Airlines [Archive] - Page 3 - Argentina Private

El Perro

09-04-08, 19:56

Are they real? Many go through Lima-------------------------------------------------------------------------Find The best airfare deals to destinations throughout Mexico, Spain, Central & South America, and the Caribbean with Casa Travel.

Casa Travel's cheap international flight options and knowledgeable bilingual staff make it easy for you to escape to your time share, dream getaway, or.

Just to reconnect with friends and family.

Visit Casa Travel Today: http://www.casatravel.com/Sid-they look real enough to me, but still not all that cheap, plus flying through Lima makes it a long and grueling affair.

I checked out flights from BA to Miami recently for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Direct flights back and forth on LAN-$1,200 during Thanksgiving and $1,700 during Christmas. I couldn't find anything cheaper for a direct round trip. Plus, I think LAN is far and away the best option service wise. But, a hell alot of money compared to 2-3 years ago.

Snowbird

09-04-08, 21:52

LAN is posting a flight RT for 735 US from Miami to BA non-stop.

The cheapest it has been in a long time.

All fees included. (Possibly you have to pay to get the ticket.

James Bond 007

09-04-08, 23:52

LAN is posting a flight RT for 735 US from Miami to BA non-stop.

The cheapest it has been in a long time.

All fees included. (Possibly you have to pay to get the ticket.Not a bad price, though to get the cheapest fares, you usually you have to connect through Chile as the non-stop flights are more expensive.

Aerolineas Argentinas has some non-stop Miami to Buenos Aires fares for $800 including tax.

Fhm100

09-10-08, 15:04

Just found this deal on priceline as of this morning, Sept. 10, Miami to EZE for 374 bucks. (MIA-SJO-LMN-EZE-LMN-SJO-MIA) during the month of Oct. Mon thru Wed for best fare.

WorldTravel69

09-11-08, 17:28

What is the total time. Sounds like a long flight to me. Is it worth the hours for you?

If you are going to stay in B. A. For a long time, then it can be bearably.

Just found this deal on priceline as of this morning, Sept. 10, Miami to EZE for 374 bucks. (MIA-SJO-LMN-EZE-LMN-SJO-MIA) during the month of Oct. Mon thru Wed for best fare.

Sportsman

09-12-08, 00:24

Just found this deal on priceline as of this morning, Sept. 10, Miami to EZE for 374 bucks. (MIA-SJO-LMN-EZE-LMN-SJO-MIA) during the month of Oct. Mon thru Wed for best fare.I looked into it. It shows up in Cheaptickets and Orbitz. $379 (all in) on TACA, 19 hours total with 2 connections. But it is not bookable, keep coming back saying "Because flight availability can change rapidly based on traveler demand, the flight you selected is no longer available. Please make another selection."

Too good to be true.

Member #3320

09-12-08, 00:44

I looked into it. It shows up in Cheaptickets and Orbitz. $379 (all in) on TACA, 19 hours total with 2 connections. But it is not bookable, keep coming back saying "Because flight availability can change rapidly based on traveler demand, the flight you selected is no longer available. Please make another selection."

Too good to be true.Sportsman,

I enjoyed your immediate action!:-)

BTW, you in anytime in this month or next? lets meet up for a drink..am sure we will have many stories to share.

Cheers

Miami Bob

09-12-08, 04:33

I have my favorite exit row seats on 777's with 10 feet of leg room. I could have saved $150 and flown Aerolinas. It's worth the money for the reliability.

Gato Hunter

09-12-08, 05:23

I have my favorite exit row seats on 777's with 10 feet of leg room. I could have saved $150 and flown aeolinas. It's worth the money for the reliability.Aerolineas Argentina is a joke. I would not put my dog on one of there planes.

I really have to wonder how some of these airlines are paying for and getting aircraft parts. For those of you that don't know every screw, nut and washer is fully traceable to where it was dug out of the ground. There are none to very little recycled metals on a plane. For instance one screw can cost 3U$D. How the hell are they paying for big overhauls on a 747?

I am betting a dollar that the reason there are so many planes parked at Eze is that they are missing parts. Its called cannibalization. Rob a part from one plane to fix another. Its very common in the US military, US airlines and even the Iranian airforce how do your think they keep the f-14's flying. We don't fly them any more but they do.

Granted most 747 overhauls / d checks are done in asia due to the cost in man hours.

I am guessing you have some bolts on those planes that they picked up at the local Ferritaria.

Sportsman

10-22-08, 23:28

Delta will be adding a direct flight from JFK to EZE soon (the flight is still pending government approval). I priced an R/T for Jan. 09 for $766.80 all in. I normally fly United. But to fly out of my normal home airport costs over $300 more, I might have to jump ship for this one.

United flight from JFK to EZE connecting at IAD is about $900. But I'll have to take the 2:20 pm flight JFK to IAD to be safe. That's too early for me. There is a 7:00 pm flight from JFK to IAD, but that only has less than an hour layover before the IAD to EZE flight. I'm not willing to take that chance with United Express.

AA direct from JFK to EZE is about $877 for the same period.

Member #3320

11-03-08, 18:37

While surfing on the web, I hit upon a interesting website by the name of.

"skyauction.com"

I recommend everyone to have a look at it. It is basically like ebay, where you bid and if you win, you end up getting the low fare as quoted by you & affordable to you.

I saw some deals for various countries of South America/Argentina as well.

This site is mainly catering for fliers departing from North America.

Hope this is helpful in saving some valuable dollars in the hard economic times.

Cheers

James Bond 007

11-05-08, 14:02

I have seen their website before. I'm not sure how good their prices are. If anyone has used them before, perhaps you can share your experience. I heard it may be difficult to make itinerary changes once you book your flights and there may be layovers.

I used vayama and they had pretty decent prices.

While surfing on the web, I hit upon a interesting website by the name of.

"skyauction. Com"

I recommend everyone to have a look at it. It is basically like ebay, where you bid and if you win, you end up getting the low fare as quoted by you & affordable to you.

I saw some deals for various countries of South America / Argentina as well.

This site is mainly catering for fliers departing from North America.

Hope this is helpful in saving some valuable dollars in the hard economic times.

Cheers

Monger514

11-05-08, 16:19

Captain just said he came across that site while surfing, not that he had used it. Ask him for the location of the closest transitorio to Catto's and he'll tell you there's one somewhere in Palermo. Not always the most helpful poster.

James Bond 007

11-05-08, 19:20

Although Captain has not used the skyauction website, I think his post is still useful. It does provide forum members another option in searching for low cost airfare, just as there are posts on new privados that has not necessarily been visited by the posting member.

I added my previous comment about people having problems when they booked a flight using skyauction and not being able to change their schedule just as a precaution in case people need flexibility in their travel arrangements.

Msch912

11-07-08, 13:04

James Bond 007

11-09-08, 21:15

Sorry to hear of your bad experience with Delta. It's too bad that airlines are trying to cut corners leading to plunging customer satisfaction.

I thought that on most airlines, you could take drinks on board that's been purchased after you;ve passed through security - are the rules different for international routes?

I fly Delta a lot and their food, which was always bad, has gotten worse. I suggest bringing snacks if you can. However the international flights I've taken recently don't allow water or other drinks brought aboard, but the domestic routes do. Is there any logic in this? I couldn't take water from BA to Atl, but I could take Starbucks from Atl to Columbus.

Gipse

11-10-08, 23:06

I fly Delta a lot and their food, which was always bad, has gotten worse. I suggest bringing snacks if you can. However the international flights I've taken recently don't allow water or other drinks brought aboard, but the domestic routes do. Is there any logic in this? I couldn't take water from BA to Atl, but I could take Starbucks from Atl to Columbus.I had the same problem last time. I wasn't allowed to take the 7-up can I bought (at a ridiculous price at the airport) into the airplane from BA to CHI. An airport purchased drink has not been a problem before for either domestic or international flights. It seemed like a BA specific rule.

Trebek

11-11-08, 00:43

Looks like the flight attendant skipped my bag over to the sea port in Paraguay. Later on I moved inwards into a deep deep Lan Peru.

Gato Hunter

11-11-08, 01:47

I fly a lot, internationally.

Use a stainless water bottle that I take through security then fill it up at a water fountain once through.

I have flown out of BA twice in the past year doing this, never a problem.

Once flying into the US I had to drink all of my water before doing the security check again. I stood off to the side and drank it in front of the TSA goon. Afterward he said thanks and escorted me to the front of the line.

Sportsman

11-11-08, 01:49

I had the same problem last time. I wasn't allowed to take the 7-up can I bought (at a ridiculous price at the airport) into the airplane from BA to CHI. An airport purchased drink has not been a problem before for either domestic or international flights. It seemed like a BA specific rule.I know at least flights from San Jose, Costa Rica and Sao Paulo to the US have open bag search at the gate also. No liquid and gel over 3 oz allowed.

Daddy Rulz

11-11-08, 10:44

I fly Delta a lot and their food, which was always bad, has gotten worse. I suggest bringing snacks if you can. However the international flights I've taken recently don't allow water or other drinks brought aboard, but the domestic routes do. Is there any logic in this? I couldn't take water from BA to Atl, but I could take Starbucks from Atl to Columbus.Almost every wide bodied plane has a potable water dispenser on it. Usually to the back of the plane, near the rear galley. On Boeing planes almost always on the port side. Take an empty plastic bottle on board and fill as needed. The water will come out looking cloudy but that's only because it's aerated, as soon as the bubble settle out it will be clear. We only fill them from the finest sewers.

Gato Hunter

11-12-08, 03:56

I would drink the water in Tijuana before I would imbibe water from the tank on an airplane.

The cleaning schedule is rather weak.

Daddy Rulz

11-12-08, 09:53

I would drink the water in Tijuana before I would imbibe water from the tank on an airplane.

The cleaning schedule is rather weak.I have been drinking the water on planes for years. Once you get past the blue coloring it's not so bad.

Water Rat

11-12-08, 15:45

I have been drinking the water on planes for years. Once you get past the blue coloring it's not so bad.ROTFLMO.

Made me think of one of the Chevy Chase National Lampoon Vacation films where he joins the mile high club and steps in the blue water.

Damman

11-12-08, 17:05

Book by: November 17

Depart by: Select days in December.

LAN Airlines is celebrating the holidays with a roundtrip fare sale to South America. Fly from Miami or Los Angeles during specific departure dates this December to enjoy discounted ticket prices.

Depart between December 8-16th for the roundtrip fares listed below.

Los Angeles to Lima, Peru. $669 (Depart prior to Dec. 13th)

Los Angeles to Buenos Aires, Argentina. $899

Los Angeles to Santiago, Chile. $1,099

Miami to Buenos Aires, Argentina. $899

Miami to Santiago, Chile. $999

Water Rat

11-13-08, 20:49

I think that we should each think of the name to give to this airline - Air Madahos?

http://www.youporn.com/watch/135320/hot-sexy-naughty-stewardess/

Moore

12-20-08, 03:53

Has anyone else noticed that Delta's mileage program really sucks, at least for going to BsAs?

The cheapest award is now 60k miles and there is extremely limited availability even for a trip 4 months out. Horrible connections on top that.

On American the cost is only 40k miles and you basically choose any date you want. Straight through Dallas or Miami with <2 hour layover.

I wish I hadn't chosen Delta as a primary carrier a few years ago. I used to think it was one of the better US based airlines.

AVOID!!! ;)

WorldTravel69

12-20-08, 04:41

So far, That I know AA has been for the last 3 years always 40 thousands miles, and that is with 2 Stops. Say Chile or Brazil, then Argentina or Vise Versa.

That is in the off season, which is around the end of there summer. Who would want to be in B.A. in their summer? Humidity no way for me.

The best whether starts at the end of February. Just in time for Ramiro's Birthday. Well almost I missed it by a week.

Anybody know when Jackson Birthday is?

Has anyone else noticed that Delta's mileage program really sucks, at least for going to BsAs?

The cheapest award is now 60k miles and there is extremely limited availability even for a trip 4 months out. Horrible connections on top that.

On American the cost is only 40k miles and you basically choose any date you want. Straight through Dallas or Miami with <2 hour layover.

I wish I hadn't chosen Delta as a primary carrier a few years ago. I used to think it was one of the better US based airlines.

AVOID!;)

Rock Harders

12-22-08, 13:23

Mongers-

Try using vayama.com or 1800Argentina.com.

Suerte,

Rock Harders

WorldTravel69

12-22-08, 16:44

According to the San Francisco Chronicle Travel Writer, Kayak.com is one of the better search engines for Airfares.

http://www.kayak.com/

Damman

12-23-08, 15:35

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122938527117608795.html

Meforu 2000

12-23-08, 19:03

United flies out of Dulles in DC, but it's acually in Virginia.

It's a direct flight.

It's 10 hours.

Better get a business class ticket lol.

And now with the new configuration on the 767 in business and first class you have the bed.

Yes folks, the seat changes into a bed, and you hava a 20 " lcd screen.

No need for your glasses.

And the food isn't that bad.

And the booze is free.

Yes, I like free.

Just letting you know from a United employee. I go to BA often, but if I'm stuck in coach, well thats another story.

Better take sleeping pills and lots of them lol.

I hate coach.

Daddy Rulz

12-23-08, 19:34

Meforu 2000

12-24-08, 12:16

Hey Daddy.

Can you buy it over the counter? And talking about pills is it eazy to find viagra in ba? I'm running out of them.

Seaman

12-24-08, 13:52

I hope that every pilot sticks to these rules;

Rules of the Air.

Every takeoff is optional. Every landing is mandatory.

If you push the stick forward, the houses get bigger. If you pull the stick back, they get smaller. That is, unless you keep pulling the stick all the way back, then they get bigger again.

Flying isn't dangerous. Crashing is what's dangerous.

It's always better to be down here wishing you were up there than up there wishing you were down here.

The ONLY time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire.

The propeller is just a big fan in front of the plane used to keep the pilot cool. When it stops, you can actually watch the pilot start sweating.

When in doubt, hold on to your altitude. No one has ever collided with the sky.

A 'good' landing is one from which you can walk away. A 'great' landing is one after which they can use the plane again.

Learn from the mistakes of others. You won't live long enough to make all of them yourself.

You know you've landed with the wheels up if it takes full power to taxi to the ramp.

The probability of survival is inversely proportional to the angle of arrival. Large angle of arrival, small probability of survival and vice versa.

Never let an aircraft take you somewhere your brain didn't get to five minutes earlier.

Stay out of clouds. The silver lining everyone keeps talking about might be another airplane going in the opposite direction. Reliable sources also report that mountains have been known to hide out in clouds.

Always try to keep the number of landings you make equal to the number of take offs you've made.

There are three simple rules for making a smooth landing. Unfortunately no one knows what they are.

You start with a bag full of luck and an empty bag of experience. The trick is to fill the bag of experience before you empty the bag of luck.

Helicopters can't fly; they're just so ugly the earth repels them.

If all you can see out of the window is ground that's going round and round and all you can hear is commotion coming from the passenger compartment, things are not at all as they should be.

In the ongoing battle between objects made of aluminum going hundreds of miles per hour and the ground going zero miles per hour, the ground has yet to lose.

Good judgment comes from experience. Unfortunately, the experience usually comes from bad judgment.

It's always a good idea to keep the pointy end going forward as much as possible.

Keep looking around. There's always something you've missed.

Remember, gravity is not just a good idea. It's the law. And it's not subject to repeal.

The three most useless things to a pilot are the altitude above you, runway behind you, and a tenth of a second ago.

Sportsman

01-18-09, 00:20

I was checking on airfares to EZE and came across some incredible fares out of Toronto. I put in some random dates for March and April, $501 on Delta via Atlanta and $577 on United via Dulles, taxes and fee included.

Will any of our mongers up North take advantage of this?

Esten

01-18-09, 03:21

Great deal. For fun I compared fares for a number of cities in March. All prices taxes and fees included. Toronto is half the price of Dallas!

