Mileage Run Deals - AA: DFW/NYC/BOS-MAO (Manaus, Brazil), $510 a/i

ONE51CM1, immediate turns possible; I don't have experience with immigration at this location, so caution may be advised if you want to do a turnaround.

Many, many routing options between DFW and MIA, including NYC, for no addition to the base fare.

TICKETS MUST BE ISSUED ON/BEFORE 05JUN 12.

Sample routing: DFW-IAH-MIA-MAO-MIA-CLT-DFW
Sample dates: 15JUN - 17JUN

So I search using the FT airport code lookup for MAO

get

(MAO)
Intl Arpt Eduardo Gomes
Manaus, BR

and I still have no clue as to where this is

So I search using the FT airport code lookup for MAO

get

(MAO)
Intl Arpt Eduardo Gomes
Manaus, BR

and I still have no clue as to where this is

Northern Brazil

So I search using the FT airport code lookup for MAO

get

(MAO)
Intl Arpt Eduardo Gomes
Manaus, BR

and I still have no clue as to where this is

Manaus, Brazil.

routing via MIA is 7.2 cpm - some of the other potential two stop routings can get it close to 5 cpm. Great fare to Brazil but probably not quite MR material

Great find!

If you have PL/EXP status, and purchase on an AA card (e.g. Citi), routing DFW/PHL/MIA/MAO//MAO/MIA/CLT/DFW gets you:

8717 BIS = 5.89 CPM
18459 AA miles = 2.78 CPM

Great find!

If you have PL/EXP status, and purchase on an AA card (e.g. Citi), routing DFW/PHL/MIA/MAO//MAO/MIA/CLT/DFW gets you:

8717 BIS = 5.89 CPM
18459 AA miles = 2.78 CPM

Except no one in their right mind would MR for RDM at 2.7cpm.....

It's in the heart of the Amazon and this is an excellent price for an adventure.....not a MR

So I search using the FT airport code lookup for MAO

get

(MAO)
Intl Arpt Eduardo Gomes
Manaus, BR

and I still have no clue as to where this is

YOU are a USC graduate? :) I had to look it up too, and I'm not a USC grad.

Back on topic, beware that the MIA-MAO portion is a 5hr 20min flight on a 738 on the few days that I checked...not sure if that is an error. Also, isn't there a reciprocity fee in Brazil for US Citizens? This could add $.

So I search using the FT airport code lookup for MAO and get (MAO) Intl Arpt Eduardo Gomes Manaus, BR

and I still have no clue as to where this is

Wikipedia: Manaus (Portuguese pronunciation: [maˈnaws]) is a city in Brazil, the capital of the state of Amazonas. It is situated at the confluence of the Negro and Solimões rivers. It is the most populous city of Amazonas... metro area population about 2 million.

It was known at the beginning of the century, as Heart of the Amazon and City of the Forest. Currently its main economic engine is the Industrial Pool of Manaus.

Also available from Boston on Jun 15-17. Can anyone find later dates?

I thought it was MAO airport in Chad. :) Great fare indeed, thank you OP

So I search using the FT airport code lookup for MAO

get

(MAO)
Intl Arpt Eduardo Gomes
Manaus, BR

and I still have no clue as to where this is

Also available from Boston on Jun 15-17. Can anyone find later dates?

And while we're at it, also available from LGA or JFK for $503 around those dates.

LGA/JFK-MIA-MAO and return, $503 or about 7.0 cpm.

Except no one in their right mind would MR for RDM at 2.7cpm.....

It's in the heart of the Amazon and this is an excellent price for an adventure.....not a MR
I'm still new, and trying to learn as much as I can, so if you don't mind my asking why is 2.7cpm bad for an RDM MR? I'm sure it's obvious and I'm just missing it ...

I do agree, though, this would be fun for an adventure!

I'm still new, and trying to learn as much as I can, so if you don't mind my asking why is 2.7cpm bad for an RDM MR? I'm sure it's obvious and I'm just missing it ...

I do agree, though, this would be fun for an adventure!

It depends on how much you value RDMs at. Most people do not value AA RDMs at 2.7 cents each. I value mine at around 2.2-2.3 cpm now, and I'm on the higher side, but I would not MR purely for RDMs unless it was less than 70% of that, as I don't know when I can spend the miles, and they only have a true value when spent. Otherwise, they may as well be airline funny money, subject to devaluation at any time.

