Brazil - 2 hours 10 minutes to connect at GRU

Is 2 hours and 10 minutes enough time to connect from a domestic GOL flight to an int'l SA flight from GRU-JNB?

As with all things GRU-related, it's all down to luck. Are you travelling on 2 separate reservations? If so, luggage will be the deciding factor as it can sometimes take up to an hour to have it back on domestic flight. If you don't check any luggage, and you are able to check in online, I'd say you're fine.

However, if checking luggage, you may want to allow more time. Also, where you are flying from and the time of the day has an influence. If it's a Gol flight from GIG, which is coming from a funny route like CCS via SSA, it's highly likely there will be delays.

I would not take the chance. Chances are excellent these reservations are on separate tickets (since it is not a TAM and SAA Star Alliance ticket). If you come in late, you will be out several hundred dollars at a minimum. In this case, it makes sense to take an earlier flight. Ironically I have the same situation in May but my earlier flight leaves me too much time in GRU and thus I am taking a later flight the night before. Zero worries and I can rest up for the overnight flight.

If you are on time with your arrival you will be fine... just transited through GRU twice, but as said above, if you are on two separate PNRs and your incoming flight is delayed....

I'm doing something similar:

GIG-GRU (JJ3521) arrives 4:35pm
GRU-JNB (SA223) leaves 6:00pm

Single reservation/ticket, no checked baggage. What am I going to have to do in order to make this work? I'm told it's a legal connection, but is it a sane one?

I'm doing something similar:

GIG-GRU (JJ3521) arrives 4:35pm
GRU-JNB (SA223) leaves 6:00pm

Single reservation/ticket, no checked baggage. What am I going to have to do in order to make this work? I'm told it's a legal connection, but is it a sane one?

I did it with 90 minutes a few weeks ago with no prior knowledge of how to navigate GRU and it's (lack of) transfer system. As long as you know what you're doing (read an earlier post of mine in another thread for my experience) then you'll definitely be fine. Otherwise the airline has accountability for you missing the connection since it's on one PNR.

It's not like connecting in the U.S. We're in Brazil, and connecting flights when going abroad is frustrating. Your bags will virtually always be checked through, so that's not a problem. But we've never had the airline for the domestic flight be able to issue the boarding pass for the foreign airline of our international section. You still need to leave the secure area, stand in line at the counter of the airline of your second flight (along with people just starting their trip there) to check in and get your boarding pass, then go through security and passport control, and then get to your gate. We last did this, connecting to a flight to IAH, in February. Then we relaxed at an airline club. BTW, if you do use free time to eat, your choices are better before security.

Somene says you will "definitely" be fine, but they can't guarantee it (no one can). And the airline's responsibility? Which airline? I assume you're connecting from a Brazilian airline to SAA. The domestic airline's responsibility will have ended. SAA would, I imagine, do their best to put you on the next flight with available seats, but wouldn't that be the following day? My wife (Brazilian) is also always worried the domestic flight will be late.

One thing you don't state is what your other options are. When is the next flight before that? Is there a compelling reason to cut it so close?

One thing you don't state is what your other options are. When is the next flight before that? Is there a compelling reason to cut it so close?

There are earlier flights with no availability (its a reward ticket).

But we've never had the airline for the domestic flight be able to issue the boarding pass for the foreign airline of our international section.

I did.... but it was pointless! They had to reissue one at GRU.

BTW, if you do use free time to eat, your choices are better before security.

Agreed. I can still taste that disgusting BRL$20 "sandwich" from 2 weeks ago. Bleurgh!



Somene says you will "definitely" be fine, but they can't guarantee it (no one can). And the airline's responsibility? Which airline?

I think that was me, but it was for the person with one PNR, so 2+ flights on one ticket (I think someone else indicated 2 separate PNRs - my statement would not be applicable to them). My understanding here is that for one PNR international rules come into place, which is that the airline is response for transfers. It must ensure the connection time is adaquete, and be responsible if the flier does not make the connection.

I have a very tight connection all on GOL that is supposedly "legal" but seems physically impossible.

G3 BEL-GRU 1515 1855
G3 GRU-SCL (via EZE same plane) 2000 0200

That's 1:05 to connect from domestic GOL to an international flight. I tried to change it but AA says it's a legal connection and won't do it without the change fee. This is a reward ticket issued by AA that ultimately connects in J class to QF SCL-SYD.

If GOL is late into GRU, would they rebook us onto LAN or TAM to get us to SCL in time for the QF connection? There is no GOL flight that would get us there in time.

We will do whatever it takes to have carry on only and stuff our Scottevests as full as possible.