Leave: Fri, Mar 13, 2009
Return: Sun, Mar 22, 2009

TORONTO $511.00 Delta Air Lines (1-stop)
NEW YORK $679.00 Delta Air Lines (non-stop)
PHILADELPHIA $790.00 Delta Air Lines (1-stop)
NEWARK $802.00 American Airlines / LAN (1-stop)
WASH. DC $805.00 Delta Air Lines (1-stop)
RALEIGH $820.00 Delta Air Lines / AA (1-stop)
DETROIT $820.00 Delta Air Lines (1-stop)
MONTREAL $830.00 Delta Air Lines (1-stop)
BALTIMORE $832.00 Delta Air Lines (1-stop)
TAMPA $834.00 Delta Air Lines (1-stop)
CALGARY $847.00 Delta Air Lines (2-stop)
VANCOUVER $867.00 United Airlines (2-stop)
SEATTLE $900.00 Delta Air Lines (1-stop)
BOSTON $907.00 American Airlines (2-stop)
LAS VEGAS $909.00 Delta Air Lines (1-stop)
LOS ANGELES $915.00 United Airlines (1-stop)
CHICAGO $952.00 Delta Air Lines (1-stop)
CINCINNATI $979.00 Delta Air Lines (1-stop)
DENVER $987.00 United Airlines (1-stop)
ATLANTA $1008.00 American Airlines (1-stop)
HOUSTON $1043.00 Continental Airlines (1-stop)
SAN FRANCISCO $1046.00 Delta Air Lines (1-stop)
ST. LOUIS $1077.00 American Airlines (1-stop)
DALLAS $1112.00 American Airlines (1-stop)

Moore

01-18-09, 05:45

Would it be possible to book the $511 flight from Toronto and hop on in Atlanta? It seems like you could just leave it in Atlanta on the way back (no checked bags of course)

Sportsman

01-18-09, 05:48

Great deal. For fun I compared fares for a number of cities in March. All prices taxes and fees included. Toronto is half the price of Dallas!

Leave: Fri, Mar 13, 2009

Return: Sun, Mar 22, 2009

VANCOUVER $867.00 United Airlines (2-stop)
LOS ANGELES $915.00 United Airlines (1-stop)United has some crazy pricing. These two routes connect with FLT 847 from Washington to EZE. But a R/T direct flight on United from Washington to EZE is around $1100.

Sportsman

01-18-09, 05:51

Would it be possible to book the $511 flight from Toronto and hop on in Atlanta? It seems like you could just leave it in Atlanta on the way back (no checked bags of course)If you miss the outbound Toronto - Atlanta segnemt, the remainding segments will be canceled.

It will work if you only intend to miss the Atlanta to Toronto segment of the return trip. Checked bag would not a problem because you have to claim your bags in Atlanta anyway.

Daddy Rulz

01-18-09, 13:24

Would it be possible to book the $511 flight from Toronto and hop on in Atlanta? It seems like you could just leave it in Atlanta on the way back (no checked bags of course)Sportsman is 100% correct, this is called "hidden city" ticketing, not only will they cancel the following segments but they won't give you your money back. However a flight ATL to YYZ would most likely be less than the increase in fare from ATL to EZE. Then on the way back just get off in ATL.

Esten

01-18-09, 16:55

Daddy Rulz

01-18-09, 17:59

You can cut $300 off your ticket by booking the outbound ATL-EZE and booking the return EZE-YYZ which has a stopover in ATL. Of course this only makes sense if you don't check luggage.

Went on google and found a fair amount of discussion on "hidden city" ticketing. Airlines discouraging it in most cases, but lots of people defending their right to get off a plane on a stopover if they choose to.

I did read possibly the biggest line of corporate BS I have ever read on the American Airlines website: "Purchasing a ticket to a point beyond the actual destination and getting off the aircraft at the connecting point is unethical. It is tantamount to switching price tags to obtain a lower price on goods sold at department stores."

What BS. If the courts bought that argument then you would think the practice would be illegal. It is not switching price tags. It's buying a different product. Hardly unethical if I decide not to use the entire product.You can check bags on the return, when the flight arrives you will clear customs for the US.

Ethical / non-ethical I won't get involved in that. What I can tell you without doubt is that if you're busted doing it, the airline will deny you boarding on the second city and will not refund the money. How do I know this? When I worked for United I did it a few dozen times. Those people may or may not have eventually gotten their money back through customer service but they didn't fly that day.

Now you may get lucky and catch an agent who is asleep and checks you in anyway. This is doubtful because the computer drops all your rez info when you don't board the first flight and the agent would have to build you a new itinerary. To me it wouldn't be worth it as you will pay full fare to get rebooked. It is easily done on the return though.

Bandy

01-20-09, 16:39

Just received the following e-mail from Carbone Travels. Looks good!

We would like to tell you about our special fare from New York to Buenos Aires: $599 including all taxes! On round trip flights with one stop; or $668 on non-stop flights, also including all taxes.

From Miami to Argentina, Uruguay or Chile: $679 including all taxes! On non-stop flights to Buenos Aires.

To make a reservation or for more information, call us at 1-800-ARGENTINA (1-800-274-3684) or visit our webpage, www.1800ARGENTINA.com.

This is only an example of our promotional airfares. For airfares from other cities and to other destinations, please visit our webpage.

Bandy

Lobovoss

01-21-09, 01:59

But who likes to fly with Aerolina Argentina?

We would like to tell you about our special fare from New York to Buenos Aires: $599 including all taxes! On round trip flights with one stop; or $668 on non-stop flights, also including all taxes.

From Miami to Argentina, Uruguay or Chile: $679 including all taxes! On non-stop flights to Buenos Aires.

To make a reservation or for more information, call us at 1-800-ARGENTINA (1-800-274-3684) or visit our webpage, www.1800ARGENTINA.com.

This is only an example of our promotional airfares. For airfares from other cities and to other destinations, please visit our webpage.

Bandy

Miami Bob

01-21-09, 03:53

Does it matter the price if you are dealing with incompetence. These folks have just left a horrible taste in my mouth just too many times; for example:

1. When I fist started coming regularly to Argentina in 2002, I always flew Aerolinas. They lost all of my frequent flyer miles. Customer service who spoke english fluently one minute forgot the entire english language WHEN THEY LEARNED WHEN THEY LEARNED I WAS WAITING IN LINE FOR HOURS TO RETREAVE MY MISSING MILES AND THAT I KEPT COPIES OF THE BOARDING PASS STUBS. Waiting in line in Miami. Waiting in line in Buenos Aires. Nothing can be done by telephone nor email.

Air Nigeria has better customer service. I NEVER COULD RETREAVE MY MISSING MILES NOR RECEIVE MY FREE FLIGHT. I am dumb and kept flying with them. NEXT-----

2. My flight was canceled because of a strike that started hours before the cancelation. Aeolinas closed their offices at the Miami airport and had no one there to even tell their customers that the flight was cancelled. All of the passengers were 100% on their own. I was lucky and could stand by with Lan through Santiago. I ran to the Lan counter and was there first. Thank god I came to the airport three hours early. It only took 20 hours to fly Miami to BA on Lan stand-by. I was one of the lucky ones.

Aerolinas Argentinas is the worst airline going. There is zero concern nor respect for their customer. American is nothing to get excited about, but at least they are there and will make some attempt to try to understand and possibly help their customers. Lan is a much better airline.

This self serving crap about Areolinas is garbage like the entire airline.

El Queso

01-22-09, 00:18

I have flown Aerolineas Argentina a few times, to Cordoba twice and to Asuncion two or three times.

I'm pretty down on them too. I've been kept waiting in airports for planes to show up, getting anything from a shrug to a rather rude "we'll tell you when we know something" as to what the deal is with the plane. This happens a lot of the times on the trip to Asuncion because the plane comes from some other city first and they can't seem to keep a schedule.

The last time I was going to Asuncion with my wife, we were waiting (at the point of the beginning of the story, about 1 3/4 hours) for the plane to arrive from its previous stop and I noticed an American couple behind me with a couple of teenagers. Got to talking to them and learned that they had adopted the two kids (really fat and ugly - ugh! That were with them from Paraguay and were taking them back to see their "origins" (what a trip that must have been when they arrived!)

They had come from the States on Aerolineas and had some 12-hour horror story of missed connections and maintenance problems with planes, and after all that were sitting in Buenos Aires waiting for even the last leg of their trip, half dead.

We waited another hour for our plane, but it finally came.

I've waited for bags to get loaded for as long as an hour. They are usually very slow at the local airport here in BS (the name refuses to come to me as I write) but in Cordoba I've always found they do a good job getting the bags out.

Jackson

01-22-09, 14:21

1. When I fist started coming regularly to Argentina in 2002, I always flew Aerolinas. They lost all of my frequent flyer miles. Customer service who spoke english fluently one minute forgot the entire english language WHEN THEY LEARNED WHEN THEY LEARNED I WAS WAITING IN LINE FOR HOURS TO RETREAVE MY MISSING MILES AND THAT I KEPT COPIES OF THE BOARDING PASS STUBS. Waiting in line in Miami. Waiting in line in Buenos Aires. Nothing can be done by telephone nor email.

Air Nigeria has better customer service. I NEVER COULD RETREAVE MY MISSING MILES NOR RECEIVE MY FREE FLIGHT. I am dumb and kept flying with them. NEXT-----Hi MB,

I had exactly the same experience with them. They "lost" more than 100,000 miles of mine. I had the ticket stubs and all the other proof, and I waited in the same line you described, but all I ever got was "yes'd" off. They would always tell me that they would credit my frequent flyer account, but of course nothing ever happened.

Cocksuckers!

Thanks,

Jackson

QuakHunter

01-22-09, 14:59

Hi MB,

I had exactly the same experience with them. They "lost" more than 100,000 miles of mine. I had the ticket stubs and all the other proof, and I waited in the same line you described, but all I ever got was "yes'd" off. They would always tell me that they would credit my frequent flyer account, but of course nothing ever happened.

Cocksuckers!

Thanks,

JacksonJackson,

I have flown Aerolinas fifteen times. The fact you have even flown 100,000 miles makes you a bigger daredevil than Robbie Knievel.

Travel safely; the board needs you.

Jaimito Cartero

01-30-09, 16:20

Delta and American are duking it out, right now. DL has $548 (with taxes) from NYC. Lot of other fares from the East Coast. Also STL, DFW and others.

If you want to fly to AA, check out DL hubs for the best prices. Some fares available through November.

Tessan

01-30-09, 19:21

I did a quick search on Kayak, and JFK to EZE round trip was $568 on Delta. The Price has come down since I got here 2 weeks ago. I took Delta. The fare i found was from

Mon Feb. 16 2009 to Fri Mar 27 2009 for $568.

If I remember right, Jaimito uses a different service then Kayak, Which sometimes give him better results. I think it was a paid service. He told me about it, last time he was in BA.

PS

That is exactly $20 more then Jaimito price. Wonder if Kayak make 20 dollars on each ticket they get sold for the Airlines?

Jaimito Cartero

01-30-09, 20:30

LAN, AA and DL all have similar prices. $429 plus taxes / fees. Some have higher taxes and such. $568 is the cheapest I see on www.itasoftware.com. You can book LAN flights into January of 2010, so good if you need to plan far ahead.

Also good fares out of IAD, DFW, ATL, STL and a lot of other places.

Rev BS

02-04-09, 23:50

Just playing around on Expedia and Kayak, lax-eze $650 (including taxes) The dates I put were March 23-April 22 roundtrip. Lan and AA were about $100 more.

Capn Rick

02-05-09, 02:08

On LAN Argentina for 23APR - 25JUN09 via my travel agent. This was after having the Aerolineas Argentinas flight the same days for (USD 50 less) become unavailable due to their site REFUSING to accept payment in dollars? I don't get it.

It's OK. I had to sit around in Miami for 5 extra days trying to get to BUE last March on AirArgy due to crew foulups / sabotage and equipment problems. YMMV.

Suerte,

Rick

Jaimito Cartero

02-05-09, 16:40

American Airlines just announced 2x miles on coach, and 3x miles for Biz class tickets to BA, Rio and some other Latin American cities.

http://www.aa.com/aa/viewPromotionDetails.do?itemDescriptor=PromotionContent&repositoryName=PromotionContentRepository&repositoryId=16116837

Here's the info:

Airline:

American Airlines.

Award:

Bonus Miles.

Bonus Code:

USLAT.

Register today by selecting the red REGISTER button below.

Dates:

Book and travel between February 4, 2009 and March 15, 2009.

Offer:

Fly on American Airlines nonstop flights between the U. S. And selected destinations in Latin America and earn triple miles for travel in First or Business Class, or double miles for travel in Economy Class. See the chart below for eligible flights:

From To.

Dallas / Fort Worth, Miami.

Or New York / JFK Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE)

Miami or New York / JFK Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (GIG)

Dallas / Fort Worth or Miami Santiago, Chile (SCL)

Dallas / Fort Worth, Miami.

Or New York / JFK Sao Paulo, Brazil (GRU)

Miami Tegucigalpa, Honduras (TGU)

Miami Bogota, Colombia (BOG)

Bonus may be earned an unlimited number of times. Register prior to travel by selecting the red REGISTER button below.

Terms and Conditions:

AAdvantage bonus mile offer is valid on American Airlines marketed and operated nonstop flights for travel between the designated cities noted above, February 4, 2009, through March 15, 2009. Offer applies only to AAdvantage members who reside in the U. S. Or Canada and who purchase and fly on published fare tickets on an itinerary that includes travel on any of the designated nonstop flights. To qualify, the reservation must be booked between February 4, 2009, and March 15, 2009. Bonus miles do not count toward elite status qualification. Flights operated by our codeshare partners are not eligible for this promotion. Registration prior to travel is required. Triple miles will be calculated at 200% of the base miles flown for purchased First or Business Class tickets; double miles will be calculated at 100% of the base miles flown for purchased Economy Class tickets.

Erkinator73

02-06-09, 09:48

If anyone is interested I have 4 – one way upgrade certificates good for coach tickets not booked in I, O or Q class on American Airlines. They need to be used by the 29th of February. PM me if interested.

Erkinator

Master J

02-06-09, 21:31

I just received notice from AA that in their Advantage program they are offering triple miles for 1st and business and double for coach for trave to EZE between now and March 13th. Is this like getting close to a free ticket based on miles flown?

Gato Hunter

02-07-09, 00:47

It is almost a free ticket. Its 40k miles for a coach ticket. From my city its about 14,500 miles round trip. Add in the AA platinum bonus, and the double miles from buying the ticket on the aa cc.

If you have an AA credit card you can use a reduced mileage award and get a ticket for 35k.

I looked last evening, there are quite a few 40k /35k mile tickets available in the next few months.

I have also been seeing better deals flying to Montevideo through BA. I don't get this one, you stop in BA then fly to MV, but its cheaper to go to MV.

Jaimito Cartero

02-07-09, 19:44

I have also been seeing better deals flying to Montevideo through BA. I don't get this one, you stop in BA then fly to MV, but its cheaper to go to MV.Airline pricing is like chica pricing. Don't expect it to make sense.

Just as a chica may want 500 pesos in Black, you can get the same chica, on another day, or location for 200 pesos.

I can sometimes fly to Europe cheaper than I can fly the 100 or so miles from Phoenix to Tucson. For airlines that price one way tickets 1/2 of a round trip, you can often buy a ticket to another city, that makes a stop in the city you really want to go to, and just jump off in that city. Say $100 fare, one way, compared to $500. It's a strange game.

Gato Hunter

02-08-09, 17:40

Sportsman

02-09-09, 01:42

Does anybody know if there are there any penalty's for getting off in BA and not flying through to MV?

I don't see how they could stop you. You would have your checked baggage to clear customs at Ezeiza, just walk out of the airport after.It has been discussed before. It's call hidden city. If you do not take the EZE to MVD segment on the outbound, all remaining segments will be canceled, including the return trip.

Daddy Rulz

02-09-09, 13:35

Does anybody know if there are there any penalty's for getting off in BA and not flying through to MV?

I don't see how they could stop you. You would have your checked baggage to clear customs at Ezeiza, just walk out of the airport after.When you check in at IAD your bags are tagged for MVD, MVD pax do not clear customs and immigrations at EZE. You could be here but your bags would not.

If you only had carry on you could most likely get away with not going to MVD, except if the agent made an issue of it on your check in for your return (in MVD, no way you could start your return at EZE) the proof that you abandoned the segment would be in your passport.

Just take the cheaper flight and come across the river.

WorldTravel69

02-09-09, 13:53

Some airlines will let you change your ticket. But most likely with a fee.

I did it with AA about three times in '07 for my return flight. I kept staying longer and longer. Because I wanted to stay longer, all the flights were full leaving from B. A, that I had to come home leaving from Rio instead of B. A. I was using my miles, so seats were limited.

Does anybody know if there are there any penalty's for getting off in BA and not flying through to MV?

I don't see how they could stop you. You would have your checked baggage to clear customs at Ezeiza, just walk out of the airport after.

Gato Hunter

02-12-09, 00:29

Thanks for the info. Sorry for not reading the entire thread.

If its too good to be true, it is. Cheers!

Damman

02-28-09, 20:46

http://www.aa.com/aa/netsaaver/viewNetSAAverSpecialsDetails.do?saleId=&itemDescriptor=FareToolSpecialContent&fileName=IntlSale.xml

Punter 127

03-20-09, 20:00

Travel from any AA or American Eagle City in the Continental U. S. To any AA Destination in Argentina or Brazil through the End of June for just $299* Each Way.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/American-Airlines-Puts-Travel-prnews-14667232.html

With tax $681.20 all in.

