Flying is exhilarating. But flying for an airline in Central America? That’s a whole different level of adventure!
As a First Officer with an airline in Belize, I’ve had the unique opportunity to schedule flights internationally to Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala. When I embarked on my first overnight flights, I had no idea what to expect—and I was in for quite a surprise!
Having traveled frequently, I envisioned flight crews relaxing at upscale hotels—Hilton or Marriott, perhaps. However, my first assignment was the much-touted “overnight Cancun” flight. Naturally, I assumed we would head to Cancun and enjoy a luxurious stay at a local resort. But, to my bewilderment, the “overnight” flight turned out to be a round trip; we flew to Cancun and then returned to Belize, staying overnight at a hotel near the airport instead of San Pedro.
I soon discovered that our accommodation was not the Radisson or the Best Western, but rather a place humorously dubbed the “Chinese Palace.” Curious about this unexpected destination, I learned that we would be picked up by a rusty old mini-van. The driver, a kind gentleman from Taiwan, navigated the bumpy road with a vehicle that seemed to groan with every speed bump. After what felt like an eternity, we arrived at the Global Village hotel, affectionately known as the Chinese Palace. It resembled a WWII compound, complete with floodlights and a barbed wire fence. I took a deep breath, reminding myself that it was only for one night.
After settling in, the captain and I agreed to meet for dinner. Despite my hunger, the intimidating fence made me hesitant to venture far. Laughing off my concerns, the captain assured me we’d be fine. We enjoyed a modest dinner, and I returned to my room, where I encountered a few flying termites. I kept repeating to myself, “You can do anything for one night!” Fortunately, subsequent visits revealed larger, clean rooms without any bugs.
The following morning, breakfast turned out to be a simple affair—bread, jam, coffee, and Tang. I quickly adjusted my expectations for overnight flights!
Next up was an overnight trip to Flores, Guatemala. This time, it was not just about where we stayed, but how we got there. I was thrilled when a “tuk-tuk” arrived to take us to our hotel for just 10 Guatemalan dollars (approximately $1.25). The ride was a delightful adventure, with music blaring from the enormous speakers and lights flashing as we zipped through the streets onto the picturesque island of Flores.
I was pleasantly surprised to find myself at Hotel Petén, a charming European-style hotel with a stunning view of the lake. Dinner that night was at a local restaurant run by the “old man,” where I savored a tenderloin dish drenched in garlic—absolutely delicious! It was a relief to discover that not all overnight stays were at the Chinese Palace.
The following morning greeted us with a delightful omelet and fresh Guatemalan coffee before our tuk-tuk ride back to the airport.
My next assignment was to Roatan, Honduras, and I was a bit anxious—would I find myself back at the barbed-wire palace or at a lovely lakeside retreat? The answer was a mix of both. After landing, we hopped into a private car that stopped for dinner. Our choices? Pizza Inn or Bojangles! We opted for Pizza Inn, and then headed to the airline’s apartment, which was a spacious, modern two-bedroom place with breathtaking views. I was thrilled to catch some Bowl games on TV that night!
As I settled into my routine, I found the early mornings and late nights challenging, especially with 5 nights a week spent on the road. However, I learned invaluable lessons. First, every overnight experience is unique. Second, don’t judge too quickly—the Chinese Palace, though rough around the edges, has welcoming owners who go out of their way to make your stay comfortable. And finally, breakfast conversations with fellow travelers—professors, consultants, missionaries, and expats—have enriched my experience beyond measure.
Flying is incredible, but flying for an airline in Central America is an extraordinary adventure filled with cultural experiences, unexpected surprises, and unforgettable memories!