Introduction
Hola amigos!
Welcome to part 1 of this flight between Bogotá and Istanbul. It is part of a larger series that took me from Madrid to Bogotá vía Mexico City, you can check the previous flights here:
Flight routing
- 1
- 2
- 3
We had already bought our way in to Bogotá through Mexico. I was originally going to return on KLM using a ticket I had not used from the year before. But there was a change of plans and we were going to go to Istanbul.
And the stars alligned because the cheapest (and actually for a very reasonable price) we could book a one way ticket between Bogotá and Madrid with a stopover in Istanbul.
Flights between Bogotá and Istanbul began in the late 2010s (gonna guess 2018), as a triangular route IST-BOG-PTY-IST with A332s (Trent_XWB covered the A330s flight here). As the route matured, TK moved to 77Ws and then to 787s after Covid, then using a mix of 777s and 787s. For my flight, I was lucky to fly the 77W, I find it a more interesting plane to fly than the 787. These flights are now run by A350s.
Planning for the flight, I noticed that Miles&Smiles have a pretty easy status match scheme, and so I managed to score Gold Status with my Volare status. That way I managed to get free seats (picking seats on TK can top another 100€ to your bill, a ripoff). But also allowed us to use priority lanes (something we have become used to in our regular airline, IB).
At Bogotá Eldorado Airport
We took a cab to the airport, it was a calm and clear afternoon, good for the views while departing BOG.
We used the Business Class line and were checked in without any problem.
As I had checked in via the App, they refused to print me a physical BP. Bummer.
BOG faced some tweaks and improvements over the years….and since this wasn't the busiest hour for the airport, crossing migration and security is only a matter of 10 minutes.
Aas a Star Alliance Gold, I was entitled to use the Avianca Lounge. Since I regularly use the Eldorado or the LATAM lounges, it was a interesting chance to check how AV was handling its "flagship" lounge. My verdict: as everything with AV, mediocre at best. There wasn't anything appetizing to eat, lucklily we had a generous lunch with our family so this wasn't an issue.
Our plane made it from IST
The plane I would have taken instead…
Time to head to our gate…we pass by the deserted food court
Our ride for the day :)
Boarding
Again, we made use of the priority lane and were one of the first to board the 777.
We passed through the second Business Class cabin. Flying as a couple this wouldn't bother me, but I would hate it otherwise, considering how expensive it is.
I love that TK sticks to 3-3-3.
There were blankets at all seats, but pillows were randomly placed. Maybe they'll hand out more later?
My space for the next 16 hours. Quite good. The IFE screen was of a very generous size.
IB's second flight of the day just behind our wing.
A small peak into the IFE offering…more than enough for our ride.
Our seat had lumbar support controls, I can't tell if they did work or not.
The state of the pillow was…well, suspicious.
minimalist PSU
Enroute to Panamá
Our plane was packed. There were passengers who were carrying on to Panamá so there was no way to know how many of us were flying to Istanbul from Bogotá. Once boarding was completed, we pushed back more or less on time (TK is not the most punctual airline).
Bye bye Bogotá
A view of the cabin as we began our trip.
I love the camera feature, probably the best IFE.
KLM getting ready for its hop to Cartagena and then on to Amsterdam.
CATAM Air Force Base, I managed to spot an interesting visitor with the front facing camera.
As we were to take off from the South Runway (RWY 14R) we crossed the terminal building….
AV's beautiful retrojet.
Zoom to the Downtown skyline, crowned by Monserrate and Guadalupe
The remains of Viva
We took off and banked to the right, taking us over the south of Bogotá. As expected, the clear skies allowed for great views of the city.
Now flying near Fusagasugá
Anapoima
And across the Magdalena River
The Nevado del Tolima covered by clouds
So was Nevado del Ruiz
Manizales was hidden by the clouds
18 minutes in, we were handed a small snack. Not DoCo, but more than okay for the short hop to PTY.
As we flew over western Colombia, more clouds showed up, this is one of the rainiest regions on Earth.
But the sky cleared up as we neared Panamá, perfect for a nice view of the city will landing.
Over…Contadora Island
Panamá City in view.
POV from the front
Flight 1 completed.
