http://www.sgroi.com/papers/limair.txt

Last updated: Thursday August 12th, 1999 A.D. 3:10 p.m. PST

Greetings group:

Have just now returned from my trip to Peru. A more complete trip report will be forthcoming later when my photos are developed but since I originally asked about the Lima Airport here in this (rec.travel.latin-america) usenet newsgroup, I thought I would share my experience regarding such herein as a grateful thanks to all those who kindly answered my many questions about Peru and its airport.

NOTE: This piece will ONLY attempt to describe the Jorge Chavez International Lima airport layout and my experience with it. If the Lima airport does not interest you, please skip this posting now! Please keep in mind that what follows is ONLY my experience with this place. Yours and the experience of others may vary vastly.

A little after the Lanchile flight took off from Los Angeles, the passengers were handed the Peruvian customs forms. There was a choice of either having the form in English or Spanish but for some reason the Lanchile staff ran out of customs forms. This was to present a problem later on.

There were three classes on the airplane. First Class, Business Class, and Tourist Class (regular). Business Class and First Class are very similar in that they get nicer reclining seats with lots of leg room, their own little private television sets (which do not show very much) plus a nicer headset and more food (yeah!). I know this because I was bumped up to Business Class on my return trip due to something I still do not understand to this day and I was able to observe through the curtain to First Class what went on.

This was very ironic because I only paid $550 for one set of roundtrip tickets from Los Angeles to Lima through a consolidator that my travel agent contacted by the name of Jetset Fares and Ticketing. Sorry, I do not have their address or contact number as my agent dealt with them exclusively. My travel agent's name was "Penny" and her travel agency in Coronado, California is named All-Waystravel - 800.238.8847 - FAX: 619.435.0130 - VOICE: 619.435.0138 (http://www.allwaystraveler.com/) E-mail: tvlallways@aol.com

In all classes, though, one could observe a screen where a movie was playing with their eyes and listen to the dialogue with their complimentary headset (in all classes). The in-flight movie going to Peru was "Analyze This" with an excerpt from "Just Kidding" to lighten things up. One also had some musical channel choices as well. The headsets were designed in such a way that they would only work for airplane outlets and not radio jacks so taking them home was not an option. Without the complimentary headsets, one could not hear the in-flight movie dialogue which was entirely fine for those who just wanted to sleep.

I could not locate any electrical outlets in the airplane's restroom in order to shave with my electrical shaver. Maybe this was intentional so as to avoid confusion between U.S. electrical current which is 110 volts and Peruvian electrical current which is 220 volts.

By the way, the crew instructions were in both Spanish and English and most of the steward(eses) were bilingual more or less. So was the in-flight magazine which was in both English and Spanish as well.

Upon landing from the Lanchile flight at around 12:45 a.m. in the morning after an eight (8) hour long flight from Los Angeles, we disembarked down a flight of old-style airline metal stairs onto the airport tarmac. Lima, Peru is on EST time which is the same as the eastern United States. From there, we walked across the tarmac into the airline terminal which was a long rectangular building. The outside air temperature was around 52 degrees. As soon as we entered the building (in a line) we entered a long corridor with closed doors on either side. I was to discover upon my return trip to the United States that these closed glass doors led to individual waiting lounges for the various gates. You see, one one side of the hallway were the portals (doors) to the gate lounges and on the other side of the hallway were the actual gates onto the outside airfield. This narrow corridor was clean, well-lit, and carpeted.

All signs, notices, and audio flight announcements (pages) in both the International and domestic sections of the Lima airport were in both Spanish and English. In the case of the flight announcements over the public address system, every announcement would be proceeded by three (3) musical chimes after which the information would first be given in Spanish then next in English. I think that they used some sort of pre-recorded computer device to create the English announcements because the audio and intonation sounded very stilted and unnatural in its speech patterns. Still, in any case, it was entirely understandable if you gave it your full attention.

The hallway leading from our disembarking point went for a some distance. At the hallway's terminus was a large room where immigration passport control was located. Even though it was around 1:15 a.m. in the morning, there were long lines in all 5-7 lines of immigration passport control which took about an hour and ten minutes to process. This was not helped any by the fact that over half the passengers from our flight did not have the customs forms because the airline had run out. Neither did any of the passport control agents have any nor would they would not allow us to pass without them. Eventually, several of us appealed to a harried Lanchile ground agent we cornered and more forms were forthcoming. I guess this was a lesson to obtain all necessary documents BEFORE leaving for one's trip.