Sportsman

03-20-09, 21:10

Punter 127

03-20-09, 22:03

Well, get you ass down here then. Memorial Day weekend is good for me.It could happen, but I'm looking at Brazil as well.
And I'll bet your in my apartment that week, which leaves me possibly having to rent from little boy.

Sportsman

03-20-09, 22:22

It could happen, but I'm looking at Brazil as well.

And I'll bet your in my apartment that week, which leaves me possibly having to rent from little boy.No, I'll only be here for the weekend. So you can have the apartment since you'll probably be here longer.

Orang05

03-27-09, 23:35

April and some May Delta tix (coach) RT west coast-EZE fom $719 inclusive depending on day and route (via ATL or IAH [on Continental coded as DL]) www.delta.com. It is well hidden, buried in the DL fares (several pages down)I got a line on the $719 (from SEA) directly via www.itasoftware.com.

Daddy Rulz

05-07-09, 17:56

I offer other observations of air travel.

USA bag charges for Delta are $40-$90!

For US Air, zero for 2 bags!

Outside porter check-in at US Air of overweight bag resulted in no charge.

AA will repair or replace a bag damaged internationally, but refuses any compensation domestically.US Scare's baggage charges are posted on their site. I reckon you got lucky but could pay them in the future.

First bag $15* $65* $115* Not accepted.

Second bag $25* $75* $125* Not accepted.

Third - ninth bag $100* $150* $200* Not accepted.

Airport pricing beginning July 9 for flights booked on / after April 23, 2009

Checked bags Under.

50 lbs /23kg 51-70 lbs /23-32 kg (includes $50 weight fee) 71-100 lbs /32-45 kg (includes $100 weight fee) Over 100 lbs /45 kg.

First bag $20* $70* $120* Not accepted.

Second bag $30* $80* $130* Not accepted.

Third - ninth bag $100* $150* $200* Not accepted.

Damage:

All airlines (IOTA members) cap their liability at 3300 US per ticketed passenger. No airlines will fix your zippers or any parts that protrude wheels, handles, etc. Airlines MUST fix or replace bags they damage, which really means crush or rip because once you take away zippers, handles, and wheels all that's left is the body of the bag. Never use duffle bags, especially ones that are kind of cheap and overpacked. Ramp guys throw, yes throw, them by the handles and if the stiching at the handles gives way the entire side of the bag will most likely fail. Because the rip started at a protruding part nothing will be covered. If it happens as they load your bag at your departing airport you are really fucked because the rip will worsen when they unload your bag. Then some of your shit will fall out as they haul it through the rain in an open cart in your connecting city, then more when they toss it unto the belt loader for your connecting flight and more inside the airplane as you fly to your destination. The last of your shit will fall out as it's being drug behind the cart that is taking it to the terminal where you pick up your ripped in half empty walmart dufflebag. Of course the Pakistani that answers the phone when you call customer service will be VERY helpful.

Strangly enough international liability is always less than domestic because it goes back to agreements made in the 50s. 3300 domestic and 1500 international.

All this stuff is covered in each airlines "Conditions of Carriage" which is the contract you agree to when you buy the ticket. One of the funny clauses in all of their conditions is they don't promise air travel, mearly carriage. So if they get you to your final destination, even if it's three months later because they sent you in a horse drawn buckboard, they have fulfilled their contract with you.

Like LEO Getz said about drive throughs, "They fuck you because you can't do anything about it."

As with anything YMMV, if you are a million mile traveler on any airline they will fix your bag and most likely give you a BBBJ for your trouble. If you have no status you will be taking it up the shitter.

Rock Harders

05-07-09, 19:35

Mongers, Sidney. Etal-

I could not agree more with you that US-based airlines are all complete shit. I recently took two flights on Latin American based airlines that I could have flown on AA. First, on LAN from Buenos Aires to Miami. Not only was the LAN flight cheaper by $300 USD, but the 767 I flew on had VOD screens at every seat, decent food, free unlimited booze, and young attractive flight attendants. The second flight, on Avianca from Miami to Medellin and back, was again $150 USD cheaper than AA, and again had VOD screens at every seat, attractive flight attendants, decent food, and free booze. Also, they raffled off two roundtrip free tickets to a preselected destination during the flight. AA or other US-based airlines cannot compare this level of service, and cost more to boot.

Suerte,

Rock Harders

Schmoj

05-07-09, 20:22

Since I have to fly between BsAs and Europe / USA 5-6 times per year, I'll add my dos centavos.

Lately, I've been using Continental when I have to go back to the US (West Coast) Every plane I have had between EZE and Houston has had a seat back screen, seemed relatively new and clean, and the staff was not overly rude.

Of course, the flight from Houston to SF is always as bad as any other domestic stock trailer.

I stopped using AA and UA although I have many miles. Their shitty planes and even shittier service drove me away.

I'll be flying Air France in two weeks. If that sucks, I am thinking of converting to a 100% LAN customer on any flight over 5 hours. That means I'll have to have add an extra leg on most trips, but it will be worth it.

Happy flying,

S

Daddy Rulz

05-08-09, 13:03

Shane44

05-08-09, 16:15

In the last two years, I have become a fan of flying LAN because the planes are invariably clean, new, and comfortable; the cabin crews are polite, helpful, and usually attractive; and the fares are reasonable. I usually go to either Salta or Cordoba when I am in BA, and I have been using LAN for those internal flights as well. As a private pilot, I have a lot more confidence in LAN's maintenance procedures than in Aerolineas'.

Meforu 2000

05-08-09, 22:04

Well I read that LAN is nice, but let me tell you that United Airlines is the best.

I fly to BA every 2 months and the 767 that fly's out of Dulles airport is the best. I fly first class, of business class and the seats in those cabins turn to beds. Yes beds just like in your sweaty bed. And you have the 21 inch tv screen, with your own control and movies out the ass and a dock for your laptop and I pod. The food is real good for airline food, booze till you drop for free.

United is the way to go if you want to get there in a relaxed state.

The flight is 10:30 minutes.

But the best thing is that I am an employee of United and the flight for first class or buiness is free.

Don't hate.

Willy

Stan Da Man

05-08-09, 22:52

I have to disagree with you there, Meforu. United is the all time worst airline in the world, in my book. I've flown them from both Sao Paulo and elsewhere in Latin America and I have absolute horror stories. I didn't even know they flew to Buenos Aires but it wouldn't have mattered. I refuse to fly them domestically or internationally anywhere anymore.

One example: The last time out of Sao Paulo, I booked business class. United (geniuses that they are) sent the wrong plane and no longer had space for business class. So, they upgraded me to first class. Cool. I got on the plane, and after 10 minutes of sitting down, they realized that they'd given out too many business class upgrades to first class. I already had a seat at that point. So, a battle axe flight attendant (aren't they all? Comes on to instruct me that I have to move back to coach or get off the plane to complain, but if I get off the plane I will not be allowed back on. This beeotch is as rude as I've ever seen a flight attendant. She never once apologizes even though they're the ones that sent the wrong plane and then issued me the new first class seat. After 10 minutes of haggling, I finally agree to go back to coach so the other business class upgrade can sit in my first class seat.

Still fuming, I finally ask for the name of the battle ax who booted me back to coach. She's removed her name tag at that point, or whatever identifying characteristics they used to wear. Another passenger tells me they have to give out their employee number so that you can identify them if you want to complain, and the coach class flight attendant (who saw what happened) confirms this. But, the battle ax refuses to give out her number. Her fellow flight attendants are aghast but clearly don't want to get involved. I finally had to take a picture of the battle axe with my cell phone so I would have something to indicate who the beotch was. She spent 5 hours on the flight avoiding me once she saw I had a cell phone and intended to take her picture, but I finally got it on the way out the door as we deplaned.

What did United do in response to a lengthy complaint? Not a darn thing. Why would they? They're employee-owned, and I was complaining about an owner.

I've got dozens of other horror stories with United, but I won't bore you. Suffice it to say that if there's one airline that I hope would go bankrupt and get liquidated, that would be it.

Sorry, Meforu. I understand you work for them but that won't change the fact that I reflexively spit whenever I hear that name. I am not a big fan of American, either, but I'll choose AA over United in this life and the next. I've only flown Continental once down there and thought they were the best so far. Looks like I'll have to give LAN a try.

well I read that lan is nice, but let me tell you that united airlines is the best.

I fly to ba every 2 months and the 767 that fly's out of Dulles airport is the best. I fly first class, of buissness class and the seats in those cabins turn to beds. Yes beds just like in your sweaty bed. And you have the 21 inch tv screen, with your own control and movies out the ass and a dock for your laptop and I pod. The foor is real good for airline food, booze till you drop for free.

United is the way to go if you want to get there in a relaxed state.

The flight is 10:30 minutes.

But the best thing is that I am an employee of united and the flight for first class or buiness is free.

Don't hate.

Willy

Easy Go

05-09-09, 01:32

It's fine to hate United (plenty of people do) but don't blame it on employee ownership. That all changed in bankrupcy and wasn't really true even before as while employee's had an ownership interest, they had no actual influence over management actions. Management deserves all the credit for making United into the company it is today.

I say this as both a proud member of the US business management class and and a loyal United customer. They've had some real winners running it over the last 10+ years.

Artisttyp

05-09-09, 02:22

Looks like I'll have to give LAN a try.LAN is an excellent airline but not to Buenos Aires. I decided to do the Lima connection on my last trip to BA and it was a 22 hour nightmare.

When I bought the ticket I thought the plane was going to unload then re load (in lima) as I waited on the plane. Wrong. I only found out in Lima that I had to wait and make another connection for a Chile bound plane to catch my BA connection. They were very polite about it but it was a miserable experience.

I went through security again in both Lima and Chile.2/3 hour layover times.

I now deal with AA direct from JFK. I don't like them either but anybody who flys direct goes to the top of the list. I believe Continental makes you change in Houston? If this is the case add another few hours to your trip and you also need to monitor the weather and your hometown departure. IMHO too many things HAVE to go right. Pay extra or go on an airline you don't like. As long as it is a direct flight you come out ahead.

Whiskas

05-09-09, 03:09

Sorry, Meforu. I understand you work for them but that won't change the fact that I reflexively spit whenever I hear that name. I am not a big fan of American, either, but I'll choose AA over United in this life and the next. I've only flown Continental once down there and thought they were the best so far. Looks like I'll have to give LAN a try.Try Mexicana, maybe they're no Singapore Airlines but they give you human treatment, seats are of decent size even in coach, but sometimes food sucks (on a second thought, that is not something new in many airlines) give it a try.

Damman

05-09-09, 12:20

The common theme here is US air carriers are staffed by American women. If you have a testicle, you are fucked. Next time you are passing through an US airport, observe the contrast between foreign and domestic crews. The contrast is striking for me. The gringo crews are rude, obnoxious and consider themselves something special. Plus, most are as butt ugly as a women can get: dress like home made shit. They do not care about themselves, how could you ever expect them to ever care about their customers.

Moore

05-10-09, 02:37

Habeed

05-10-09, 09:05

The USA is always the innovator and was the first country to abandon the principle that flight attendants should be reasonably young moderately attractive women. Within 20 years they will be hoggers in all countries, taking our lead.I actually think the reason for this is simple: Americans are getting fatter, yet the kind of women who most men find attractive IS THE SAME. Thus, there's about the same number of men desiring an ever shrinking pool of young, skinny women. This has greatly inflated the value of being skinny and female.

Airlines are no longer willing to pay the premium needed to have only slim, attractive flight attendants like they used to. It's a cost cutting measure, since the airlines would have to offer a significant premium in wages and fend off lawsuits. But, for economically depressed foreign countries, the pool of skinny young women is much larger. The airlines can get those women in miniskirts working the aisles without paying a significant price premium.

Airlines aren't stupid. No matter where they are located, the hot women in the aisles do increase customer satisfaction scores. The hoggers and ugly flight attendants wouldn't be there at all if the USA Airlines had the money to be more selective.

Member #3320

05-10-09, 12:35

Miami Bob

05-11-09, 00:31

I feel connected at the hip to American Airlines even though I aggree with all of the criticism.

I desperately want coach to business upgrade on long flights-- and when in coach, exit row seats. I have hundreds of thousands of miles of American miles. This permits me to manipulate my choice of flights--whether one hour or ten hours to ensure that I'm in an exit row aisle 95% of the time. I have never been an upper level frequennt flier with another airlline.

The business upgrade policy in the USA, allows free business for my flights over 5 hours based on my own travel patterns. I recice free chits that can be traded foir free business upgrade in the USA. Some times I'll treat myself on a 3 hours flite.

Does anyone have any suggestions that make sense to change airlines. It is more important for me to have an exit row or a cost effective business upgrade than to save $100 on the ticket Miami to BA. It is also a pleasure to have almost all my USA trips in exit rows aisles or free business for long trips.

Does Lan have greater pitch or distance between the coach seats. Lan is part of the ONE World Alliance which also includes American. Can I use this to my advantage. American does not accept Lan miles flown on most routes where LAN competes. Maybe I can change LAN miles into American? I tried to call LAn and they did not seem to understand what I was talking about. American.

Platinum customer service people also would not give me a clear response.

Bob

PS-I am both tall and large and have a number of disc herniations. Flying for 5+ hours in a standard interior coach seat can occasionally result in some serious discomfort if not pain for 48 hours. An exit row aisle seat on an AA 777 is very comfortable for me flying 8.5 hours Miami to BA.

The bottom line is: seat location and leg room are far more important to me than the personalities or attitude of the employees or the appearance of the attendants or the food or free drink policies.

Master J

05-11-09, 01:25

I wholeheartedly agree with the above statement regarding American. Since I have traveled with them 13 times to BA, they accommodate my special requests and have been spot on.

Last time my tv was not working and a pleasant looking milf went into the secret stash to find me a remote tv for my useage.

The only blip was when a plain did not show up on my return and thank goodness I was in gold status and waiting was reasonable and they kept the Intercontinental open for late snack and very nice room as well.

In fact my trip in March was Latin American double miles and it greatly increased my mile status.

While others may have better experiences on competitors, I too am a loyal customer and have not found any true flaws to make me switch vendors.

After Southwest began with "Hot Pants " I do not think anyone will surpass. I did see some very nice stews on my flight to Cordoba 5 yrs ago, but the flight was 1 hr.

I like American. Having said that I am sure my luggage will be lost next trip.

Bizzie

05-11-09, 03:55

I use United a lot (but only once to BA) and premiere status certainly is a reason.

Never had any problems with UA which I also didn't have with other airlines.

The airline industry in the states is just FUBAR.

Punter 127

05-11-09, 11:32

The business upgrade policy in the USA, allows free business for my flights over 5 hours based on my own travel patterns. I recice free chits that can be traded foir free business upgrade in the USA. Some times I'll treat myself on a 3 hours flite. I ’ve never seen anything in regard to flight time effecting upgrades, and none of the domestic flights I ’ve been on even have a business class section. AA does however have 500 mile one class upgrades, as a Platinum member you can be credited with them or they can be purchased;

AAdvantage Platinum and AAdvantage Gold members earn four 500-mile electronic upgrades for every 10,000 qualifying base miles flown (including guaranteed minimum miles) during your membership year (March 1 or the date you qualify for elite status, through the last day of February) So, the more you fly, the more upgrades you earn. http://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?p=/AAdvantage/programDetails/eliteStatus/upgrades.jsp

Does anyone have any suggestions that make sense to change airlines. It is more important for me to have an exit row or a cost effective business upgrade than to save $100 on the ticket Miami to BA. It is also a pleasure to have almost all my USA trips in exit rows aisles or free business for long trips.

Does Lan have greater pitch or distance between the coach seats. LAN is part of the ONE World Alliance which also includes American. Can I use this to my advantage. American does not accept Lan miles flown on most routes where LAN competes. Maybe I can change LAN miles into American? I tried to call LAn and they did not seem to understand what I was talking about. American.

Platinum customer service people also would not give me a clear response.

Bob

PS-I am both tall and large and have a number of disc herniations. Flying for 5+ hours in a standard interior coach seat can occasionally result in some serious discomfort if not pain for 48 hours. An exit row aisle seat on an AA 777 is very comfortable for me flying 8.5 hours Miami to BA.