I'm doing something similar:

GIG-GRU (JJ3521) arrives 4:35pm
GRU-JNB (SA223) leaves 6:00pm

Single reservation/ticket, no checked baggage. What am I going to have to do in order to make this work? I'm told it's a legal connection, but is it a sane one?

Sane yes. Less of a worry here because you are flying TAM (JJ) and are connecting on with another Star Alliance airline (SA). If you were to leave insanely late from GIG, it would be TAM's responsibility to accomodate you in GRU (i.e. hotel) and put you on the next available flight to Jobourg.

I have a very tight connection all on GOL that is supposedly "legal" but seems physically impossible.

G3 BEL-GRU 1515 1855
G3 GRU-SCL (via EZE same plane) 2000 0200

That's 1:05 to connect from domestic GOL to an international flight. I tried to change it but AA says it's a legal connection and won't do it without the change fee. This is a reward ticket issued by AA that ultimately connects in J class to QF SCL-SYD.

If GOL is late into GRU, would they rebook us onto LAN or TAM to get us to SCL in time for the QF connection? There is no GOL flight that would get us there in time.

We will do whatever it takes to have carry on only and stuff our Scottevests as full as possible.

You will not be the only passenger leaving Belem and heading to Buenos Aires or Santiago. GOL agents will greet you when you leave the gate "fingers" and escort you to the appropriate area for customs etc. And with the strenght in numbers (i.e. others going to EZE/SCL), the 2000 flight would even be delayed if your inbound was delayed somewhat.

You will not be the only passenger leaving Belem and heading to Buenos Aires or Santiago. GOL agents will greet you when you leave the gate "fingers" and escort you to the appropriate area for customs etc. And with the strenght in numbers (i.e. others going to EZE/SCL), the 2000 flight would even be delayed if your inbound was delayed somewhat.
Thanks, I hope that's the case. I have been monitoring this flight for a few weeks and sometimes it's on time but I have seen it up to 75 minutes late and the EZE flight would have left before the plane even arrives.

How empowered are GOL ground staff to help you? If you do miss the flight, can they book you onto a competitor's flight like TAM or LAN? If they make you wait for the next available GOL flight and it means you miss an expensive connecting flight (QF J SCL-SYD) will they PAY to book you into the next QF flight after the GOL flight arrives?

In my case, if we miss the GRU-SCL flight on GOL, there are only 2 flights the next morning that would arrive in SCL in time to allow us to make the QF flight. One is on TAM and one is on LAN.

Thanks, I hope that's the case. I have been monitoring this flight for a few weeks and sometimes it's on time but I have seen it up to 75 minutes late and the EZE flight would have left before the plane even arrives.

How empowered are GOL ground staff to help you? If you do miss the flight, can they book you onto a competitor's flight like TAM or LAN? If they make you wait for the next available GOL flight and it means you miss an expensive connecting flight (QF J SCL-SYD) will they PAY to book you into the next QF flight after the GOL flight arrives?

In my case, if we miss the GRU-SCL flight on GOL, there are only 2 flights the next morning that would arrive in SCL in time to allow us to make the QF flight. One is on TAM and one is on LAN.

Wow, a lot of different questioners on one thread. I would definitely not assume Gol would put you on a competitor's flight (assuming there are even seats available) in order to make a connection. Gol pay you to take another flight? Good luck on that. How would they pay you, and when?


You booked your flight through Gol, or who (sorry if I missed that amongs all the different threads)? Is Gol a code share partner with QF? It's not yet in the Oneworld alliance. My guess is that if you wanted to book another flight to GRU, you'd have to do that on the spot, and hope someone will reimburse you. I just can't see Gol taking responsibility to get you to your QF flight on time. Certainly nothing anyone could guarantee in advance. Of course, you could call Gol and ask (if you can find someone who speaks English). If that doesn't work, you could phone QF and see what they say. If would be up to them to put you on a later flight if you miss your connection. If it costs extra, assume you would be responsible.

I don't know how someone could be sure that your GRU flight would be delayed should the Belem flight be late. Airlines get fined if flights are too late. And the plane may have yet more connections to make afterwards. It's something you can hope for, but certainly not assume. I know people who have missed connections with Brazilian airlines.

One thing that may be in your favor is that you're sticking with Gol when you connect at GRU, so hopefully they will issue your international boarding pass in Belem (they wouldn't if you were switching to, say, United or AA at GRU to go to the States). Then you wouldn't have to leave security zone there. No need to go through Customs or Immigration etc., and I don't think you'd go through either at EZE, either, so don't know what the above poster was referring to (saying that Gol personnel would escort you to Customs, etc.).