Now, what was interesting about the large room where immigration was processed was that to the left BEFORE one passed through immigration passport control was a wider corridor lined with duty free shops which I noticed had items priced in U.S. dollars. If one walked along this tiled wide well-lit corridor one would pass the men's and women's restroom on one's right. When I used the men's room there was no toilet paper available in the stalls and there were little dispensers for placing toilet paper (or so I assumed according to recent discussion in the group). luckily, I had anticipated this and brought my own paper with me. :-) It goes without saying that one NOT drink the water unless it is bottled and purchased from a reputable reliable source.

As an aside: If one proceeded along this shop-lined hallway further past the restroom, one would end up in the section reserved for those departing from Peru which was in a large white room. One could look past this and see many people standing behind a barricade waving farewell to incoming persons. This was the same area I would process through upon leaving Peru one week hence (please see much further down in this document for details).

If one took a branching hallway from the Duty Free shopping mall, one would encounter the security check point into the waiting area for international outbound flights. As I learned on my return trip, in order to pass through this area, one had to have their luggage X-rayed as well as walk through a metal detector (just like the airport security checkpoints located in U.S. airports). Of course, unlike my experiences with U.S. security personnel, these would tell you what gate to proceed to past the checkpoint as well as to wish you a "Bon Voyage". Keep in mind, though, that when I was entering Peru that I did NOT pass through this security checkpoint. In fact, in no time during my processing into Peru through the international airport did I encounter a metal detector of any sort. It was only after I exited the international section and made my way to the Lima-Cuzco flight which departed from the domestic section of the airport four (4) hours later via Aerocontinente airlines that I had to pass through a metal detector and luggage X-ray search.

Back to my former description of entering Peru. When I finally passed through immigration, the particular passport control agent I dealt with was rubbing his eyes and just asked to see my passport which he immediately stamped. When I attempted he to show him my customs form, he just waved me on with no further comment!

Now, in the area AFTER immigration (passport control) and BEFORE customs is where baggage claim is located. There are several conveyer belts located here with the inbound flights clearly labeled. After waiting for about half an hour, my luggage did not appear so I went to the Lanchile agent who was standing behind a counter. I was lucky for my luggage was behind the counter and all I had to give was my name and flight number in order to have it appear. However, several passengers from the same flight found that their luggage was missing and had to wait a day for it to appear (or so I overheard from the airline rep's English words to them to the effect).

After I claimed my luggage, I proceeded onwards to customs which consisted of several ramp-like counters where people could roll their bags upon for better inspection. There was not much happening here as a group of people in uniforms were standing off to the side chatting. When I attempted to go to one of the counters, one of the people detached themselves from the group and started to wave their arms. At first, I thought that this meant to proceed to another counter but as soon as I started to walk in that direction several shouted at me in English to go on so I did. To me, they appeared flustered but who am I to question them.

Beyond the customs area is a set of glass doors that lead to the outside.

Whoever in this group said that the International terminal was tranquil compared to the chaos that existed outside was entirely on track! In no time within the International section of the Lima airport did I feel threatened nor did anyone get into my face trying to sell me anything. If anything, I was impressed by ALL of the Lima airport's cleanliness and modern appearance - even in the internal domestic section. I also noticed that the outside areas of the airport (including the roadways and parking lots) were well lit by glowing yellow street lamps with the sidewalks clear of rubbish. Even the city of Lima, which I will discuss under separate cover, was better lighted along its streets and roadways than Mexico City (D.F.) - no insult intended.

However, as soon as I exited the international terminal's doors, crossed several lanes of traffic, and approached a metal railing located on an island was I accosted by those offering rides and other services. Of course, I set my face, held onto my luggage with a firm grip and suffered no problems because I walked with purpose and did not linger.

It appears that the airport security personnel keep those wishing to meet inbound international arrivals beyond a metal railing located on a traffic island. At least, this was what the party I met told me when I asked. In order to get around this metal railing (barrier) proceed to the left and take care crossing the lanes of street traffic to get there.

Just as a note of information, inbound pickups can remain within the airport area for 15 minutes without being charged. Entering the airport by car requires that one pass through a gate where one picks up a ticket that is time stamped. Uniformed officials will also ask for the driver's identification papers (or at least they did when I returned to the airport on my departure from Peru). If one is dropping someone else and wants to assist them with the departure process, park the car in a well lighted spot close to the terminal building and secure the vehicle. Otherwise, just drop them off at the curb and exit.