Also, for Americans, you need to have a visa for Brazil. It is not a reciprocity fee like Argentina and Chile charge. For them, you don't need to do anything else other than show up at the airport and pay. Brazil you must apply in advance. The Brazilian visa costs $160 for Americans most likely now, so if you don't have it already, you will want to make sure you get it. You also might want a yellow fever shot, if you go to some other countries, and they see you visited that part of Brazil, they might require that vaccination. I believe it is also recommended to have for that part of Brazil anyway.

Edit: Since it appears the deal is only valid for mid-June (within 2 weeks), I would not want to take my chances with getting a visa for Brazil on such short notice. Brazilian consulates can be inconsistent.

man... I wish I could go on the dates.... I can only find availability for EWR-MAO June 15-17 :(

It depends on how much you value RDMs at. Most people do not value AA RDMs at 2.7 cents each. I value mine at around 2.2-2.3 cpm now, and I'm on the higher side, but I would not MR purely for RDMs unless it was less than 70% of that, as I don't know when I can spend the miles, and they only have a true value when spent. Otherwise, they may as well be airline funny money, subject to devaluation at any time.
Got it. Thanks so much!

Also good from CLT, BNA, TPA, JAX, and PHL.

man... I wish i could go on the dates.... I can only find availability for ewr-mao june 15-17 :(

fare rules: (NYC-MAO)

UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED
VALID FOR TRAVEL COMMENCING ON/AFTER 14JUN 12 AND ON/
BEFORE 22JUN 12. TRAVEL ON THIS FARE COMPONENT MUST
COMMENCE BY MIDNIGHT ON 31AUG 12.

UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED
TICKETS MUST BE ISSUED ON/BEFORE 05JUN 12.

Routing rules:

MPM FARE - ROUTE NOT APPLICABLE
MAXIMUM PERMITTED MILEAGE IS 4327

West coast, too: LAX-MAO 6/14 - 6/21 $515.- a.i.

Additional east coast city: RDU

And BUF too!

It was GIG it would be worth a few days on the beach. I won't be doing because as is I will blow past the 100K mark in September but just some curiosity is there enough time for a same day turn?

re rdm value....one can see what they cost on aa as a check, but eqm/pts are usually the point of mr's....

i was there fishing a while back & would recommend a couple of days there.... pretty good museum....

us folks need a visa iirc...

i was there a while back fishing & got to see a bit or the city....worth a day or 2.....

us folks need a visa....

re rdm....rare that a mr would be worthwhile if you didn't need qmi/pt....

today is the last day for the aa rdm sale w/30% bonus.....52k is about $1100 iirc, so just a bit over 2 cents...

Proceed with caution. The barriers to getting a visa to Brazil are high -- I recently cxl'd a trip there for that very reason -- and American Airlines at some airports (such as MSY) will NOT allow you to board the flight without the visa. In my case, I held a Bolivian visa which CAN be bought at the VVI airport yet the lady at AA told me that I could not board the flight without my visa. It was a good thing I lost my nerve and sent away for it ahead of time, as I am a traveler who usually buys such things at the airport on the spot.

According to my recent checks, Brazil is not allowing folks from some places to mail in and get their visa. As a resident of Louisiana, I had to go through the Houston consulate and pay a lot of money to a service for someone to walk my passport through the process. In reality, it means that only if someone works for an oil company or is otherwise HIGHLY motivated, are they going to travel from Louisiana to Brazil. May be very different from other states but I'm just saying since DFW was mentioned as one of the "deal" airports. Good luck, and I envy those who make this trip. P.S. I don't have time to say much now but this is apparently a gateway to some GREAT birding.

Just notice the title was changed for us Kettles :p

Also, for Americans, you need to have a visa for Brazil. It is not a reciprocity fee like Argentina and Chile charge but you don't need to do anything else other than show up at the airport and pay. The Brazilian visa costs $160 for Americans most likely now, so if you don't have it already, you will want to make sure you get it.

The tourist visa fee for Americans is $160 and is indeed a reciprocity fee. It is not possible to show up at the airport and pay. If applying in person at, say, the consulate in Los Angeles, the following is necessary: an appointment for each person seeking a visa, a USPS money order, passport photo, passport with 6+ months left on it, printout of online visa app form, photocopy of ticket/itinerary, and driver's license.

The tourist visa fee for Americans is $160 and is indeed a reciprocity fee. It is not possible to show up at the airport and pay. If applying in person at, say, the consulate in Los Angeles, the following is necessary: an appointment for each person seeking a visa, a USPS money order, passport photo, passport with 6+ months left on it, printout of online visa app form, photocopy of ticket/itinerary, and driver's license.

Misworded my comment, ugh. Editing now. The cost of the fee is reciprocal with Brazil, but it doesn't work the same as it does in Argentina or Chile. In those countries you show up to the airport and pay the fee.

