Budget Travel - South America via JFK, MIA, LAX or...?

I've looked through all the forums, but this one seems the most appropriate. (feel free to move if there's a better forums).

We are looking to head to South America (Vancouver/Seattle-Lima-Quito-Vancouver/Seattle)

Since there is nothing direct, I was wondering if people had opinions of what airports are better/worse for long lay overs, or quick stop overs.

Some of the options on the table are JFK, MIA, LAX, or George bush intercontinental.

I was very impressed with the airports in Asia where you could either take a tour of a City for free right from the airport, or there was a transit hotel where you could refresh for a few hours for only a few dollars not $300 a night.

What are my options for budget travel? :) Is one airport better, is there one I should avoid like the plague?

We have no status with any airline, nor hotel chain. I would be more willing to pay a few extra dollars to go through an airport that will be better, over a cheap fare that puts us in a crappy airport with nothing to do, and no where to go.

Thanks
Sinecure :D

Was my question too complicated? :confused:

Perhaps you might get better responses about Latin American airports if you post this is the Latin America forums. Also, free city tours and hotels that can rented by the hour (but still classy) are generally not to be found at the US airports you mentioned.

The thing is that I think the price tends to vary so significantly, depending which route you take, that the best stopover airport is almost immaterial.

But if for some reason, you can take whatever route you want, I'd try to arrange a stopover in Mexico City. If you can fly directly to MEX, and then stop over for however long, that would be my choice.

I've been stuck in all the US airports that you have mentioned and none rate anywhere high on my list of places that I would want to kill time at.

MIA is a dungeon.

JFK is a hell hole.

LAX is impossible.

IAH is probably the worst place ever.

The US is NOT good at being able to escape security and go explore the city. At all of these airports you are going to encounter high wait times to get back in through security if you do decide to leave. You'll have to take a cab (or at JFK you can take the train) in to the city but you're still looking at a good amount of transit time.

My advice would be to get the heck out of the US and find the airport with the least amount of layover on the way out (around 1.5-2 hours). Coming home it's a crap shoot from SA if you get in on time so make sure that your connection is not too short. Many times I have been delayed 2-3-4 hours in SA and I ge the great pleasure of running through MIA or DFW. Not fun.

PS: your heading isn't so hot. May want a mod to have it changed to reflect better what you're asking.

May want a mod to have it changed to reflect better what you're asking.

I have edited the title so it's a bit more descriptive. We'll leave it for a bit, and if there's still no action, we can try moving it to the South America forum.

BAMAT
Moderator, Budget Travel