The bottom line is: seat location and leg room are far more important to me than the personalities or attitude of the employees or the appearance of the attendants or the food or free drink policies. Bob to me it does not make sense to change airlines, but it does make sense to spend a little time studying and learning the benefits of status at your current airline.

http://www.aa.com/content/images/AAdvantage/Plat_Member_Guide.pdf

I desperately want coach to business upgrade on long flights-- and when in coach, exit row seats. I have hundreds of thousands of miles of American miles. This permits me to manipulate my choice of flights--whether one hour or ten hours to ensure that I'm in an exit row aisle 95% of the time. I have never been an upper level frequennt flier with another airlline. You could have it more if you raise your status level, for example if you could obtain AAdvantage Executive Platinum status you would be awarded 8 system wide and unlimited domestic upgrades for next year.

http://www.aa.com/content/images/AAdvantage/EP_Member_Guide.pdf

Also LAN is a member of “One World Alliance” so you can claim AA miles when you fly with LAN, just give them your Advantage number when you book your flight or when you check in and tell them you want AA miles. Here is a link to how your miles are credited on LAN flights. Be sure and check the ticket class before you buy it if miles are important to you. BTW you can also redeem your AA miles on LAN.

https://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?p=/AAdvantage/partners/airlines/lan.jsp

I hope you find the links helpful but if you really want to know how to play the airline system I suggest you read flyer talk or even better contact Jaimito Cartero he’s the real undisputed flying guru on this forum! (He has saved me money several times, thanks again Jaimito)

Punter 127

05-11-09, 14:38

United Airlines can ’t be too bad, after all wasn't it United that canned Daddy Rulz?

I think this may be Daddy in the link below on one of his last trip to BA.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qe2ncZ1ObIw&feature=related

Is that really you Daddy? Sorry I just couldn ’t help myself.

Bizzie

05-11-09, 14:43

ORD and UAL are awful.Agree with you about ORD. It sucks ass especially in winter.

Artisttyp

05-11-09, 23:47

I saw a news report tonight that said American Airlines will now allow passengers to use miles for one way tickets.

I actually like that idea.

I would rather cash out as soon as I can than have to endure more flights on a dreaded carrier just to claim a miles reward.

Miami Bob

05-12-09, 03:07

Punter,

AA site does indicate that LAN miles on the USA to South American routes are not accepted by American. I've been trying to learn about this rule by talking to supervisors at platinum cs. I cannot get a clear definite response. AA and LAN share routing on the same planes flying to Santiago and Santiago to BA.

I wanted to fly LAN ARG Miami to BA and still get credits for both miles and platinum qualificaation for next year.

Sportsman

05-12-09, 03:46

are not accepted by american. I've been trying to learn about this rule by talking to supervisors at platinum cs. I cannot get a clear definite response. AA and LAN share routing on the same planes flying to santiago and santiago to ba.

I wanted to fly LAN ARG miami to ba and still get credits for both miles and platinum qualificaation for next year.Bob,

I don't see anything at this site stating LAN flight from US to BA is not eligible to earn miles on AAdvantage Program.

http://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?p=/AAdvantage/partners/airlines/lan.jsp

WorldTravel69

05-12-09, 03:56

Guys:

Are you blind?

If you use miles on American, It Is Only 40,000, but of course that means low season, Which is the best time to go to be. A.

Jackson that spells Buenos Aries. Not be. A.

Not too Hot.
Low Season on the rest on the rest of the airlines is 50,000 +.

Repeat: Jackson that means Buenos Aries. Not be. A.

Your spell check sucks. Maybe your spell check will change that to ch.sks.

WT69

Punter 127

05-12-09, 12:04

PUNTER--AA site does indicate that LAn miles on the usa to south american routes are not accepted by american. I've been trying to learn about this rule by talking to supervisors at platinum cs. I cannot get a clear definite response. AA and LAN share routing on the same planes flying to santiago and santiago to ba.

I wanted to fly LAN ARG miami to ba and still get credits for both miles and platinum qualificaation for next year.Bob,

I'm not sure I understand what you ’re asking, but this may answer your question.

Are you buying an AA or a LAN ticket?

American Airlines has codeshare agreements with select airlines, including all our oneworld® partners, and railways around the world. When traveling on an American Airlines codeshare flight operated by any of our partners, you can earn AAdvantage miles. Eligible miles earned on our codeshare flights will also count toward qualifying for AAdvantage Executive Platinum®, AAdvantage Platinum®, and AAdvantage Gold® status.

Through our codeshare agreements, American Airlines markets select partner flights as American Airlines flights. If you purchase seats on these flights, your ticket will show AA flight numbers. All or a portion of your journey may actually be operated by one of our codeshare partners. Therefore, please check-in with the airline who is actually operating the flight. https://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?p=/aboutUs/codesharePartners/
main.jsp&anchorEvent=false

Does that answer your question?

Jackson

05-12-09, 12:30

Guys:

Are you blind?

If you use miles on American, It Is Only 40,000, but of course that means low season, Which is the best time to go to be. A.

Jackson that spells Buenos Aries. Not be. A.

Not too Hot.

Low Season on the rest on the rest of the airlines is 50,000 +.

Repeat: Jackson that means Buenos Aries. Not be. A.

Your spell check sucks. Maybe your spell check will change that to ch. Sks.

WT69WT,

Why don't you just write "BA" or "BsAs"?

Thanks,

Jackson

Daddy Rulz

05-12-09, 14:18

United Airlines can 't be too bad, after all wasn't it United that canned Daddy Rulz?

I think this may be Daddy in the link below on one of his last trip to BA.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qe2ncZ1ObIw&feature=related

Is that really you Daddy? Sorry I just couldn 't help myself.I got canned for stealing panties out of suitcases, I wanted to make a parachute and figured some ginormous panties from fat American hogs would make good material.

Jimeto is without a doubt the airline god when it comes to using upgrades and finding cheap flights, Daddy never did much ticketing so my knowledge base is not broad. When it comes to ramp ops, and how to get what you want from airline employees Daddy is second to none.

Oh by the way, yes that was me in the commercial but I had to stand on the seat to get my head into the overhead bin.

Sportsman

05-12-09, 14:35

Guys:

Are you blind?

If you use miles on American, It Is Only 40,000, but of course that means low season, Which is the best time to go to BA.

WT69United currently has a promotion on award ticket to South America for 40K miles also. Must be ticketed by 24 May and traveled by 31 Aug.

http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,51824,00.html

Sportsman

05-12-09, 14:40

Bob,

I'm not sure I understand what you 're asking, but this may answer your question.

Are you buying an AA or a LAN ticket?

https://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?p=/aboutUs/codesharePartners/
main.jsp&anchorEvent=false

Does that answer your question?Even on LAN ticket and LAN operated flight, they should still be eligible to earn AAdavantage miles and elite qualilfiying status.

Punter 127

05-12-09, 16:30

Even on LAN ticket and LAN operated flight, they should still be eligible to earn AAdavantage miles and elite qualilfiying status.I agree, but It looks like we're talking about co-shared flights, so as a PLATINUM member why wouldn't he want to book on AA and get his bonus miles?

Punter 127

05-12-09, 17:00

Punter,

AA site does indicate that LAN miles on the USA to South American routes are not accepted by American. Where did you see that? Could you provide a link, because I can't find it?

I wanted to fly LAN ARG Miami to BA and still get credits for both miles and platinum qualificaation for next year.I believe all you have to do is tell them you want AA miles and not LAN miles and provide your AA number when you check in.

You can have your miles flown on LAN credited to any oneworld Alliance airline.

Sportsman

05-12-09, 20:33

They are reserving the front of coach for higher fares, plus exit rows and bulkhead!The front section of UA coach is called "Economy Plus" and it has 3-5 extra inches of legroom. UA frequent flyers get them for free. Most airlines reserved the exit and bulkhead rows for the their frequent flyers also, just like UA.

Meforu 2000

05-12-09, 23:15

Well I see that we all have a preference to what airline we choose, they all have flaws, I relize that, I work for UAL and I can tell you some horror storys about UAL, and yes I have run in to some bitches at the counter and tryed to charge me extra for for over the 50 lbs per bag, even when I told the ***** that I was a employee, some people are just assholes, you get them everywhere, and I luggage that didn't make the flight with me and when it finally arrived to BA and to my place it had been opened and things were missing, I complained and I got a check from UAL for the things that were stolen. No airline is perfect, but as a UAL ramp employee we try to make all the bags on the flights, some just don't make it because TSA is to slow to check bags and some don't care, the loader's the load the bags in the xray machines don't care what bags leave first, its just a snowball efect.

And in the case of the man that likes to get the exit row seat all the time.

Yes you have more leg roome but the seat does not recline as much as the other seats, the ual flight to BA is a senior flight that means that the flight atendents have over 20 years of service, so they are old cranky and don't take any shit from anyone, but thats life.

Hope you all have a great flight with what ever airlines you fly.

Willy

Bizzie

05-13-09, 00:49

the ual flight to ba is a senior flight that means that the flight atendents have over 20 years of service, so they are old cranky and don't take any shit from anyone, but thats life.

Hope you all have a great flight with what ever airlines you fly.

WillyI just flew on ual. I don't mind 'older' flight attendants.

Not taking shit from anyone?

How about a lousy cup of coffee when its out of their routine?

The staff was terrible! Bad attitude. Poor service!

I have prem exec with UAL and keep using it for that reason, but strongly considering moving to another if I can get in at premiere levels (some airlines used to offer that to get you to move)

Daddy Rulz

05-13-09, 02:13

I believe all you have to do is tell them you want AA miles and not LAN miles and provide your AA number when you check in.

You can have your miles flown on LAN credited to any oneworld Alliance airline.I think UAL used to give you credit for miles but those miles didn't go to status. You could spend them for tickets and upgrades but miles flown on non-UAL flights didn't count towards Premier, Premier Exec, ect. I might be wrong about this though. Meforu what's the dealio?

Bizzie

05-13-09, 02:16

Miami Bob

05-13-09, 02:49

http://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?p=/AAdvantage/partners/airlines/lan.jsp

Punter 127

05-13-09, 09:56

flights not operated by american crews are not qualifyinghttp://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?p=/AAdvantage/partners/airlines/lan.jsp I sure can't find where it says that, could you show us the quote?

Punter 127

05-13-09, 09:58

I think UAL used to give you credit for miles but those miles didn't go to status. You could spend them for tickets and upgrades but miles flown on non-UAL flights didn't count towards Premier, Premier Exec, ect. I might be wrong about this though. Meforu what's the dealio?I don't know about UAL, but I fly Japan air and get both miles and status miles on AA. (but I don't get bonus miles) if you read the link Bob and I posted it tells you how the miles are credited.

The way I read it the only time you don't get miles is if the flight is wholly in Argentina, Wholly Within Peru, or Wholly Within Continental Chile.

Qualifying miles, points and segments count toward AAdvantage Executive Platinum, AAdvantage Platinum, and AAdvantage Gold status and bonuses. To attain AAdvantage elite status, a member must fly on at least four American Airlines or American Eagle flights within the qualifying year. Flight mileage may not accrue on flights operated by carriers other than oneworld carriers. Lan is a oneworld carrier.

Please note link tell you how the mile and.
http://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?p=/AAdvantage/partners/airlines/lan.jsp

Sportsman

05-13-09, 21:30

Sportsman

05-13-09, 21:41

The way I read it the only time you don't get miles is if the flight is wholly in Argentina, Wholly Within Peru, or Wholly Within Continental Chile.Flights within those areas get 25% of the miles.

Daddy Rulz

05-14-09, 02:43

Not true at all. Flights on Star Alliance airlines (such as Lufthansa, US Airways, SAS, Air Canada, etc) count toward UAL Mileage Plus elite qualifying status. Miles earned from other UAL partners such as TACA, Aer Lingus, Emirates are only good for things like free tickets and upgrades.

LAN is not partner with UAL in anyway. So no miles of any kind for United Mileage Plus program when flying on LAN.Sportsman is 100% correct, as soon as I read the post I remembered. One other thing be careful about using miles on non star allience airlines for upgrades. In a perfect world it should work but I remember many cases of upgrades booked through star allience carriers that the system just wouldn't recognize. However I have been out of the game for awhile so perhaps those bugs are worked out.

Punter 127

05-14-09, 05:09

The key wording here is "elite-qualifying".

Earn elite-qualifying points, miles, and segments when you purchase eligible fare tickets and fly on American Airlines, American Eagle®, AmericanConnection®, Alaska Airlines (including Horizon Air) British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, (including Dragonair) Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines (including Japan Asia Airways, JALways, Japan Transocean Air, JAL Express, and J-Air) LAN Airlines (including LAN Argentina, LAN Ecuador, LAN Express and LAN Peru) Malév Hungarian Airlines, Qantas Airways, Royal Jordanian, and American Airlines codeshare flights where the ticket reflects an American Airlines coded flight number. This link just came with my monthly AAdvantage Platinum Account Summary.

http://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?p=/AAdvantage/programDetails/eliteStatus/qualificationRequirements.jsp

Meforu 2000

05-14-09, 09:45

Sorry Daddy I don't have any info on miles, but I see that their are a lot of nollegable people here.

Daddy Rulz

05-14-09, 13:03

sorry Daddy I don't have any info on miles, but I see that their are a lot of nollegable people here.Merforu, are you Exon in disguise?

Jaimito Cartero

05-14-09, 17:30

Many of the airlines have introduced all sorts of bullshit fees. Bag fees. Ticketing fees. Parner fees. As some of you have found out, they're also killing accounts that don't have activity in 12, 18 or 24 months in many cases.

The only way to combat this crap, is to know what your options are. Make sure you print out the luggage rules when you book a ticket. Usually if you buy a ticket under a certain luggage rule, then even if they change it later, you're grandfathered in.

Many of the fees are waived if you're an elite with an airline. Most US airlines have double EQM (qualifying miles) promos until the middle of June. This lets you become elite twice as fast. You don't get actual extra miles to redeem awards, though.

I've been a Northwest elite for a number of years. They had one of the best award programs in the US. Then they merged with Delta, and everything got fucked up, royally. I've blown through 1.7 million miles in the last 9 months, and still have another 600k left.

I've booked 80% biz class flights with my miles. If you have a lot of miles sitting around in ANY frequently flyer program, I would strongly recommend you use them sooner, rather than later.

As a recap, here are the US FF plans that I think are the best:

AA - Has some of the best miles out there. I value them twice as much as Delta / NW miles. They're easy to use, and have nice one way awards now, plus off season awards at cheaper prices. If you're US based, the AA Citibank credit cards have some great sign up bonuses. As much as 35k, almost enough for a free trip to EZE.

Elite levels are at 25k, 50k and 100k.

CO - Free upgrades in the US are a bit of a hit and miss. If you're flying to the Caribbean or Central or Northern South America, it's much better. I find CO service to be pretty good. For top tier members, you get most fees waived, including free changes on award tickets. CO will be moving to the Star Alliance on October 24th, 2009. You will then be able to credit UA, US, SQ, LH and other Alliance member flights to the CO program.

I think the elite levels are changing at CO, to match the UA program, but I'm not 100% sure of this. I think for now, it's 25k, 50k and 75k for their elite levels. CO also has a special for Latin America customers where you pay $199, and get a free silver membership, mileage voucher, and some discounted coupons. This is a pretty good deal if you're flying on routes that you can upgrade. Usually North America to Northern South America (Peru, Colombia, etc) are upgradeable. This membership will get you some fees waived too, and you'll get bonus miles for your flights.

UA - I've heard good things about their program from friends, but I know that most of the really good benefits you've got to be top tier, 100K flown per year.

If anyone is looking for a coach or biz class flight to EZE on Delta or Continental, let me know. I still have those 600k miles to burn, and we might be able to work something out.

And a final comment, if you fly 25k miles a year, or 12.5k with these double promos right now, you have no excuse not to be an elite member. The benefits are good, and you get better treatment from staff, and access to the first class line, extra baggage allowances, and special phone numbers to call for help, in some cases.

If you always just go for the cheapest flight, and hop from one airline to the next, you're probably wasting a lot of opportunities.

Master J

05-14-09, 19:30

I recently noted that Air Tran will now be offering Wi-fi service on all their flights. They are wiring all their planes to offer the service and the news said it is just a matter of time before all the other air carriers do the same. Great revenue source.

Now I feel like Seinfeld with " whats the deal with wi-fi on airlines? Wasn't 911 enough, now we have to make it easier to communicate or download diabolical programs. And what about your neighbor in 13c who is watching porn, not that that is a bad thing.

Perhaps I am missing something here, but can people not endure 2 or three hours without contact with their emails? It is certainly every ones choice I am not sure they really thought this one out. Comments welcome.

Jaimito Cartero

05-14-09, 20:26

Perhaps I am missing something here, but can people not endure 2 or three hours without contact with their emails? It is certainly every ones choice I am not sure they really thought this one out. Comments welcome.From the Crackberry addicts who never put their phones into airline mode, I can tell you that some people just can't go without internet access.

