I booked one of these on LAN's website, before noticing it was only available to residents of Argentina. It let me book, despite listing my address in the US, the credit card billing address in the US, etc.

So, I guess the quesiton is: What's likely to happen when I try and check in at AEP?

I booked one of these on LAN's website, before noticing it was only available to residents of Argentina. It let me book, despite listing my address in the US, the credit card billing address in the US, etc.

So, I guess the quesiton is: What's likely to happen when I try and check in at AEP?

You will likely get your boarding pass and board the plane.

You will likely get your boarding pass and board the plane.

I figured that much, but before or after paying the "foreigner tax?" :p

As Eastbay 1K correctly points out, its likely you will be able to board you flight. However, please note that if you get unlucky and there is a secondary check during the boarding process, you may be subject to delays, fare adjustment, etc. etc. Its great to be able to find a loophole and enjoy the savings, but please be prepared to cough up the difference if the devil gets his tail involved.

I see no problem. When was the last time you were specifically asked to show your residence when you took a flight? Your use of a US address can easily be explained by the fact that that is where you were at the moment of booking.

RioFF-- There is a potential problem as when somebody that is not a resident books a resident only fare, the rules are being broken. Its not about the use of a foreign address at the time of booking, its about being able to provide proof of residence at the time of boarding.

Yes, I agree that enforcement of the residence clause is lax, but... I always make sure to inform everybody rolling the dice that you are running a risk. If you get unlucky and a gate agent starts asking questions, you could be in for a nasty refare &/or penalty. Its good to know the facts, thats all Im pointing to.

On a final note, I know of lax enforcement of these resident fare restrictions with Aerolineas Argentinas & Austral, but Im not so sure this is the case with LAN. I would suggest caution until more folks can report what their experiences have been with booking these restricted fares on LAN Argentina.

I see no problem. When was the last time you were specifically asked to show your residence when you took a flight? Your use of a US address can easily be explained by the fact that that is where you were at the moment of booking.

The fact that the traveler is a foreigner would, of course, be obvious in most cases. The gate agent would be perfectly in his or her right to ask for a cedula. I've been asked to prove residency at the airport (different circumstance different country) on several occasions.

The fact that the traveler is a foreigner would, of course, be obvious in most cases. The gate agent would be perfectly in his or her right to ask for a cedula. I've been asked to prove residency at the airport (different circumstance different country) on several occasions.


I could not have given a better example.

The reason I constantly post the same comments on these threads is that my experience shows that many folks that play the rules game and then happen to run out of luck at the check-in or boarding gate then go on to whine and shout bloody murder when they are faced with penalties, re-faring and denied boarding. I will say it again, its perfectly OK to play the game and if you get away with it all the power to you, but it you get caught then be prepared to face the music.

I suggest this thread be moved to the Argentina Forum. Thanks.

has anyone ever been caught? If so what were the fees?

I know of cases where pax have had to dish out the fare difference between the actually paid to full fare.

Although I fly with them a lot, LAN Airlines is -by far- the most rigid airline I have ever flown. They also have the most expensive full fares in the industry. They also have the largest rate of oversold flights.

I'm sorry to say but they will probably spot you and ask you to pay full fare if they don't directly get you out of the plane.

Their only problem: their employees think they work for the best airline in the world.

First thing you can do: be very very polite. Tell them you understand that they are one of the best (if not the best) airline in America. For those that still believe America means just US, be aware there's a whole continent called America :).

Second: Say you didn't know that that fare applied only to locals. You even entered your US Passport Number when you made the reservation; that you used the US-english website and that you entered your residential address. Even thoe there were no indication in the website that the fare was only for local residents.

Third (if 1st and 2nd didn't work): Talk to the manager. Tell her/him that you are sure they are a major airline and major airlines don't discriminate foreingers. They should act as a real airline and get over this.

APOLOGIZE

As an Argentinean, I'd like to apologize for having this unfair different rates. The government is trying to fix that but both Aerolineas Argentinas and LAN refuse to change that policy. Unfortunately Aerolineas Argentinas and LAN are both managed by foreing companies (from Spain and Chile).

LAN is doing a great job, but Aerolineas is a very average airline.