Hello Megan,
Having flown in and out of Toncontin many times I can give you some
advice. You can take some solace in the fact that the pilots are
probably more alert than in many other landings because they actually
have to fly the plane and not rely on the computer. Expect a wide
arching turn to avoid the mountains on approach and I suggest sitting
next to the window to see a city like no other.
On the plane you will be given two documents to fill out. Keep your
passport number and expiration date handy as well as your flight
number. On the customs form you will list on the back in general some
of the items of value you are bringing with you ie camera, Ipod, etc.
They are never very particular about this list if it looks reasonably
honest. Total the value of the items and put the total on the front of
the form.
Upon arriving you will walk down a long hallway to an escalator to the
lower level immigration or passport check. The airport is modern in
appearance and newly remodeled. Go to the second line from the right,
it is quickest, unless there is a large contingent of diplomats. If you
are staying for longer than a month be sure to ask for a Visa for more
time up to 90 days.
After immigration you will need to pick up your checked luggage at the
carrousel (there are the usual airport carts available for use in
customs) then proceed to customs or (Aduana), (you will need to five
your bag checks to an official who confirms they are your bags. You
will then pass all of your bags through the x-ray machine and then you
will present your customs form to an official - they sometimes do a
cursory check of you luggage by hand.
After you are cleared customs you will pass through doors to main
salon and into the crowd of hondurans waiting. If someone is waiting
for you with a sign, great. If not its best to pass out of the airport
to the right to a taxi. If you use the services of a porter, they will
be happy with a dollar tip they tend to rush through the crowd so say
wait or espera or mas despacio por favor. . Remember that unzipped bags
and things hanging off are an invitation to theft. Keep an good eye on
your things after entering the main salon. In Customs and Immigration
English is spoken. In the main salon, Spanish is the norm. Taxi is
taxi and no is no in both languages. A taxi is about 4-5 dollars
(80-100 Lempiras) to anywhere in Tegus. Act confident and look like
you know what you are doing. If you are not met at the airport, it is
best to share the taxi whith a KNOWN person. or use transport to a
major hotel,
Hope you enjoy your visit.
Rob Myers
Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Central America
On Nov 29, 2006, at 5:18 PM, Megan wrote:
> Hi everyone! I absolutely love this group and reading what everyone
> writes. It is SO interesting and I am learning SO much so far!
>
> Anyways, I have a question about arriving at the Toncontin Airport.
> I've already heard the landing stories lol but it seems like it will
> be VERY exciting and nerve-wracking all at the same time when
> landing! But I have some concerns about where to go after stepping
> off the plane? It is probably just like a regular airport, but I
> have never really flew alone before.
>
> Could anyone give me advice on where to go? I also heard from a
> friend that when you arrive they give you a paper and you have to
> list the items that are in your suitcase and the value of them. If
> this is still true, since it was a while ago when my friend went
> there,
> couldn't I just write out my list here in the states and then
> transfer it to the paper they give me to save time? I'm just
> thinking of the easiest and smoothest way to get through the airport
> situation because I know that they probably don't speak much English
> there...or do they?...and I know that it can probably get QUITE
> complicated!
>
> Thanks! Sorry this is SO long!
>
> ~Megan
>
>
>
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