exceed 18-25 lbs (8-11 kg).

Fees: Expect fees ranging from approximately $100 - $150 USD for domestic flights within the US/Canada and $200 - $300+ USD for international flights to/from Europe or South America.

Reservations: Pet space in the cabin is limited, so it's crucial to book your pet's travel in advance, often at least 48 hours before your flight.

Health Certificate: A health certificate issued by a veterinarian is almost always required, usually within 10 days of travel.

Age Requirements: Most airlines require pets to be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned.

brown tabby cat lying on black soft-side luggage

Important Tip for Pet Owners


Before booking, contact the airline directly to confirm their specific pet policy for your intended flight route and ensure there is space available for your pet. International pet travel often involves additional documentation and sometimes even quarantine requirements, so thoroughly research Colombia's entry requirements for pets well in advance.

Airlines

Flying In Colombia

Once you're in Bogota, several airlines offer domestic flights to explore the diverse regions of Colombia.

Avianca: The largest and most established airline in Colombia, Avianca is a member of the Star Alliance. It generally offers a more premium experience with a wider network, more flexible fares, and sometimes includes amenities like checked baggage or in-flight service. While considered more "premium," Avianca has also introduced more basic economy fares to compete with low-cost carriers.

LATAM Airlines Colombia: A major competitor to Avianca, LATAM offers a strong network of domestic flights and is part of the LATAM Airlines Group. It's often seen as a good middle ground, offering a balance of service and competitive pricing.

Wingo: This is Colombia's prominent ultra-low-cost carrier, similar to Spirit or Ryanair. Wingo is known for its no-frills approach, offering very competitive base fares. However, be prepared to pay extra for everything from checked baggage and seat selection to in-flight snacks. It's a great option for budget-conscious travelers who don't mind sacrificing amenities for a lower price. Wingo is a subsidiary of Copa Airlines.

JetSMART Colombia: A newer entrant to the Colombian market, JetSMART is another ultra-low-cost airline offering competitive fares on various domestic routes.

Typical Costs for Domestic Flights (Flying One-Way from Bogota):

Prices can fluctuate significantly based on booking in advance, time of year, airline, and fare class. These are rough estimates for one-way economy flights:

Expect to find flights ranging from $40 - $150+ USD. Low-cost carriers like Wingo and JetSMART often have fares on the lower end, while Avianca and LATAM might be slightly higher. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour.

Bogotá to Medellín (MDE)

Flights typically range from $60 - $200+ USD. Similar to Medellín, budget airlines offer the lowest fares. The flight duration is approximately 1.5 hours.

Bogotá to Cartagena (CTG)

Prices can be found from $50 - $180+ USD. Again, Wingo and JetSMART will often be the cheapest. The flight duration is approximately 1.5 hours.

Bogotá to Santa Marta (SMR)

Final Thoughts: Bogota, Your Gateway to the Americas and Beyond


Bogota's El Dorado International Airport (BOG) is truly a central aviation hub for Latin America. Its prime location connects you directly to major cities across the US, Canada, and Europe, offering abundant flight choices and competitive fares. Beyond international travel, Bogota serves as an ideal base for exploring Colombia. Flying from Bogota with domestic flights are remarkably cheap and easy, with both full-service (Avianca, LATAM) and budget carriers (Wingo, JetSMART) providing frequent, affordable connections to popular destinations like Medellín, Cartagena, and Santa Marta. This extensive air network makes Bogotá not only a global connection point but also an incredibly convenient starting line for experiencing Colombia's diverse beauty.

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