One thing that may be in your favor is that you're sticking with Gol when you connect at GRU, so hopefully they will issue your international boarding pass in Belem (they wouldn't if you were switching to, say, United or AA at GRU to go to the States). Then you wouldn't have to leave security zone there. No need to go through Customs or Immigration etc., and I don't think you'd go through either at EZE, either, so don't know what the above poster was referring to (saying that Gol personnel would escort you to Customs, etc.).

I disagree based on my recent experience. I got an international boarding pass in GIG and it was worthless. You need a boarding pass with a security sticker that they only issue at GRU, so you *must* get another boarding pass. You will have to go through customs and immigration again. If you're lucky, a Gol representative (who you'll see when you exit the flight) will understand your situation and fast track you if required. If you're on one PNR then the Gol exit agents will know you are on a tight connection.

If things go wrong and you miss connections, responsibility comes down to your PNR. If ALL your flights are on one PNR then the airline who issued the ticket is responsible to ensure you get on other flights if you miss your connections (they may book you on competitors airlines as a last resort). If it's on separate PNRs then you're on your own. And of course you should also have travel insurance to cover these matters just in case.

Our flights are all on 1 PNR issued as a partner award ticket by AA. The return is:

GOL BEL-GRU 1515 1855
GOL GRU-SCL 2000 0200
QF SCL-SYD 1335 1755
QF SYD-BNE 2005 2135

I redeemed a J class award but GOL is in Y as they don't have a J cabin. It was a fluke we got the J award as I didn't see it when researching on BA.com. I booked it as Y, didn't really care about the tight connection because the worst case scenario is if we miss it, the airline puts us on the next available flight (their own metal or otherwise) and puts us up in a hotel if it's not the same day. J class awards on the QF SYD-SCL-SYD flight are scarcer than hens teeth and I didn't expect to get one at all. When the CSR was finishing our Y booking, she asked if there was anything else she could help me with. I jokingly said, "LOL not unless you can get it in J". I was shocked when she actually said she could get the J on the return and said "Grab it" knowing it could disappear as quickly as it showed up. I didn't see it when I was researching.

It wasn't until I started seeing reports of delays on GOL that I got to be worried that a flight delay into GRU could cause us to miss a once-in-a-lifetime J award on QF, it's not likely we will accumulate that many miles again on AA.

If we miss the connection to SCL, GOL only has the same daily flight via EZE so we would be stuck in GRU for 24 hours if GOL insists on only rebooking us onto THEIR metal and miss the QF flight booked in J class. I am pretty sure the J award class on QF would be long gone if we needed to be rebooked onto the next available QF flight. There would possibly be J revenue class (if elites haven't been upgraded within the 24 hour window) or Y class.

Traveling in J is a rare phenomenon for us so I have no actual experience as to how airlines deal with problems like this when an involuntary downgrade is the worst case scenario.

AA is not much help as they just said it is the responsibilty of the actual carrier to rebook us if it's their fault we miss the connection. There isn't much info online as to how GOL deals with this situation-or maybe there is but in Portuguese language which I would never be able to find online.

Non-GOL metal possibilities that would allow us to make the connection on QF are:

LAN GRU-SCL 0710 1025
TAM GRU-SCL 0820 1220
LAN GRU-SCL 0925 1235

Those last 2 are also a very tight connection in SCL.

AA is refusing to change the flights because technically the GOL connection is "legal" and not a misconnect.

Sane yes. Less of a worry here because you are flying TAM (JJ) and are connecting on with another Star Alliance airline (SA). If you were to leave insanely late from GIG, it would be TAM's responsibility to accomodate you in GRU (i.e. hotel) and put you on the next available flight to Jobourg.

I want to take this exact route but I'm paying cash for the JJ GIG-GRU and using BMI miles for SA GRU-JNB.

Can these reservations be merged into one PNR?

Tiki, I have no direct experience with GOL but I'd expect they'd book you onto LAN or TAM as a last resort only. Their responsibility is to get you on the GRU-SCL flight only and they have no responsibility for your QF flight or its class. So you may not get much sympathy for your J reasoning.

I'd let the check-in agent at BEL know of your tight connection and concerns as they may add a note to your booking and/or warn the arrival agents at GRU. As soon as you step off the plane look for those GOL agents and let them know about your tight connection. If the flight comes in late then they are your last, and probably only, hope to get you where you need to be.

Best of luck (positive thoughts) and commiserations on returning to BNE (sorry, couldn't help it, being a MEL boy)! :)

seychellesbound, I don't think you can mix award and non-awards on the same PNR, but best to ring JJ and ask.