Back on subject: Once I met my travel companion, he and I proceeded on towards the domestic terminal which was located in the same building as the international terminal but in a different section of the same structure.

Now, it must be said that while the International terminal is relatively tame, it is not so much the case for the domestic area (and for train stations as well, btw). While the domestic section of the Lima airport was clean, had bilingual signs and announcements, and comfortable seats, it must be said from personal experience that one keep a close eye upon their luggage. Several times, we noticed people approaching us but as soon as I met their eyes, they quickly went away. Also, do not give your bags to anyone claiming to be porter or offering to store them for you. Give it up ONLY at the official check-in point as others do.

The lines for internal air flights within Peru are not as organized and polite as within the U.S. Please do not get angry at me for saying this by thinking I am prejudice for I am not a bigot. I am NOT making a value judgment here but am just stating a first person experiential fact. People cut, shove, and the line is not so straight. Even though, one may have a confirmed assigned seat on the plane (or even on the train to Cuzco), everyone seems to want to be the first to get on board. Don't fret.

First, you check in with your ticket to get your boarding pass, then you pay the airport tax either with Nuevo Sols or in dollars (it is only about a couple of dollars) at the window of a bank that is contracted by the airport for this very purpose. These teller windows can be identified by their yellow overhead signs. After you pay the airport tax, the ticket will have a red label stamped upon it indicating that you have paid the airport tax. This WILL be inspected by airline personnel so don't try skipping this step. :)

The system is also the same for outbound international fights except the cost of outbound international departures is $25.00 (U.S.) payable in dollars or Nuevo Sols.

HINT: If you have someone with you that you trust, you can sometimes save yourselves much time by having them pay the departure tax for the group in one swoop. Make sure to get all of the tickets stamped. Please note that each step is a separate line. If in doubt, ask someone standing in the line with you.

After this, you check in any luggage you want at the counter. You can keep one carry-on (or at least that was my understanding). After luggage check in, you proceed on to a security check point where your carry-on is X-rayed and you walk through a metal detector. Past this is a police check point where they may ask for your I.D. to make sure that you are not a wanted Peruvian criminal. Oddly enough, only my Peruvian companion was asked to show his papers here; not I although the airline did require that I show my passport upon check-in.

Regarding internal flights in Peru with Aerocontinente (and I assume other carriers as well) it is advisable to purchase your tickets in advance by at least a day. Also, confirm your place by telephone if possible or you may lose your seat! For me, an internal roundtrip flight from Lima to Cuzco cost me $116 per person and this was purchased by cash from within Peru by a trusted Peruvian friend. Seats on internal flights were assigned and a snack consisting of a pastry and a beverage were offered. Here crew instructions given in both English and Spanish by one flight attendant who spoke broken English. The actual flight time from Lima to Cuzco was one (1) hour. I understand that the same journey takes eighteen (18) hours by long distance bus but have no first person experience so cannot confirm this as being true.

A few final notes regarding my return trip to the United States from Peru via international flight via Lanchile from the international section of the Lima airport.

Please arrive at the airport a minimum of at least three (3) hours in advance of departure for outbound international flights from Peru and two (2) hours for domestic internal Peruvian flights.

For the first part of the check in process a companion who is NOT flying with you can accompany you but only so far. Make sure you get into the correct line. As soon as you get in line, any travel companions who are not registered passengers will NOT be allowed to stand in line with you BUT you and them will be able to freely speak with each other over a small rope only a couple of feet away so that they can follow your progress. This is especially helpful if they are a Peruvian (or another trusted Spanish speaker) who knows the system and can talk you through it as you proceed.

The first part will be a queue to a small counter where someone standing by a photocopier will make a copy of both your passport and tourist card. He will not have much to say except to give directions about where to stand and what to do with your baggage.

During this stage, PRIOR to check in, you will be asked to leave your luggage in a certain place where they will X-ray it right there on the spot. It is easy, though, to keep an eye on it from where you will be standing in line for it will only be about ten (10) or so feet away from you. Make sure you note where they place it (usually with other luggage) after they run it through the security device for after the airline representative asks you the security related questions, you will need to walk over to the place where your luggage is and carry it to the airline counter where you check in and obtain your boarding pass.

Then, you will be stand in another line where an airline representative will check your passport and visitors card. This person will also take the copies of your passport and tourist card.