I paid for internet in 2006 on a Korean Air flight across the Pacific, and enjoyed having the service. A number of US carriers are installing internet now. I know Delta has it up on a number of flights, and I recall a couple of others are working on it. I doubt I'd pay for it on a 3 hour flight, but might for a 6 hour or longer.

Artisttyp

05-15-09, 18:37

Jaimito Cartero

05-15-09, 20:33

I tried inputing some dates for Medellin. I could get there with my miles but the problem would be coming back! After looking at one way fares on avianca and american I realized that it would be cheaper to book a roundtrip ticket.

Does anyone know a trick to getting one way fares at a good price?Yes, I know quite a few tricks. If you're looking to use an award for one way, and buy the trip back, then that's pretty difficult for most international travel.

One of the best tools is still:

http://matrix.itasoftware.com/cvg/dispatch/prego

For dates in August, I checked one way MDE-NYC, best fare was over $700. For a RT originating in NYC for the same dates, I see an AA flight (with connections in lovely Miami) for $365.

$365.70 in US Dollars.

1 adult @ $365.70

Show booking details.

This ticket is non-refundable.

Changes to this ticket will incur a penalty fee.

Airport legend:

JFK: New York J F Kennedy.

MIA: Miami Int'l.

MDE: Medellin JM Cordova Int'l.

New York, NY to Medellin, Colombia: 2477 miles 8 hrs 45 min.

American Airlines American Airlines Flight AA1291 on an Airbus A300 (jet) in coach class.

(food for purchase)

Departs New York, NY (JFK) Wed, Aug. 19 5:45a 3 hrs 4 min.

Arrives Miami, FL (MIA) 8:49a.

Layover in Miami 2 hrs 26 min.

American Airlines American Airlines Flight AA919 on a Boeing 737 (jet) in coach class.

(lunch, movie)

Departs Miami, FL (MIA) Wed, Aug. 19 11:15a 3 hrs 15 min.

Arrives Medellin, Colombia (MDE) 1:30p.

Medellin, Colombia to New York, NY: 2477 miles 8 hrs 15 min.

American Airlines American Airlines Flight AA924 on a Boeing 737 (jet) in coach class.

(breakfast, movie)

Departs Medellin, Colombia (MDE) Wed, Sept. 9 8:20a 3 hrs 20 min.

Arrives Miami, FL (MIA) 12:40p.

Layover in Miami 1 hr 40 min.

American Airlines American Airlines Flight AA902 on a Boeing 757 (jet) in coach class.

(food for purchase)

Departs Miami, FL (MIA) Wed, Sept. 9 2:20p 3 hrs 15 min.

Arrives New York, NY (JFK) 5:35p

Artisttyp

05-15-09, 21:36

Yes, I know quite a few tricks. If you're looking to use an award for one way, and buy the trip back, then that's pretty difficult for most international travel. I appreciate the time you took to respond. Thank you. It seems like the rewards for one way tickets are very similar to what round trip tickets used to be minus the 12k restricted one way.

I think it might make more sense to wait until you get a free RT domestic and use that to make your international flight cheaper (ie. Go through miami) Even still timing might be an issue and you will find yourself with a long layover.

These miles programs are more of a nuisance than anything else. I believe there has to be more of a benefit to AA versus the customer. Most promotions for anything these days are questionable.

Tessan

05-15-09, 23:02

Jaimito Cartero

05-16-09, 13:00

You are better off doing it the other way around. Buy the ticket out, and use your awards to come back. For some reason it's cheaper to buy tickets in the US, then when you are outside the US. E who is always at Mad, ask me too look for a one way ticket from EZE to NY and I notices there was a 200 dollar difference in price. If you start in NY it was cheaper, then if you start in BA. This was back in March. Even on round trips. Don't know why. My guess would be there is more competition in the US then outside. Plus back then, most 1 ways tickets where the same price as round trips.That's the problem with many programs. They severely restrict awards to the general public. That is another big benefit for being top tier elite (and sometimes mid level) is that they open more awards.

One of the most common problems in using award tickets is that people take what the website says as gospel. There are often different ways to get to your city, that the website doesn't show, and that most agents won't check.

Always check for partners. AA has a lot of them. You'll generally have to call to use them. Sometimes they may charge you a phone fee for booking, but you're usually better off in the long run.

If you're only willing to fly direct, you're missing out on a lot of opportunities. I burned some miles last year to come back from Indonesia. This was after the merger was announced and trying to get a biz class seat out of NW was nearly impossible. I checked other cities in SE Asia, and finally found that if I did a one day stopover in Japan on the way there, and will stop in Seoul on the way back. Not the best way to do it, but a one day stop in these interesting cities won't really hurt me either.

As for our friend E, he learned the hard way about watching his frequent flyer account. Airlines like Delta are some of the worst at changing the expiration dates of the miles, and all of a sudden, "poof", they're gone.

There are ways to get to EZE for about $500-600 in Biz class, one way, but the method takes a lot of patience, and it's not something I'll publish how to do.

Daddy Rulz

05-18-09, 15:54

There are ways to get to EZE for about $500-600 in Biz class, one way, but the method takes a lot of patience, and it's not something I'll publish how to do.Does it involve a gun and mask?

Jaimito Cartero

05-18-09, 17:40

Does it involve a gun and mask?Not in the least. I know a number of people who basically fly business class, wherever they want, for free or at a very low cost. Not buddy passes, not airline employees flying for free.

Most I won't disclose, for fear of ruining them. Some simple ones are: Citibank has an American Airlines credit card. They have offers from 25k to 35k mileage, once you spend $750. You can do two at one time, so you've got 50-70k plus your credit card spend. You can repeat this every two months or so (you must wait a bit over two months from the time the accounts were approved) Keep the card for a couple of months, and then cancel them, usually right after you're approved for for the new ones. You can get over 300k in free miles a year doing this. That's 3 free RT to EZE in Biz class every year, for very minimal effort.

Jackjack1

05-18-09, 19:32

Not in the least. I know a number of people who basically fly business class, wherever they want, for free or at a very low cost. Not buddy passes, not airline employees flying for free.

Most I won't disclose, for fear of ruining them. Some simple ones are: Citibank has an American Airlines credit card. They have offers from 25k to 35k mileage, once you spend $750. You can do two at one time, so you've got 50-70k plus your credit card spend. You can repeat this every two months or so (you must wait a bit over two months from the time the accounts were approved) Keep the card for a couple of months, and then cancel them, usually right after you're approved for for the new ones. You can get over 300k in free miles a year doing this. That's 3 free RT to EZE in Biz class every year, for very minimal effort.Thanks for the tips Jimmy Carter,

Your travel tips are far greater than were your Presidential policies.

Thanks again,

Jack

Bizzie

05-18-09, 20:59

Not in the least. I know a number of people who basically fly business class, wherever they want, for free or at a very low cost. Not buddy passes, not airline employees flying for free.

Most I won't disclose, for fear of ruining them. Some simple ones are: Citibank has an American Airlines credit card. They have offers from 25k to 35k mileage, once you spend $750. You can do two at one time, so you've got 50-70k plus your credit card spend. You can repeat this every two months or so (you must wait a bit over two months from the time the accounts were approved) Keep the card for a couple of months, and then cancel them, usually right after you're approved for for the new ones. You can get over 300k in free miles a year doing this. That's 3 free RT to EZE in Biz class every year, for very minimal effort.JC (Idont mean Jesus Christ)

Great idea to get miles, if it works. Pretty bad for your credit rating!

B.

Schmoj

05-18-09, 21:51

You can get over 300k in free miles a year doing this. That's 3 free RT to EZE in Biz class every year, for very minimal effort.Sr. Cartero,

While I definitely admire your style and certainly flying for free beats the shit out of paying, FF programs don't always work out for some of us.

I generally fly between BsAs and either California or France 4-5 times per year with approximately 2 weeks notice and usually have to fly on specific dates. Any tips for getting the most out of my flying dollar?

-S

Jaimito Cartero

05-18-09, 22:09

JC (Idont mean Jesus Christ)

Great idea to get miles, if it works. Pretty bad for your credit rating!

Be.Not really. You might take a hit of 5 points or so for some of the hard pulls. If you apply for both AA cards on the same day, it only counts as one. I know guys who have been doing this again and again for years.

Jaimito Cartero

05-18-09, 22:16

Sr. Cartero,

While I definitely admire your style and certainly flying for free beats the shit out of paying, FF programs don't always work out for some of us.

I generally fly between BsAs and either California or France 4-5 times per year with approximately 2 weeks notice and usually have to fly on specific dates. Any tips for getting the most out of my flying dollar?

-SJust pick an airline that you can get good benefits from. If you're using Flying Poo, er, Flying Blue (AF / KLM) then they've axed their frequent flyer program as of April this year. Reduced mileage earning tickets, and upped the amount of miles you need.

Usually American Airlines or Continental are my favorite FF plans. I can't say that I really fly AA a lot, but their miles are some of the best.

The most important thing you need to determine is what you want. Do you want free upgrades, free trips in coach, free trips in Biz / FC? Whatever you do, you should be at least Gold status, and possibly Platinum, with the amount you're flying.

If you're buying revenue tickets, and flying on short notice, you may end up paying through the nose. In some cases, you can actually find a RTW in Biz or Coach that is cheaper than paying the normal fare.

Right now RTW trips are cheaper in certain countries. There are forums on www.flyertalk.com that talk about specifics. That's where I get 75% of my info, and you can find out most stuff by just cruising the forums there.

BA Luvr

05-19-09, 01:02

For what it's worth, I tried applying for a second credit card from United Airlines a couple years ago on an offer that included first year fees waived and 25K miles, right after I cancelled my previous card which was up for renewal. They let me have it for no annual fee, but wouldn't give me the bonus miles. Apparently, they keep track of multiple accounts for the same person.

Tequila Tim

05-19-09, 01:56

United Airlines is offering reduced mileage award trips to BA this summer for 40K miles (usually 55K) The promo is until 8/31 for trips booked by 5/24. This is a great deal for people flying from DC since UA has a non-stop flight from IAD to EZE. Also, you can get additional UA miles by applying for thier buisness and gold class cards.

Jaimito Cartero

05-19-09, 03:15

Malia Jones

05-19-09, 03:52

This is the special offer I'm taking advantage of to make this trip to Buenos Aires. Sweet deal. Took awhile to decide between Buenos Aires, Rio de Janiero and San Paulo.

I think I made a great choice.

Others should take advantage of this opportunity.

United Airlines is offering reduced mileage award trips to BA this summer for 40K miles (usually 55K) The promo is until 8/31 for trips booked by 5/24. This is a great deal for people flying from DC since UA has a non-stop flight from IAD to EZE. Also, you can get additional UA miles by applying for thier buisness and gold class cards.

David_33

05-20-09, 13:20

It seems that credit card mileage may be a thing of the past in the U. S. due to the new law that the congress just passed regulating credit card fees.

Jaimito Cartero

05-20-09, 13:34

It seems that credit card mileage may be a thing of the past in the U. S. Due to the new law that the congress just passed regulating credit card fees.That may be true. At a minimum, you could wrack up 50-60k miles in minutes though. Credit cards are not going to just shut down, though. They may try to scare you, but they'll still need new customers, and will be willing to do some nice promotions to get you.

Jackjack1

05-20-09, 13:44

That may be true. At a minimum, you could wrack up 50-60k miles in minutes though. Credit cards are not going to just shut down, though. They may try to scare you, but they'll still need new customers, and will be willing to do some nice promotions to get you.Jimmy Carter, are you in the travel industry? You seem to have a wonderful insight in this realm.

Thanks again for the input,

Jack

David_33

05-31-09, 14:43

Since LAN has raised its requirements for top freq. flier status, I now have to fly 90,000 km. a year including three RT business class flights. Last year it was 50,000 km. and two business class flights. Since the cheapest qualifying business class flights from Lima are to Bs As, I usually fly there. The prices have never changed in the past. Always around $1200 plus taxes. This price stayed steady whether purchasing far in advance, or at the last minute.

I'm going next week for a few days and checked out the LAN site this morning. I was pleasantly surprised to see a price of $624 RT in business (without taxes) half the usual fare. TACA has come out with real cheap business class flights, and maybe this is why LAN has dropped the fares. Needless to say, I got out the credit card and locked in the price.

Damman

06-04-09, 23:03

http://blogs.wsj.com/middleseat/2009/05/29/mileage-run-math-how-800-and-50-hours-of-flying-could-save-14000/

Xyconyx

06-07-09, 07:48

Since LAN has raised its requirements for top freq. Flier status, I now have to fly 90,000 km. A year including three RT business class flights. Last year it was 50,000 km. And two business class flights. Since the cheapest qualifying business class flights from Lima are to Bs As, I usually fly there. The prices have never changed in the past. Always around $1200 plus taxes. This price stayed steady whether purchasing far in advance, or at the last minute.

I'm going next week for a few days and checked out the LAN site this morning. I was pleasantly surprised to see a price of $624 RT in business (without taxes) half the usual fare. TACA has come out with real cheap business class flights, and maybe this is why LAN has dropped the fares. Needless to say, I got out the credit card and locked in the price.Okay, even though I'm in TOTAL danger of sounding like I'm putting my spoon in where I don't belong (ie. I have no idea about frequent flier miles and the like)

I just got a very cheap fare in aerolineas argentinas through the travel agency tije. Com. Ar.

USD 365 tax included with return flight in may next year.

I don't know ehether you were all discussing frequent flyer programs or cheapest fares.

Either way.

Hope this helps.

Xyc

David_33

06-07-09, 13:58

You missed the "business class" part.

Sportsman

07-10-09, 04:27

Jaimito Cartero

07-10-09, 05:14

That's an excellent rate for JFK-EZE. Long delays can take some of the pleasure out, though. What you want to look for is other airlines matching that rate, who have a more direct service. Many of these deals are also gone quickly, so if you really want it, lock it in.

As for paying extra for exit aisle seats, and extra luggage fees, this is another area where elite airline membership also comes in. Some of them even let you buy a membership for a year to get the roomier section of the cabin, like UA's E+ section. If you know an upper level elite, some airlines let you gift a first level elite status to someone else.

I flew back from Hong Kong earlier this week, and had two checked luggage of 70 pounds each. If I had been pre-upgraded on my domestic segment, I would have gotten to check in one more 70 pound bag.

Jaimito Cartero

07-10-09, 06:04

Mexicana has R / T ticket from JFK to EZE in October timeframe for $337 all in. Check out www.Kayak.com for the bookable sites. The shortest itinerary will take about 18 hours with a lay over in Mexico City. Some itineraries will take up to 30 hours with a loooong lay over in Mexico City from 5:00 am to 10 pm. On the return trip the lay over can be even longer from 7:00 pm to 5:00 pm the next day. Not too bad if you want to venture out to the city.

Mexicana is a partner of AA, so you mile whores should earn over 13K miles on your AAdavantage account, don't know if elite double bonus miles apply.I just checked flyertalk.com and they have a thread on this fare. Good from LAX too. I'm not 100% sure if Mexicana is formally a Oneworld member yet, so don't count those miles before they're hatched.

Seems like people are finding Sept. Oct. Nov. And even some Dec. Dates.

Sinistra

07-10-09, 06:06

As for paying extra for exit aisle seats, and extra luggage fees, this is another area where elite airline membership also comes in. Some of them even let you buy a membership for a year to get the roomier section of the cabin, like UA's E+ section. If you know an upper level elite, some airlines let you gift a first level elite status to someone else. I have sat in economy plus 5 times, and 4 of them have been very near a woman with a baby on her lap. Economy Plus is Babyland! The logic is pretty simple: "oh, I'll have a baby on my lap for 12 hours, I should have a little extra room." I'm not sure that it's worth it.

Sportsman

07-10-09, 08:47

I'm not 100% sure if Mexicana is formally a Oneworld member yet, so don't count those miles before they're hatched.Mexicana might not be a One World member yet. But it is a partner of American Airline now and does earn AA miles. Check this out:

http://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?p=/AAdvantage/partners/airlines/mexicana.jsp

Artisttyp

07-10-09, 10:15

Jaimito Cartero

07-10-09, 15:06

I saw the wildest thing on my return flight to sex prison. Some older woman got into it with the flight crew and they wound up putting her in plastic handcuffs and *almost hog tying her in the kitchenette.

She totally flipped out.

It happend way too early in the flight to have a a buzz going. To bad.

I've never seen that before. Once the plane landed at jfk the cops came on and escorted her out.Luckily I've never seen it. I have seen prisoners being transported (domestically) but that's it. Some people get pretty stupid on planes. You don't want to piss off the crew.

Jackson

07-10-09, 18:26

I saw the wildest thing on my return flight to sex prison. Some older woman got into it with the flight crew and they wound up putting her in plastic handcuffs and *almost hog tying her in the kitchenette.

