Hi all you good people!

I need your advice before I purchase my paris to buenos aires ticket...

I have two cheapo options, and I know both of these airlines suck so I am looking for the better of the two or the one option on which I have a better chance of arriving on time WITH my luggage...considering it's a long flight in flight service and leg room is also a consideration...I have never flown any of these airlines.

OK option 1: return for 830 euros ORY-MAD-EZE with iberia
option 2: return for 730 euros ORY-MAD with Air Europa and MAD-EZE with Air Madrid

Which one would you go with? Also I have AA advantage so I would get 30% miles with Iberia...

Many many thanks!

I haven't flown either of these airlines long haul, but I thought I'd throw my opinion out there anyway.


I'd go with the IB, even though it's more expensive. Personally, I think LCCs are a great option for short flights, but on flights over a couple of hours I think the lack of ammenities is more pronounced. Fewer food options, less seat pitch, etc.

Also, if there is a flight problem with an LCC (mechanical, overbooked), you're almost guaranteed to have to spend an extra night as they don't have other carriers on which they can endorse your ticket. If you have a problem on IB, presumably they can reroute you on LA or AA and get you home closer to schedule. If your plans aren't flexible, this can be a huge advantage.

Finally, check on the EQPs for your IB fare. Discount only gets 30% of EQM as you noted, but some discount fares get full AA points, which could be useful if you are seeking elite status.


Enjoy EZE - fab city!

In the EZE press almost daily there are some (bad) news about Air Madrid - flights delayed for over 24 hours, planes that have to turn around due to mechanicals, etc. They are bascially Ryanair accross the Atlantic.

As schmare said, IB at least is part of OneWorld. 30% miles is still quite a few miles because EZE is quite far - easily worth the 100 euro difference. Although IB is infamous for their service, they seem to be stellar compared to Air Madrid. Good luck with your choice!

Well you know, it's funny, already problems with air madrid, I purchased the flight and then the reservation did not go through for some reason, so I took it as a sign and following your advice cancelled the ticket and will purchase one with Iberia. Like you said 30% is better than nothing, and last thing I want is crazy delays that will eat up precious vacation days.

On a separate note: alitalia sucks and I use every opportunity I can to trash them. May they bankrupt in peace.

OnTheMo -

Iwillflytheworld is right. The Madrid press is full of stories of delays -- 12 to 24 hour delays -- on Air Madrid flights. El Mundo reported on Monday that there had been three delays of over 12 hours of outbound Air Madrid flights just during the month of October.

It is not just a rotten company, they don't have enough planes to substitute when something goes wrong.

Iberia is also a rotten company, but they have lots of planes, especially in Madrid.

Go for Iberia.