Next, another individual (or sometimes the same representative) will ask you the standard questions about whether anyone has asked you to carry anything for them and whether you have packed your luggage yourself as well has having it under your control at all times.

NOTE: As stated earlier, it is helpful to have someone with you that you trust to pay your $25 (U.S.) airport departure tax and get your ticket stamped BEFORE you reach the check-in phase of this operation where you obtain your boarding pass. Otherwise, after you retrieve your luggage and check in at the counter, you must walk over to the bank window with the yellow overhead sign and wait in another line to pay your departure tax.

After you have checked yourself and your luggage in at the airline counter (where you pass your luggage to the agent on the other side of the counter), you can pay your departure tax (if you have not done so already). It is at this point AFTER you register at the airline counter and BEFORE you queue up to pay the airport tax that any companions that are not flying with you can rejoin you.

However, any persons not flying as registered passengers CANNOT go beyond the outbound emmigration/customs check point which is the next step in the exit process. So, say your farewells at this point before proceeding further.

Then, go through the customs station where they will place an exit stamp on your passport and take the tourist card. This actually took less than ten minutes for me. Once you pass through, you will find yourself in a white room that leads to the duty free shopping area (the same one I described earlier). If your companion is still outside, you two (2) will be able to wave to each other but not speak due to the distance nor will the guards let you by the glass doors to speak to each other. However, if you stand in the line that runs by either the right or left side of the exit customs opening, your companion can stand by the wall and converse with you until you actually step through the aperture into the duty free zone.

Pass through the white room and walk along the duty free shopping arcade until your reach the security checkpoint where your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed and you will walk through a metal detector. Make sure you do not inadvertently go the wrong way and end up at the inbound passport control station! If you go in the same consistent direction and follow the bilingual signs, you will have no troubles!

At the security station if you set off the walk-through metal sensor (as I did) at the security checkpoint, they will first ask you to try again and if you still set off the alarm, they will scan you with one of their hand held metal detecting wands. No big deal! I found the security personnel very friendly and helpful. Once the procedure is over, retrieve your carry-on luggage from the X-ray belt and go to the gate that is marked on your ticket's boarding pass. The security personnel will even tell you what gate to proceed to as well as wishing you a Bon Voyage. In my case, though, my assigned departure gate changed twice so be observant!

There is a sign at the security station that indicates that one can pass back into the duty free shopping zone as many times as one wants but I did not care to test this out personally for I did not want to take a chance of being somehow delayed thereby missing my flight.

NOTE: It must be said here at this point that you pay close attention to the ongoing announcements for during the hour and a half that I was waiting for the flight that the gate number changed twice! However, these changes were announced over the P.A. system in both Spanish and English and I confirmed this both by asking the desk agents (who spoke English quite well) and by checking the signs posted at the individual gates. Finally, if in doubt, ask other waiting passengers! This also holds true for domestic flights as well so your attention is advised!

About half an hour prior to boarding after the final gate was confirmed, we passed through a minor security checkpoint where our bags were once again X-rayed (but our persons were not) and we entered a smaller lounge particular to the gate. It was from here that I could look through the actual glass gate past the long corridor that I had first passed through out onto the air field. I noticed that these smaller X-ray machines were wheeled around from gate to gate as needed!

About 10 or so minutes before the departure the gate was opened and we crossed the long narrow corridor out onto the airfield where we climbed the steps and were on the plane. Even so, the plane did not take off until fifteen (15) minutes after the scheduled departure.

NOTE: The time given on the boarding pass is the time one is to actually be at the gate in person ready to board. Not the time that the plane actually takes off. If one is not there by this time, there is a good chance that one's assigned seat may be given away! This also applies for domestic internal Peruvian flights as well. Of course, being at the gate early never hurts! If I am wrong about this or anything above, please please correct me so that others are not lead astray by misinformation.

If you have any further questions, please feel welcome to ask. By no means am I an expert on this but I thought it would be a nice gesture to share for the aid of others who may make the same journey as I at some future time and date.

More to come as circumstances allow.

With grateful regards,

- Chester

Chester Paul Sgroi * P.O. Box 180316 - Coronado, CA 92178-0316 mailto:chester@sgroi.com or http://www.sgroi.com/ * 619.287.3453 ICQnet: chester *or* UIN# 1459119 Curiosity may have killed the cat but a cat has nine (9) lives!