She totally flipped out.

It happend way too early in the flight to have a a buzz going. Too bad.

I've never seen that before. Once the plane landed at jfk the cops came on and escorted her off.They had to do that to Exon once after they told him that they didn't have any Beefeaters on board.

Exon123

07-10-09, 20:55

They had to do that to Exon once after they told him that they didn't have any Beefeaters on board.CockSucker.

Exon

JustGotBack

07-10-09, 23:32

The price for a round trip from LAX or MIA to EXE is now $287 with all taxes and fees included.

Sportsman

07-11-09, 00:30

The price for a round trip from LAX or MIA to EXE is now $287 with all taxes and fees included.So is from JFK. Bookable on www.cheaptickets.com

This is amazing. Too bad I can't fit it to my schedule now.

Wild Walleye

07-11-09, 01:57

In the last few years and never saw anything that entertaining. I did try to get one of the stewardesses to put one of those plastic handcuffs around my Johnson and boys (like a c-ring) but she declined.

I saw the wildest thing on my return flight to sex prison. Some older woman got into it with the flight crew and they wound up putting her in plastic handcuffs and *almost hog tying her in the kitchenette.

She totally flipped out.

It happend way too early in the flight to have a a buzz going. Too bad.

I've never seen that before. Once the plane landed at jfk the cops came on and escorted her off.

JustGotBack

07-11-09, 15:42

So is from JFK. Bookable on www.cheaptickets.com

This is amazing. Too bad I can't fit it to my schedule now.I would book on MX directly. CT is too unreliable. The swine flu is taking it's toll.

Artisttyp

07-13-09, 16:53

I just got off the phone with AA. I asked if I could buy an open ticket good for one year. The answer was yes but from NYC to LIMA the price would be over US$3000. I believe you would have to also pay a change fee everytime you changed it.

Once again there is the issue of getting somewhere and shaking the return ticket off you. Airlines will not sell you a one way ticket at least not from america on an american passport. Am I wrong?

If I entered a country by bus I would avoid this but I would need to get there first. If I bought a RT ticket on an airlines then didn't show up for my flight that is a security risk.

The other thing I could do is buy a return ticket to the states for xmas or thanksgiving and keep changing them? I am getting confused sorry. I just don't see how you finally shake the airlines off you while living on a tourist visa.

I would like to go to Miami or San Diego every 6 months to shop or do other errands. I could buy tickets to those places for 6 month segments.

Thank you for the help.

Jaimito Cartero

07-13-09, 18:22

Artisttyp

07-13-09, 19:32

In most countries, buying tickets with longer expirations is costly. Doing a quick search for cheapest RT, I find $489 from NYC-LIM for 3 months, $569 for $6 months and $609 for 11 months.

This is actually pretty cheap compared to other fares. You'd be better off booking an award ticket if you need some sort of legal "out".

You can go to aa. Com and pick out an award itinerary (if you have an AA account) You could just print out the summary of the flights, and that would probably be fine for most customs people. AA has many 30k coach awards, so they're one of the best values out there. You can earn 30k AA miles by getting a credit card, and spending $750, I think. I've earned almost 200k AA miles this year, and have yet to get on a AA flight.

AA also have some nice options for awards by mileage. You could do some stopovers for not much extra mileage. I'm not an expert on the AA award system, so you might want to peruse flyertalk. Com a bit to make sure it's working for what award you'd want to do.I appreciate the response and you have some good thoughts but there is still a grey area:

Lets say I want to start my new life in lima from Jan. 2010 until the end of march 2010. I buy a rountrip ticket on AA returning in three months (they won't sell me one way). My three month period ends and I want to move onto colombia. As far as AA goes I am scheduled to return back with them and if I don't show up for my flight that is a security risk.

*** Has anyone not shown up for a return flight and A walled? What happens? Peru won't give a shit as long as I take care of the immigration officer but what about AA? They would have one passenger A walled.

Obviously there are regulations in place to deter people from doing this. This is called immigration control. However on the other end there are people who live like this.

********* I meet people who say they have lived in buenos aires for x number of years on a tourist visa but how did they get the airline monkey off their back?

The lady I talked to at AA also told me that it would be difficult to buy a return ticket to america (for xmas) in a foreign country without being legit. This all makes sense but I know there is a way around it. What is it?

I see the airlines as one issue and the local government as a completely seperate issue.

Jaimito Cartero

07-13-09, 23:57

You're putting way too much thought into this. In most cases, you just need an onward ticket. If asked, say you're taking a bus somewhere. You *can* buy one way tickets, they're just expensive. AA has one way award tickets which may fit your plans better.

Unless you look like a real dirtbag, they're probably not going to give a shit.

Artisttyp

07-14-09, 00:31

You're putting way too much thought into this. In most cases, you just need an onward ticket. Not to drag it on but "yes" the onward ticket is my issue. I would have an onward ticket that I wouldn't plan on using. Do I buy it and just not show up for that flight? Does anybody try to locate you?

There is still a grey area.

Thank you for your effort.

Jaimito Cartero

07-14-09, 03:43

Not to drag it on but "yes" the onward ticket is my issue. I would have an onward ticket that I wouldn't plan on using. Do I buy it and just not show up for that flight? Does anybody try to locate you?

There is still a grey area.

Thank you for your effort.Unless you've committed some crime, it's doubtful they're going to look for you. If you buy a RT, and only use half, technically they could come back and try to bill you the one way rate. This really doesn't happen, though, unless you do it repeatedly and the RPU of the airline comes after you. I've thrown away 10 segments in the last 3 years, and never had a problem.

What I would do is buy the ticket out far enough in advance that you might use it. Book a 6 month ticket, and see how it works out. If you had garnered some AA frequent flyer miles, you'd be in much better shape. Much easier to use, and some even allow you to change the return for free (for all members) I think AA is fairly liberal in some changes, but haven't ticketed any recently.

If you think that half the countries you visit even know anything about you, you're wrong. That's how the guys stay perpetual tourists. They take a run on Buquebus every few months, or sometimes even overstay and just pay the fine.

Artisttyp

07-14-09, 03:59

Unless you've committed some crime, it's doubtful they're going to look for you. If you buy a RT, and only use half, technically they could come back and try to bill you the one way rate. This really doesn't happen, though, unless you do it repeatedly and the RPU of the airline comes after you. I've thrown away 10 segments in the last 3 years, and never had a problem.

What I would do is buy the ticket out far enough in advance that you might use it. Book a 6 month ticket, and see how it works out. If you had garnered some AA frequent flyer miles, you'd be in much better shape. Much easier to use, and some even allow you to change the return for free (for all members) I think AA is fairly liberal in some changes, but haven't ticketed any recently.

If you think that half the countries you visit even know anything about you, you're wrong. That's how the guys stay perpetual tourists. They take a run on Buquebus every few months, or sometimes even overstay and just pay the fine.This is more of what I was looking for. Just curious why would *you throw away a segment? I assume it made your flight cheaper.

Oddly enough the same 1 year $3000 open ticket on AA was equal in price to the 6 month open ticket. They must charge those prices exactly for this reason.

I like the " no show " routine but I wouldn't want to be on any airlines blacklist. I would try it once though.

Jaimito Cartero

07-14-09, 17:17

This is more of what I was looking for. Just curious why would *you throw away a segment? I assume it made your flight cheaper.

Oddly enough the same 1 year $3000 open ticket on AA was equal in price to the 6 month open ticket. They must charge those prices exactly for this reason.

I like the " no show " routine but I wouldn't want to be on any airlines blacklist. I would try it once though.Sometimes a flight is much cheaper, say LAX-JFK-XXX, than LAX-JFK. You want to go to JFK, but don't want to pay $500. The connecting flight is only $150. You just get off in JFK. This only works on one way travel, though.

You would be much better off finding someone who has AA miles and would be willing to book a one way ticket for you. AA miles are worth 2-2 1/2 cents per mile, so a one way would be $300-$375 plus taxes and whatever booking fees you need.

You still might be better booking a flight far in advance for the return that you might use.

You can get a crappy Spirit Air one way ticket for $319 with a stop in FL. Or a CO direct flight for $447 from EWR. (Checking September dates) CO has a RT for about $505, for a 6 month stay.

Jaimito Cartero

07-27-09, 13:28

$100 for close in ticketing is still better than others, say NW, who charged up to $150 for many members. Hopefully other airlines will match, and get rid of some of their stupid fees.

Tequila Tim

07-28-09, 00:18

"Our members have told us that they want ease, flexibility and availability when using their miles, and we are listening," said Robert Sahadevan, vice president - Mileage Plus.

Translation: "We have to do something to fill all these empty seats, let's look like a good egg at the same time. We can ream 'em again when the economy turns around."

Jaimito Cartero

07-31-09, 16:10

There are sale from Mexicana to EZE from DFW, for only $243 all in. Trip bookable through next summer, even. First segment to Mexico City on AA, other flights on Mexicana.

Brazil, Venezuela, and other countries available. You'll probably need to use Expedia or other online booking engines. I'm sure this will evaporate quickly.

Big John 1

07-31-09, 18:18

Jaimito Cartero

07-31-09, 18:46

Yes, leaving out of MEX will probably not help you. I just rechecked for some dates in Oct. Nov, and I came up with a sub $200 price.

I usually use http://matrix.itasoftware.com/cvg/dispatch to find the best pricing, and then go to Expedia or such, to book.

Here's the itin:

$193.20 in US Dollars
1 adult @ $193.20
Hide booking details

This ticket is non-refundable.

Changes to this ticket will incur a penalty fee.

Airport legend:

DFW: Dallas/Fort Worth Int'l
MEX: Mexico City Juarez Int'l
EZE: Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini

Dallas/Fort Worth, TX to Buenos Aires, Argentina: 5532 miles 17 hrs 45 min
Mexicana Airlines Mexicana Airlines Flight MX843 on an Airbus A318 (jet) in coach class
(meal)
Departs Dallas/Fort Worth, TX (DFW) Mon, Nov 9 1:35p 2 hrs 35 min
Arrives Mexico City, Mexico (MEX) 4:10p
1 adult in booking code O, covered by fare (A1) below
Layover in Mexico City 5 hrs 50 min
Mexicana Airlines Mexicana Airlines Flight MX1691 on a Boeing 767 (jet) in coach class
(meal)
Departs Mexico City, Mexico (MEX) Mon, Nov 9 10:00p 9 hrs 20 min
Arrives Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE) Tue, Nov 10 11:20a
1 adult in booking code O, covered by fare (A1) below
Note: The flight from Mexico City (MEX) to Buenos Aires (EZE) is overnight.

Buenos Aires, Argentina to Dallas/Fort Worth, TX: 5532 miles 17 hrs 0 min
Mexicana Airlines Mexicana Airlines Flight MX1694 on a Boeing 767 (jet) in coach class
(meal)
Departs Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE) Mon, Nov 16 11:25p 9 hrs 55 min
Arrives Mexico City, Mexico (MEX) Tue, Nov 17 5:20a
1 adult in booking code O, covered by fare (A2) below
Layover in Mexico City 4 hrs 30 min
Mexicana Airlines Mexicana Airlines Flight MX842 on an Airbus A318 (jet) in coach class
(meal)
Departs Mexico City, Mexico (MEX) Tue, Nov 17 9:50a 2 hrs 35 min
Arrives Dallas/Fort Worth, TX (DFW) 12:25p
1 adult in booking code O, covered by fare (A2) below
Note: The flight from Buenos Aires (EZE) to Mexico City (MEX) is overnight.

Booking details
If you want to buy this ticket, contact the airline (Mexicana Airlines: 1-800-531-7921, http://www.mexicana.com/) or a travel agent. If you use a travel agent to buy this ticket:

* If your travel agent is online and has an e-mail address, e-mail this itinerary to them.

* If your travel agent is not online, print out this page and fax / give it to them.

It is very important to use exactly the same booking codes and fare codes that we've used on this page in order to match the price we've found.

Fare (A1): MX DFWBUE O0AA3MQ fare (rules) psgr type ADT $47.50

Fare (A2): MX BUEDFW O0AA3MQ fare (rules) psgr type ADT $47.50

Tax: US September 11th Security Fee $2.50

Tax: US Passenger Facility Charge $4.50

Tax: US International Departure Tax $16.10

Tax: Argentina Security Tax $2.50

Tax: Argentina Immigration Tax $10.00

Tax: Argentina Airport Tax $29.00

Tax: US International Arrival Tax $16.10

Tax: US Customs Fee $5.50

Tax: US Immigration Fee $7.00

Tax: USDA APHIS Fee $5.00

Total for 1 adult passenger: $193.20

(as of Friday, July 31, 2009 4:43pm; fares loaded Friday, July 31, 2009 3:04pm)

Fare construction (sometimes useful to travel agents):

DFW MX X / MEX MX BUE 47.50O0AA3MQ MX X / MEX MX DFW 47.50O0AA3MQ NUC 95.00 END ROE 1.00 FARE USD 95.00 XT 5.50YC 7.00XY 5.00XA 32.20US 2.50AY 10.00QO 2.50TQ 29.00XR 4.50XF DFW4.50

Jaimito Cartero

07-31-09, 22:01

It looks like the deal is about dead. You can still try Priceline and Cheaptickets. Com, they might work. Under $200 RT to BA is by far the cheapest I've ever seen it.

Mexidan

08-01-09, 22:50

It looks like the deal is about dead. You can still try Priceline and Cheaptickets. Com, they might work. Under $200 RT to BA is by far the cheapest I've ever seen it.I got mine through Orbitz, 119+tax from Chicago O'Hare to Buenos Aires through Mexico City on Mexicana Airlines. I was lucky enough to see a $119 fare sandwiched in between several $900 fares.

Jaimito Cartero

08-03-09, 05:16

I got mine through Orbitz, 119+tax from Chicago O'Hare to Buenos Aires through Mexico City on Mexicana Airlines. I was lucky enough to see a $119 fare sandwiched in between several $900 fares.Good job. The connections weren't great for the flights I saw out of DFW, but the price certainly can't be beat!

Damman

08-10-09, 15:59

Unbelievable: http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/item.aspx?type=blog&ak=68496535.blog

Schmoj

08-10-09, 19:13

Unbelievable:http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/item.aspx?type=blog&ak=68496535.blogHa ha, I was just on my way over to post.

I can't imagine that. I would have gone ape shit.

Damman

10-12-09, 12:53

About time:

http://www.comparecarrentals.com/news/department-of-transportation-warns-airlines-on-lost-bag-payments-53819671.html
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap_travel/20091009/ap_tr_ge/us_travel_brief_airlines_baggage;_ylt=AkLLdtCpPJf66e970SV47Qg8sM0F;_ylu=X3oDMTM4aW9qcjQwBGFzc2V0A2FwX3RyYXZlbC8yMDA5MTAwOS91c190cmF2ZWxfYnJpZWZfYWlybGluZXNfYmFnZ2FnZQRjcG9zAzEEcG9zAzIEc2VjA3luX3RvcF9zdG9yeQRzbGsDZnVsbG5ic3BzdG9y

Jackson

01-11-10, 19:42

I was required to pay $131 to enter AR with no explanation!Hey Sid,

I think you've hit the tipping point in your fight against neuron depletion.

There is a sign prominately displaed in the immigration waiting area advising passengers about the new fee, and...

We've been discussing this subject on the forum for months:

http://www.argentinaprivate.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5981

Thanks,

Jackson

Exon123

01-26-10, 14:36

I've been checking the prices on flights and they seem to have increased quite a bit.

So this morning there's an e-mail from American with some specials advertised on it, none to Argentina.

But anyway I entered all my booking information and travel dates into the site and came up with a price of $1,345 dollars. My mistake was I didn't book the flights.

Then 15 minutes later I put the same data in again and the quoted price came to $1,508 dollars.

I need to know if theres away to beat this and get the lowest price?

Help.

Thanks,

Exon

Rev BS

01-26-10, 19:22

Exon123

01-26-10, 22:12

You didn't mention what the dates were, but I went to Kayak a few minutes ago, and randomly LAN was $1,017 for Feb. 14 for a 2 week stay. With LAN, the mileage can go to AA.Thanks, but the problem is the cheap connections add 10 or more hours to the trip.

Exon

Rev BS

01-26-10, 23:59

Thanks, but the problem is the cheap connections add 10 or more hours to the trip.

ExonYeah, my quote was from LAX.

Meforu 2000

01-29-10, 01:11

Well guys.

I allways go with united from dulles the trip is 10 hrs and change, but the thing I like with united is that buisness and first the seat turn to beds just like the one in your homes. First has much more cubby holes to put your stuff in and it, s just a little wider. But buisness is good too both have movies on demand, and good food for an airline. Yea its a little costly but I don't mind.