Seems like the visa requirement is a deal breaker for some of us....

$65 with Canadian passport :)

EmailKid

Sure, the Visa cost is a negative, but there is enough time.
MAO is an adventure more than a vacation.
Rough around the edges, but many cities are.

I enjoyed my long weekend there.
You can ride out to floating restaurants in the Amazon
where it is fun to swim and eat spicy fish.

And with this routing you go straight into MAO,
back in the "old days" you had to go all the way
down to Sao Paulo and come back north.

I see it on AA.com DFW-MAO $520 ai June 15-21.

Only $20 visa for me. 3-business-day turnaround time.

Too bad I don't even have 3 consecutive days without needing passport by mid June. Lots of travel in early June...

Great deal! Thanks OP!

I only see Jun 14 to June 18 in ITA and AA.com. Any other dates that would work?

Thanks!
@ORD

Great deal! Thanks OP!

I only see Jun 14 to June 18 in ITA and AA.com. Any other dates that would work?

Thanks!
@ORD

I looked and looked and looked and saw nothing. Likely that this is simply an opening few flights promo special, as service begins in the middle of June.

The barriers to getting a visa to Brazil are high -- I recently cxl'd a trip there for that very reason -- and American Airlines at some airports (such as MSY) will NOT allow you to board the flight without the visa. In my case, I held a Bolivian visa which CAN be bought at the VVI airport yet the lady at AA told me that I could not board the flight without my visa. It was a good thing I lost my nerve and sent away for it ahead of time, as I am a traveler who usually buys such things at the airport on the spot.

Can you explain your comment? The barriers are not a lot different than many other countries that require visas--PR China is the EXACT same way about this. And of course they're not going to let you board a flight without a visa if one is required...the fact that someone was misinformed on one country's policies doesn't mean that another country should operate that way. FWIW, I found the BRA visa to be very easy to acquire (esp considering that the US requires an interview in person for visas to Brazilians). I'm probably the opposite as you - I never expect to get my visa at the airport unless that is the country's standard process (Chile, etc).

To CRNK: How would you like me to explain my comment? What are you asking?

As an American, in most destinations that would like me to visit, then if they need to collect a tax or fee, I can pay it at the airport. Since there are a great many countries that allow this, without high motivation, I will never visit a country that doesn't. Macau and Hong Kong, the only countries in China I have visited, charged no fee. They WANT my tourism dollar. Mainland China has made it clear they don't so I don't go there. Bolivia was an exception because I was highly motivated to go there to observe a specific species of bird, most easily observed there. And, even they had a process for paying the reciprocity fee at the airport (with a warning that some airports, such as MSY, would not allow you to get on the plane) or else mail in the documents needed directly to a BOLIVIAN official, not to a third party service who would then (mAYBE) arrange matters with some official in Houston.

Brazil wants me to pay a very high fee not just to their gov't but to a visa service to "walk" my paperwork through Houston. This makes it clear they DON'T want me there. What else do I need to know? I don't pay off third parties or entrust my passport to third parties. I would LIKE to go to Brazil but I would LIKE to go to a lot of places. Those places that LIKE me back will get my money first. Places that appear to want a bribe or that appear not to want me at all will go to the back of the line. Don't get me wrong. I understand if Brazil wants to charge reciprocity. As long as the USA charges their citizens the fee, they should charge it right back, just like Bolivia. But all the other mess, to give money to a third party service...no. That is just not right, and I don't play that way. If I have given offense in my hastily written post, forgive me. Let's put it this way: I have no problem if my $$$ goes to helping the country I visit. But if it goes to a cashback/bribe to some private visa expediting service, that is just wrong and I would choose not to support that.

The countries that require this -- mainland China, Russia, and now Brazil -- well, I think the thing speaks for itself. They think they don't need the middle class tourist, and maybe they don't. Maybe they can make it all from the billionaires. If so, bless their heart!

The point of my post was to warn people who think they can earn miles that sometimes American Airlines has a reputation for checking visas and if you don't have the visa, you don't fly, EVEN to destinations where you can get the visa at the airport. I heard from other people this happened to. If I had not changed my usual rule and ordered a visa in advance from the Bolivian consulate, it would have happened to me and cost me a lot of money. At least, for Bolivia, the money went to Bolivia. With Brazil, their instructions for Louisiana residents seem to require paying the reciprocity fee to Brazil AND paying an even higher cost to a third party. Yes, it's a deal breaker.