I want to take this exact route but I'm paying cash for the JJ GIG-GRU and using BMI miles for SA GRU-JNB.

Can these reservations be merged into one PNR?

No, they won't merge these and seeing they are on totally separate tickets, I wouldn't chance it. You need to check in for your SA flight at least one hour prior to departure, thus you are down to 1 hour and 10 minute window. That's too tight and you don't want to chance this and/or worry about this.

Take an earlier flight with TAM or GOL. If it's too early, fly the previous night and spend a night at IBIS Guarulhos (www.ibishotels.com). Hourly free shuttle from GRU (small fee from hotel to GRU).

Tiki, I have no direct experience with GOL but I'd expect they'd book you onto LAN or TAM as a last resort only. Their responsibility is to get you on the GRU-SCL flight only and they have no responsibility for your QF flight or its class. So you may not get much sympathy for your J reasoning.

I'd let the check-in agent at BEL know of your tight connection and concerns as they may add a note to your booking and/or warn the arrival agents at GRU. As soon as you step off the plane look for those GOL agents and let them know about your tight connection. If the flight comes in late then they are your last, and probably only, hope to get you where you need to be.

Best of luck (positive thoughts) and commiserations on returning to BNE (sorry, couldn't help it, being a MEL boy)! :)

seychellesbound, I don't think you can mix award and non-awards on the same PNR, but best to ring JJ and ask.

I just spent an hour on the phone with AA and while they were willing to put me in the G3 1996 that goes to GRU via GIG, she said there is no availability in the award booking class even though GOL's Smiles says there is in all their award classes. She also said that if it's GOL's fault we misconnect, it's their responsibility to get us to our final destination but she can't guarantee it would be J class if all J seats including revenue booking codes are sold out. She was unable to answer the question if GOL has an agreement with LAN or TAM to protect misconnecting pax. As I said before, the next GOL metal would miss the QF flight.

Does anyone have any actual experience with a GOL misconnect due to late flight? Please no speculations, I am looking for actual experience.

http://www.voegol.com.br/pt-br/a-gol/quem-somos/aliancas/paginas/default.aspx shows all of Gol's partners. TAM and LAN not included, so you'd dependent on Gol agents on the spot trying to put you on another carrier. I certainly wouldn't bank on it, but you said no speculation. I understood your main concern was making the Qantas flight. Even if Gol says they'll get you to SCL, you'd want to be in time to make the Qantas flight, OR have Qantas accept you on the following day, right? Have you contacted Qantas? If you want advance commitment by Gol that they'll get you to SCL in time to make your currently-booked QF fight (not just get you to SCL, which they will certainly do), you'll need to talk with someone at Gol. What will you do if they won't make that commitment? Would AA give you a point of contact so you can talk with someone in English? Not easy (we're in Brazil, so we know).

If you're using AA award miles, what Gol's Web site shows is not the most important. You're not using Gol miles ("Smiles"), of course. Trying to use UA miles on a trip that includes TAM flights (they are in the same alliance), I ran into problems with TAM not releasing tickets until 90 days in advance.

Good luck.

Update on my case. After thinking about it, I am just not willing to take the chance of missing the connection and losing a rare opportunity to fly in QF J class. So I called AA and after about an hour of looking at possibilities they changed my return flight.

Old schedule:
GOL BEL-GRU 1515 1855
GOL GRU-SCL 2000 0200
QF SCL-SYD 1335 1755
QF SYD-BNE 2005 2135

New schedule:
GOL BEL-GIG 1515 2041 (yes it transits GRU enroute)
GOL GIG-GRU 2343 0035
GOL GRU-SCL 2000 0200
QF SCL-SYD 1335 1755
QF SYD-BNE 2005 2135

The odd thing about this new itinerary is that it leaves the day before on the same flight which stops in GRU and goes on to GIG. They wouldn't simply let us get off in GRU because then we would have over 24 hours in GRU and I didn't want to pay extra $ or miles. They are perfectly willing to let us go BEL-GRU-GIG-GRU as that reduces the layover in GRU to 17 hours.

What I am wondering is-when we check in at BEL, do you think GOL would just let us get off in GRU on the first flight and be able to delete the extra segment so it doesn't mess up the remainder of the itinerary GRU-SCL-SYD-BNE? I have heard that partner airlines can't touch an award booking made by AA. In the meanwhile, I will call back periodically and hope space opens up on G3 1996 which goes BEL-GIG-GRU at 06:43 but if this doesn't happen by August, GOL ceases to be an AA partner after that.