Try it you, ll like it. I'm leaving Friday the 29th and coming back febuary 1.

Just 3 days but well worth it to me to get there fresh and relax for the fun, I will not sleep for 3 days, will sleep on the way back.

Ampfofu

01-29-10, 19:53

Well guys.

I allways go with united from Dulles the trip is 10 hrs and change, but the thing I like with United is that buisness and first the seat turn to beds just like the one in your homes. First has much more cubby holes to put your stuff in and it, s just a little wider. But buisness is good too both have movies on demand, and good food for an airline. Yea its a little costly but I don't mind.

Try it you, ll like it. I'm leaving Friday the 29th and coming back Febuary 1.

Just 3 days but well worth it to me to get there fresh and relax for the fun, I will not sleep for 3 days, will sleep on the way back.I also fly out from Dulles. WOW the prices jumped way up. Does anyyone know any tricks to get a lower price on united?

Punter 127

01-29-10, 22:18

Thanks, but the problem is the cheap connections add 10 or more hours to the trip.

Exon I'm not sure what dates you're looking at but AA considers March 1 to May 31 as "off peak". Try booking after March 1st if you can, I've looked at it and the prices drop on the 3rd right now, but YMMV.

Exon123

01-29-10, 22:31

I'm not sure what dates you're looking at but AA considers March 1 to May 31 as "off peak". Try booking after march 1st if you can, I've looked at it and the prices drop on the 3rd right now, but YMMV.CockSucker, Punter.

I booked today and got an $80 discount from what American had been quoting for the past 2 weeks.

I'll keep checking! If I find a better price next week can I cancel that reservation and make another with no penalty?

Exon

P.S. The MotherFuckers fucked me, I just checked and left $200 dollars on the table, The CockSuckers

Sportsman

01-29-10, 22:39

CockSucker, Punter.

I booked today and got an $80 discount from what American had been quoting for the past 2 weeks.

I'll keep checking! If I find a better price next week can I cancel that reservation and make another with no penalty?

ExonDon't know about AA, but United allows cancellation with no penalty within 24 hours of booking. You might want to call AA to find out.

Chica Seeker

01-31-10, 03:23

Last year I payed $900 round trip from Vancouver and if I had waited another 2 weeks I could have flown for $750. This year the best that I could do was $1800 including all the add ons!

Cornoir

02-10-10, 14:44

Copied from TravelZoo.

New York to South America.

Travel dates: March 1 - June 30

Visit top cities in South America and save 35% off the cost of airfare with a new sale from LAN Airlines. Flights from New York start at $379 roundtrip, including several nonstop routes.

This offer is available for departures March 1 - June 14. All travel must be completed by June 30.

Fly roundtrip from New York:

* Quito, Ecuador. $379

* Lima, Peru (nonstop) $424

* Guayaquil, Ecuador (nonstop) $595

* Santiago, Chile (nonstop) $699

* Buenos Aires, Argentina (nonstop) $799

Here is the weblink to LAN Airlines for this deal:

http://www.lan.com/promociones/data/norteamerica/us/todo_sudamerica/20100126_low_season-en-us.html?otid=177965&s_cid=US_EN_WM_Display_Blowout

Cornoir

Artisttyp

02-10-10, 17:45

[Fly roundtrip from New York:]

*Just verify your connections if there are any. That LAN NYC to BA flight turned out to be a 22 hour nightmare for me. I had to switch planes in lima and santiago. Both had a layover time of over 3 hours.

IMHO AA 10 1/2 hrs Non Stop is the way to go.

Miami Bob

02-18-10, 12:30

Cost less than US$1600 r/t. I am platinum on American and can return on American for $600+ with stop in Dallas in exit row and business upgrade if I want.

I am looking to travel down MIA to EZE sometime between 2/25 and 3/1. American is very expensive and no exit row nor business upgrade available at $1200 for this leg.

I am looking for suggestion on how to travel down. LAN is over $2000 dollars. I can go r / t on LAN for US$1600-1700 for coach and no cost effective up grade nor guaranteed exit row.

Do any other airline sell a discounted one way with a cost effective way to get exit row or cheap business upgrade?

An interior seat in coach is my idea of the inner circles or hell. I am a large tall guy. I don't mind one stop, especially in usa eg fly to Houston to pick-up Continental non-stop to BA. I can fly cheap Miami to Houston.

Any Ideas?

Miami Bob

02-18-10, 14:10

To you have any creative suggestions: eg American has discounted space Miami to San Paolo r / t my dates for aboutg us$800 with exit rows available and maybe bus upgrades. I would have to take a different airline San Poalo / BA. American shares with LAN except when they fly the same routes.

Setting this up is beyond me. Maybe I'll call Carbone Travel?

Any other thoughts.

Sid w / United one way price ok? Can I get gauranteed bus upgrade cheap or exit row?

Jaimito Cartero

02-18-10, 16:25

Business upgrades can always be pretty tough. Many flights are full, and they'd rather get $3500 for Biz class than let you go for free.

American does have one way awards now, which might help some people. Also, remember to check partner airlines like LAN that you might be able to get awards on using AA miles.

LAN does have some biz class specials on their website, and it will earn AA miles.

Wild Walleye

02-18-10, 16:45

Jackson

02-18-10, 17:44

Try Mexicana. I haven't looked but sometimes they have good deals.Mexicana is okay, assuming you don't mind flying with chickens and other livestock in the cabin.

Jackson

Damman

02-18-10, 18:02

Artisttyp

02-18-10, 19:27

Always clear the cookies in your browser before returning to any travel web site / airline. They track your visits.This is interesting. I have to agree with this although I have no formal training in networks.

I notice when I first log onto expedia I get the best rates. As I keep checking the same flights they go up everytime I log on.

How do you clear cookies? I am embarassed to say I don't know.

Miami Bob,

Living in BA is airline hell. You are at the bottom of south america. Getting anywhere is expensive and timely. That was a huge turn off for me while researching my expat possibilities. Add inflation and your back in Miami / NYC without the flight deals.

Exon 123 :

I read a news ticker on yahoo last night that said the AA union might go on strike by March 7 or 9. Right after reading it I received an email with new AAflight deals. Just something to think about for anyone wanting to fly AA in the next few weeks.

Getting a better price- I sometimes find deals in the wee hours of the morning on a Tues/WED. You need to figure out what you are willing to pay before you search. If you find anything close to that price range you need to decide rather quickly if you want it. Sometimes all you get is that one chance then it's gone. I've lost many cheap flights by not pulling the trigger when I should have.

AllIWantIsLove

02-18-10, 20:50

How do you clear cookies? I am embarassed to say I don't know.For Firefox: Tools > Clear Recent History.

For IE: Tools > Internet Options > General tab.

That's for the releases / versions which I am running.

Bob

Artisttyp

02-18-10, 20:55

For Firefox: Tools > Clear Recent History.

For IE: Tools > Internet Options > General tab.

That's for the releases / versions which I am running.

BobExcellent thanks.

Exon123

02-18-10, 22:18

Always clear the cookies in your browser before returning to any travel web site / airline. They track your visits.Thanks Damman.

I knew these CockSuckers were Fucking me some how< The MotherFuckers know I want to go to Argentina, so there Fucking me.

Exon

Tequila Tim

02-18-10, 23:37

Here's a link that gives the details of the possible American Airlines strike:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/item.aspx?type=blog&ak=79572.blog

Doesn't appear to be a possibility until 3/8. I'm flying AA on 3/4, maybe I'll get stuck in BA:)

Wild Walleye

02-19-10, 17:39

For Firefox: Tools > Clear Recent History.

For IE: Tools > Internet Options > General tab.

That's for the releases / versions which I am running.

Bob
For Firefox: Tools > Clear Recent History.

For IE: Tools > Internet Options > General tab.

That's for the releases / versions which I am running.

BobFirefox:

On the tools use the menu go to tools>clear recent history (to eliminate the history of where you have been)

Then go to tools>options>privacy>show cookies>remove all cookies (or select the cookies you want and just remove them) This will remove the folders set up to hold the cookies, which are often named for the site from which the came (if for some reason you want to eliminate some evidence of the places you've been)

The while you are in tools>options>privacy> set it up the way you want (I. E. Delete history when you close firefox, don't remember anything, etc) so that you reduce the amount of info reserved there.

Chezz

02-19-10, 20:44

I wouldn't be surprised if we see an American Airlines strike by the APFA by the end of March. I just flew down yesterday (sjc-dfw-eze) and couldn't sleep, so decided to stretch and walk up to the J galley, where 2 FAs were fairly engaged. After casually dropping my status (exp) and letting them think I was sympathetic to their cause, they unloaded. I guess they just needed to vent, but if this casual conversation was any indication, their displeasure (anger, hate, etc.) towards management was clear. They are tired of working w/o a contract and the AA offer has been zero, all the while management continues to see raises and bonuses. A strike is on the horizon and travelers should be prepared for some inconvenience.

As a side note, it took me a while to find a good fair that matched my desired travel dates. Not sure why, but it seems flying down to AR is getting to be more expensive. Yeah, there are decent fares available, but you have to search hard and be willing to fly mid-week, etc.

By the way, loved the monsoon today.

Easy Go

02-22-10, 01:38

LAN is running a sale if anybody is interested.

http://www.lan.com/promociones/data/norteamerica/us/todo_sudamerica/20100126_low_season-en-us.html?otid=177925&s_cid=USEN_interno_20100208_home_3_feblowoutsale

Miami Bob

02-22-10, 03:22

All AA had was through JFK / NYC with middle coach seats for $2200 without chance of business upgrade. Business was almost full fare--out of my buget--so sleeping pills and discomfort here I come.

Looking foward to seing my BA based brothers March 2 to March 13.

B

Exon123

02-22-10, 12:18

WorldTravel69

02-22-10, 14:34

If you book at the last minute or close to it, the prices Go Way Up.

Always try to book 3+ months ahead.

All AA had was through JFK / NYC with middle coach seats for $2200 without chance of business upgrade. Business was almost full fare--out of my budget--so sleeping pills and discomfort here I come.

Looking forward to seeing my BA based brothers March 2 to March 13.

Be

Wild Walleye

02-22-10, 15:11

Damman

02-22-10, 16:13

Sometimes one can save some bucks flying AA in and out of Montevideo and then take a commuter to Buenos Aires: AeroPark. When I had to make an emergency trip back to the states, flying out of Montevideo saved me $400.00. (Buenos Aires / Montevideo / Miami) The Buenos Aires / Montevideo leg was with the infamous Aerolíneas Argentinas: commuter flight. The flight was on time and no problems encountered. Maybe not for everyone, just a suggestion and another option. The whole trip was less than twelve hours.

Miami Bob

02-23-10, 04:10

The Miami latin american travel agent had some simular creative approaches: Miami to Caracas to BA--the long flite was half empty for about us$1200. I've dome the Mexicana special with stopp off in Mexico City--it was not half bad--despite Jacksons attempt at humor, Mexicana is far more riliable than Aerolinas. There are connections through all the major South American major cities--booking is a ***** and lost luggage a likihood.

I actually like flying thru NYC--I get 24 hours to visit friends or family there at no cost and rack-up those ff miles to business upgrades and to keep my AA platinum status for those cheapy upgrades priorities.

WALLEY-Llorrena at Newport--would you pm me her cell#.

I have too many regulars at Newport to start on a new one. Maybe she'll see me outside of the bar.

Wild Walleye

02-23-10, 15:21

Jaimito Cartero

02-24-10, 00:00

If you plan ahead, you can find AA awards as low as 40k RT in coach.

I haven't seen any dirt cheap biz class seats recently. I saw some 3k ones on CO, but don't consider that a deal at all.

If you have US, UA or CO miles, you might be able to get a reasonable (100k) award in biz on UA or CO. Since CO has recently joined the Star Alliance, it may have opened up some inventory to partners.

Punter 127

03-01-10, 19:34

Jaimito Cartero

03-02-10, 04:01

On Feb. 3rd I booked a round trip ticket on AA's site for Feb. 25th, IAH to EZE (via MIA) for $998. All in, I was also able to use one of my system wide upgrades to business class. Lucky me!Hey, if you're flying 100k a year, enough to get an AA SWU, you're doing great. I've never been top tier at AA, but do value their FF the best among US programs.

At least this time you didn't have the wonderful lady seat companion, like you did a year or two ago.

My Former Name

03-02-10, 05:53

I've found that booking flights at last minute, the airlines believe that when they have You by the balls, your hearts, minds, and wallets are soon to follow.

Accordingly, last month I booked a flight from LAX to EZE for Apr. 5 plus a flight from EZE to GIG (RIO) Apr. 16 and then a flight from GIG back to LAX on Apr. 22. 1 stop ~2hr between flights, good aisle seat on every flight on CO / Tam / Copa. Total price $1030 for all three legs.

Punter 127

03-02-10, 12:17

Hey, if you're flying 100k a year, enough to get an AA SWU, you're doing great. I've never been top tier at AA, but do value their FF the best among US programs.

At least this time you didn't have the wonderful lady seat companion, like you did a year or two ago.Yes, I remember her she was the b*tch from hell. Lol.

Last year AA was offering double qualifying miles for awhile, that helped me get Executive Platinum.

Wild Walleye

03-03-10, 13:02

I waited 75 minutes to check-in. Employes said that was typical!In my opinion, if you make this flight (or similar long hauls) more than a couple times a year, you should consider buying the admiral's club membership. With EP status, I think it is $300 (or you can use miles) That way, you can cool your heels in the lounge, check with the ladies at the desk periodically and make your way to the gate at the last minute. Also, if there is something wrong with the flight (count on it when flying to EZE) you can rebook or whatever with the lady at the desk in the lounge (one of the reasons I keep checking with them to see if the status changes) It also pays to be polite to the desk personnel (even if you are tired and have been on the road for many hours) In all likelihood, they have had a worse day than you. More than likely, at some point before you cast your shadow on that desk, some jerk ripped her a new one for something that was entirely beyond her control. A smile, a 'how are you?', 'I think you might be the only one at AA that can get anything done', etc. And a little charm goes a long way (like perfume and other small gifts for chicas)

I tend to travel a lot (120k-200k air miles / yr) so I also try, even if it costs a little more for tickets over the course of a year, to book as much of my travel as possible on AA. If I fly another airline in the alliance, I will book and AA ticket (code share) on that flight if possible. The EP status comes with 8 system wide upgrades and the AA personnel do treat you a little better when they know how much time you spend on their planes.

One flight to EZE, a year or so ago, the 10pm flight was initially delayed. The lady at the AC desk was on the walkie talkie with the guys in the ground crew (on the plane and runway) and was able to tell me that the flight was canceled (and going out the next morning) before any announcement was made. She then booked me into an airport hotel (covered by the voucher she gave me) As she was doing this, I got a text message from AA about the flight status change and then the PA announcement was made. I was getting ready to leave the lounge (reservation and voucher in hand) as everyone else was learning about the cancellation. The hotel was way over booked (waited 45 mins in a huge line to check in) I was one of the last people to get a room. I would guess more than one hundred people were turned away, amongst them I recognized many faces from gate 37 (although no cute chicas, to whom I could offer lodging) The next morning, I learned from some of the other folks that most people didn't get vouchers or lodging (I have had that happen before were AA initially starts issuing vouchers and then changes midstream and says "nope.")

In addition to delays related to the equipment (plane) not showing up on time to make the flight, often the cause for the delay is related to the airport to which you will be traveling. I would say that of the 30 something flights I have taken to Bs As, less than 50% have left on time. Delays have ranged from 30 mins to 36 hours. As for flights leaving Bs As for the US, I would guess 70% on-time departure with dealys 30 mins to 14 hours (including one emergency landing and being rerouted through a connection in another US city)

Jaimito Cartero

03-03-10, 15:07

Many airline alliances also give free access to their lounges for some elite members. Usually mid or top tier, it's good to find out, as waiting in the lounge, plus being able to use the elite / biz class line makes checking in much quicker.

Like Punter 127 below, take advantage of double qualifying mile promotions and get top tier status, which can bring free upgrades either via SWU's (System Wide Upgrades) or on some shorter routes (Domestic US, plus maybe Central America and such) you get upgraded for free as well.

Some people will fly another airline if they are $1 cheaper. That's not smart these days, as you need to find the major alliance (Star, Oneworld or Skyteam) and try to fly the airlines in that alliance.

Punter 127

03-03-10, 15:27

In my opinion, if you make this flight (or similar long hauls) more than a couple times a year, you should consider buying the admiral's club membership. With EP status, I think it is $300 (or you can use miles) Actually if he was Executive Platinum or even Platinum status he could use the Admirals clubs without buying a membership anytime any part of his itinerary is international. Also with status you can check in at the first / business class check in window, even if you ’re flying coach.

BTW I don ’t think you can get to the Admirals club until after you check in, you need your boarding pass to clear security.

Sid could also avoid that long wait by buying a Business class ticket to begin with.

Wild Walleye

03-03-10, 16:41

Actually if he was Executive Platinum or even Platinum status he could use the Admirals clubs without buying a membership anytime any part of his itinerary is international.I believe you are correct.

Also with status you can check in at the first / business class check in window, even if you 're flying coach.Yes. However, I have occasionally had AA personnel turn me away from FC check-in with a coach ticket. One tried telling me the EP didn't get you FC check-in. I politely pointed to a sign that contradicted her.

BTW I don 't think you can get to the Admirals club until after you check in, you need your boarding pass to clear security.I am pretty sure that you need a boarding pass (normally printed although AA and some others are using electronic BP sent to your phone) and proper ID to get through security. I don't know of any ACs that are outside security.

There used to be (may still be) a UA lounge (forget what they call it) at Laguardia where you could walk from the parking garage to the door of the UA club, check in at the desk and hang out. However, post-911, you needed to guess about how much time it would take to clear security (whish was between you and the gate, at that point)

Sid could also avoid that long wait by buying a Business class ticket to begin with.He could, however, the price difference on AA for round trips (between JFK, MIA, DFW and EZE) between biz and coach can run $3,500 - $7,000. That is a lot of chica money.

Jaimito Cartero

03-03-10, 21:58

Sid could also avoid that long wait by buying a Business class ticket to begin with.Hey, this not the jokes and one liners thread.:)

Jaimito Cartero

03-03-10, 22:01

Biz class prices really depends on the time of year and routing. I found some $3500 seats on Continental, and then had a 10% coupon from when a plane was delayed, as well as a $400 voucher from when they rerouted me and I had to ride in the back for a leg. So, in the end $2800. Not a superb deal, but not horrible, either.

Punter 127

03-03-10, 22:13

Yes. However, I have occasionally had AA personnel turn me away from FC check-in with a coach ticket. One tried telling me the EP didn't get you FC check-in. I politely pointed to a sign that contradicted her. Yes, I ’ve had the same problem a time or two, but that ’s a better problem than waiting 75 minutes in the check in line.

I am pretty sure that you need a boarding pass (normally printed although AA and some others are using electronic BP sent to your phone) and proper ID to get through security. I don't know of any ACs that are outside security. I ’ve tried electronic check in several times, but I ’ve never had any luck with it for international flights. I've always had to scan or show my passport before I could get a boarding pass.

He could, however, the price difference on AA for round trips (between JFK, MIA, DFW and EZE) between biz and coach can run $3,500 - $7,000. That is a lot of chica money.I generally agree with most of your post and I don't disagree with what you ’re saying here, except we ’re talking about Sid, and he ’s got more money than Obama, Reid, and Pelosi put together could spend in three lifetimes. So I don't have much sympathy when he starts crying about having to wait in the coach check in line. Bottom line; self inflicted wound.

BTW I highly recommend Jaimito Cartero to anyone wanting information about flying. This guy knows more about airlines and flyer programs than anybody I've ever met.

Jackson

03-03-10, 23:27

I generally agree with most of your post and I don't disagree with what you 're saying here, except we 're talking about Sid, and he 's got more money than Obama, Reid, and Pelosi put together could spend in three lifetimes. So I don't have much sympathy when he starts crying about having to wait in the coach check in line. Bottom line; self inflicted wound.It's an illness. Exon suffers from the same affliction. No matter how much money they have, no matter how old they are, and no matter how little time they may have remaining on this earthly world, they just can't spend even the smallest additional amount for their own comfort and / or to significantly enhance their experience.

Thanks,

Jackson

Gato Hunter

03-04-10, 00:47

I made Ex Plat this year on AA. Usually I am Plt. 800k BIS miles on AA. Every trip to EZE has been on AA, sans one I flew LAN from SCL from a business trip that was on AA.

I have never been turned away from first or business class check in when flying in coach on AA with any status, including Gold. Its in writing. If a schmoe turns you away ask for another person that knows the rules.

I will say that the EZE Admirals Club does sort of suck. At least you don't have to ask for more drink tickets, its all self serve. The AC angels are also not up to par with say DFW, or even LHR.

I have had many more problems flying out of LHR over EZE.

The last two times I flew down were on cheap business tickets (3K$) Both times I was upgraded to First class as an operational upgrade, both ways for the long leg. I bummed out Exon last time in the AC showing him my FC ticket while he was in coach.

While FC is nice on AA, it has nothing on Cathay, or Qantas that have hot flight attendants, not old hags.

I have also landed in EZE at 10:20, cleared customs with my bag, got a cheap cab and I was balls deep by noon in recoleta. Can't do that caught up in the coach herd!

Rock Harders

03-04-10, 01:00

Mongers,

Just a few relevant comments regarding airlines; first, the Admirals Club at PHL is for some reason outside the secure area and it is the only one I know of, but I would think there are others. Second, AAdvantage Gold, Platinum, or Executive Platinum can always get priority check-in and boarding. AA Executive Platinum members traveling internationally may enter the AA Flagship Lounge, in addition to the Admirals Club, for free. There are AA Flagship Lounges at both MIA and JFK (possibly DFW, but I never fly that airport so I cannot confirm) and admittance to the Flagship Lounge gets you free booze (Grey Goose, Beefeaters, just about anything you want) and free food. Another benefit of AAdvantage status (Gold, Platinum, Executive Platinum) is that the 100k mile per year cap earned via the AAdvantage Mastercard is waved, meaning you can rack up as many miles as you can spend on the card. Actually, the best credit card for racking up AAdvantage miles is actually the Starwood Preferred Guest American Express, which transfer at 1 Starpoint /1.25 AAdvantage mile when transferred in 20k point increments (meaning you transfer 20k Starpoints, you get 25k AAdvantage miles)

Suerte,

Rock Harders

Gato Hunter

03-04-10, 01:09

You cannot get EXPLT via points on credit cards or other means. Ass in the seat on this one. Plat is possible.

Flagship lounge does not exist in DFW.

You need to be EXPLT or in First for this one. I met Shakira in the MIA Flagship lounge once. Yeah I had a hard on the whole time.

Jaimito Cartero

03-04-10, 02:45

I haven't been in the AA flagship lounge, but have been in UA's in SFO, plus Emirates in Dubai. Lufthansa in Frankfurt, Thai in Bangkok. In general, the foreign lounges put the US carriers to shame, however it's still a really nice way to relax, if you're in one of the special First or Flagship type lounges.

Some carriers even give you car / limo service once you land, and some even will take you out to the plane. A nice touch.

Punter 127

03-04-10, 04:18

You cannot get EXPLT via points on credit cards or other means. Ass in the seat on this one. Plat is possible. What card gives you Plat qualifying miles? I ’m currently using Citibank / AA World Elite Gold Master Card and I can ’t find where any of my credit card miles were ever applied as qualifying miles. I did however get to EXPLT status last year when AA was offering double “qualifying ” miles. (I think some other airlines also offered this last year.)
I also got Plat a few years ago when I took the Challenge, but I ’ve never gotten any kind of status from credit card miles. Please tell me more.

I have never been turned away from first or business class check in when flying in coach on AA with any status, including Gold. Its in writing. If a schmoe turns you away ask for another person that knows the rules. I've never been turned away from the window either, I have had them try to usher me to the coach line before getting to the window. It ’s always been a minor thing and a simple reminder of the priority check in policy was all that was needed.

I have however had them try to deny enter to the AC on the grounds I was not a member, both times was in Chicago. After I pointed out I was flying international they granted entry. I've never liked ORD and I avoid it as much as possible, I just think the people there have a bad attitude.

Jaimito Cartero

03-04-10, 05:27

Well, your AA credit card spend will apply towards lifetime gold and plat status. (1 million and 2 million miles, I think) This is one nice thing about AA, is that all miles that accrue to your account, will go towards that lifetime status. As Sr Gato said, I don't think they'll give Exp Plat for lifetime, unless it's some sort of super duper executive spiff.

Some credit cards do apply to EQM, I know Delta gives 10 or 20k EQM if you hit a certain dollar amount on their Reserve card.

Some airlines (KLM, that I know of) give you top status if you maintain it for 10 consecutive years.

The bad thing about attaining top status, is that once you get used to it, going back down is no fun. The last couple of years there have been double EQM promotions on different airlines. Who knows what 2010 will bring.

Damman

03-27-10, 20:39

However, limited time offer.

http://aa.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=2878

Gato Hunter

03-28-10, 16:40

https://www.centuryinthemaking.com/

This is a 10% off coupon for American Airlines. Pick a few teams and you get a coupon code.

You will be able to do this four times this year.

Master J

03-28-10, 17:51

I have been following the board for 6 or 7 years. How did you possibly find this one. Kudos to you!

Rev BS

08-01-10, 01:36

Browsing for a trip to S America for September, and found AA has LAX-EZE roundtrip for a total of $811, and LAX-BOG for about $550. Has not look this good for awhile.

Could not access the Sales / Offers page, so not sure if this is just seasonal or a promotion.

Tarantula

08-01-10, 05:51

Yup, AA seems to have the best rates going right now. Will be flying that LAX to EZE flight in August for close to that price. (DFW Stopover.

Return will be EZE to LAX (miami stopover.

Gorgon

08-01-10, 07:03

It is possible to get it down to $533 from Lax on United, if you know how to trick the fare and dump the YQ.

Tarantula

08-04-10, 05:18

Can you explain what you mean by "trick the fare and dump the YQ?"

Gorgon

08-04-10, 20:48

The YQ is the fuel surcharge that some airlines have, for UA and Continental right now it is $320 for a US-EZE roundtrip, it is possible to book a ticket without having to pay this by adding in a 3rd segment to the ticket (3x) this thread over on flyertalk explains how it works http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/mileage-run-discussion/930922-trick-negotiate-special-savings-lounge-thread.html

Tarantula

08-05-10, 00:59

Gorgon, thanks for dropping the knowledge.

I Learn something new everyday.

Waterboy

08-07-10, 11:15

I use groupon web site in New York and today they were offering ths: $22 for a One-Visit Pass to Delta Sky Club.

http://www.groupon.com/deals/delta-sky-club-for-delta-air-lines-inc-new-york/posts

Miami Bob

08-12-10, 02:05

I flew in on American business class [on upgrade] with a large priority tag on my bag. I checked the bag at first class check-in Miami 3 hours before the flight.

In EZE a supervisor gave me a lode of crap--the palne was not close to being full, yet she told me that there was too much to load everything. I asked about the priority tag, my platinum staus and business class ticket and she would not look me in the eye.

She told me that the bag was in Miami and would arrive in ba Thursday morning and be delivered early afternoon.

They gave me a locale phone to call and have my cell.

What should I except? How may I protect myself. I am looking for experienced people with actual AA experience in the same situation. I can read the rules, but reality rarelly parallels the rules nor law.

Thanks

Exon123

08-12-10, 02:44

Bob,

If your back in BA you're getting more pussy than I am, so Fuck your bag, "Deal With It", It I'll show up.

Exon

Gato Hunter

08-12-10, 02:46

Write a letter to AA, in email. I'm guessing you will get 20k miles. Maybe more if you can really write a good letter. That's almost half an upgrade for next trip.

I recently got 15k for no IFE, ORD to LHR. I am explat though.

Gato Hunter

08-12-10, 02:48

Bob,

If your back in be. A. Your getting more pussy than I am, so Fuck your bag, "Deal With It", It I'll show up.

ExonYour getting more pussy than me too! Just hang out naked and have chicas "vini la bolas" also.

Hope your trip gets better bob.

Cheers!

Wild Walleye

08-12-10, 12:36

You have a couple situations 1) wearing the same clothes for a few days, 2) recovering your possessions and clothing and 3) getting something for the inconvenience.

For #1, I suggestion going native. Head to the shops on Ste Fe and pick up some bombachas de Campo, a fajas, a poncho, some alpargatas and top it off with a boina.

As for #2, you will have to see whether or not your stuff arrives and if it does, what if anything is missing. If you get all your stuff back, go to #3, if not, you have to go through the process of claiming the loss with AA.

For both #2 & #3, call them. On the back of your AA freq flier card, there should be a priority number for you level (I know that there is an exec plat number that is supposed to prioritize the handling of your issues) politely lay a heap of crap about what an inconvenience it is, how you can't imagine 3 hours wasn't enough time to get your bag on the plane and that you got the run around from the local AA staff in Bs As (whether true or not, the airline HQ is very removed from the front lines) No need to mention that you were upgraded (that info is in the record anyhow) your ticket was b-class, your bag was priority (which I always thought meant it will be the last f-ing bag off the plane) and you're being inconvenienced and possibly facing the loss of the half dozen Armani suits you had in your bag (hand tailored by Georgio himself) Hopefully, they will give you a bunch of miles and proper compensation for any lost items.

Usually, the airlines are capped out on what the owe you for lost or stolen items. I haven't had this issue for some time. However, I would venture that the info should be on their website.

Good luck. Let me know if you get your stuff (I am jealous that you are in Bs As)

Miami Bob

08-12-10, 17:21

Stan Da Man

08-12-10, 18:45

WW-I have trouble buying clothes here because I am a big guy. Shoes--for get about it 13 EEE.

Will call the plarinum desk and get an email address to complain about everything that has gone wrong with American over the last 30 days. They usually will give me miles to sooth by batterred soul.Hey Bob:

I doubt this will help much, but:

A year ago, I had the exact same thing happen, flying the exact same airline, in the exact same business class, also going from Miami to Buenos Aires. They did, in fact, deliver my luggage to my door the next day. I can't guarantee it will also happen for you but, as of a year ago, they were at least competent enough to deliver on their promise. And, nothing was missing from my luggage.

Just a suggestion, and you probably already know this if you're Platinum: I always assume they're going to lose my luggage and travel with a day's worth of clothes in my carry-on. Especially if you're flying business class, it's not too much of a problem since you've got extra bin space and they don't give you grief if you have two carry-ons. It gets harder with liquids given airline restrictions, but those are usually the easiest items to buy when you're on the ground. Since you're Platinum, you obviously fly a lot. It's only a matter of time before they lose your luggage. May as well plan for it. Again, you probably know that, and my intent was not to be condescending.

Seaman

08-12-10, 19:00

WW-I have trouble buying clothes here because I am a big guy. Shoes--for get about it 13 EEE.Bob,

For shoes check this thread: http://www.argentinaprivate.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3847

They are available:)

Wild Walleye

08-13-10, 13:27

Wild Walleye

08-13-10, 13:28

Shoes--for get about it 13 EEE.What's that they say about guys with big feet?

Miami Bob

08-31-10, 05:30

and talked about LAN's better food and seat pitch.

Jaimito Cartero

09-12-10, 05:01

I think AA is pretty stingy with miles compared to many other US airlines. Generally you should be able to buy clothing and other necessities up to $150 or so for the first 24 hours. Unless you had a very tight connection, your luggage should have made it.

I've had problems myself in Miami with luggage, so try not to route through there, if at all possible.

On about 75% of my trips, in fact, I only take carry-on luggage, so there is nothing for them to lose.

Miami Bob

09-13-10, 00:25

Pre=departure. This service just screwed-up. Even better, on the return, in business, three seats were broken out of 37. My seat did not recline and they could not relocate me.

They zapped me both legs and in business. Over all, american is my favorite and that is why I have concentrate on the american awards program, rather than the competition. The only other airline that is consistant is lan-be careful purchasing lan-you can fly lan direct or with 2 or 3 stops-don't buy blind on the web or you could be very disappointed. The miami-eze direc tis great and cheaper than american. If you book on the lan website, you can assign your miles to any of the one-world partners. I assign the miles to american and put in my advantage number. I have always received my miles. Of course, I cannot upgrade to business with my advantage miles

Wild Walleye

09-13-10, 10:43

pre=departure. This service just screwed-up. Even better, on the return, in business, three seats were broken out of 37. My seat did not recline and they could not relocate me.

They zapped me both legs and in business. Over all, american is my favorite and that is why I have concentrate on the american awards program, rather than the competition. The only other airline that is consistant is lan-be careful purchasing lan-you can fly lan direct or with 2 or 3 stops-don't buy blind on the web or you could be very disappointed. The miami-eze direc tis great and cheaper than american. If you book on the lan website, you can assign your miles to any of the one-world partners. I assign the miles to american and put in my advantage number. I have always received my miles. Of course, I cannot upgrade to business with my advantage milesto make up for the seat not reclining in biz. They should return to you whatever miles you used to upgrade plus a little something for the effort.