This is an interesting world view. Most visa arrangements are reciprocal. If a Brazilian can not get a US visa at US port of entry, why do you think we as US citizens are more entitled to that privilege at a Brazilian airport?

As for American Airlines checking to ensure you have a visa before letting you board the plane, it is common industry practice around the world. Airlines can get fined if they don't check passengers' documentation.

Incidentally Hong Kong and Macau are not countries, just like New Orleans is not one last time I checked :)

Cheers
@ORD






To CRNK: How would you like me to explain my comment? What are you asking?

As an American, in most destinations that would like me to visit, then if they need to collect a tax or fee, I can pay it at the airport. Since there are a great many countries that allow this, without high motivation, I will never visit a country that doesn't. Macau and Hong Kong, the only countries in China I have visited, charged no fee. They WANT my tourism dollar. Mainland China has made it clear they don't so I don't go there. Bolivia was an exception because I was highly motivated to go there to observe a specific species of bird, most easily observed there. And, even they had a process for paying the reciprocity fee at the airport (with a warning that some airports, such as MSY, would not allow you to get on the plane) or else mail in the documents needed directly to a BOLIVIAN official, not to a third party service who would then (mAYBE) arrange matters with some official in Houston.

Brazil wants me to pay a very high fee not just to their gov't but to a visa service to "walk" my paperwork through Houston. This makes it clear they DON'T want me there. What else do I need to know? I don't pay off third parties or entrust my passport to third parties. I would LIKE to go to Brazil but I would LIKE to go to a lot of places. Those places that LIKE me back will get my money first. Places that appear to want a bribe or that appear not to want me at all will go to the back of the line. Don't get me wrong. I understand if Brazil wants to charge reciprocity. As long as the USA charges their citizens the fee, they should charge it right back, just like Bolivia. But all the other mess, to give money to a third party service...no. That is just not right, and I don't play that way. If I have given offense in my hastily written post, forgive me. Let's put it this way: I have no problem if my $$$ goes to helping the country I visit. But if it goes to a cashback/bribe to some private visa expediting service, that is just wrong and I would choose not to support that.

The countries that require this -- mainland China, Russia, and now Brazil -- well, I think the thing speaks for itself. They think they don't need the middle class tourist, and maybe they don't. Maybe they can make it all from the billionaires. If so, bless their heart!

The point of my post was to warn people who think they can earn miles that sometimes American Airlines has a reputation for checking visas and if you don't have the visa, you don't fly, EVEN to destinations where you can get the visa at the airport. I heard from other people this happened to. If I had not changed my usual rule and ordered a visa in advance from the Bolivian consulate, it would have happened to me and cost me a lot of money. At least, for Bolivia, the money went to Bolivia. With Brazil, their instructions for Louisiana residents seem to require paying the reciprocity fee to Brazil AND paying an even higher cost to a third party. Yes, it's a deal breaker.

all this fare `discussion`is a good part of why I havent been posting much here these days (I elaborated slightly in the premium fares, so I wont bother this time)...

however, since the OP was kind enough to bring this fare to my attention, I thought some may be interested to know this fare is available from pretty much everywhere at the same price...

ANC-MAO 299+
HNL-MAO 299+
LIH-MAO 299+

.... and since these are mpm fares, LIH, etc gets you double the mileage of NYC or ORD... just shy of 18K miles

...thought some may benefit from the extra info before the fare disappears

Only $20 visa for me. 3-business-day turnaround time. Too bad I don't even have 3 consecutive days without needing passport by mid June. Lots of travel in early June...

- I assume this is because you are not using US passport.

I hold HKSAR passport and US passport.

HKSAR passport holder can enter Brazil as tourist for X days (forgot how many but more than enough as I remember) without visa.

I am curious how AA counter agent would check my document(s) - for the outbound I can use HKSAR to satisfy the Brazilian immigration requirement - since this would be a R/T, would the agent demands to see a Visa on the HKSAR passport for US re-entry, or would not even bother to look (the agent at MAO would need to make sure the eligibility for the re-entry anyway)? Or do I present my US passport as well?

...since the OP was kind enough to bring this fare to my attention, I thought some may be interested to know this fare is available from pretty much everywhere at the same price...
ANC-MAO 299+
HNL-MAO 299+
LIH-MAO 299+
Interesting, I saw the fare from ANC,
but then the return cheapie disappeared,
so this may be going away...

edit:
yep... the DFW-MAO I saw before is also now gone,
i.e. the outbound Jun 15 is still cheap, i.e. 232++,
but the return is now over $600..

Outbound from DFW still there (Fri, Sat), but ALL returns are now over $600 :(

Got a little busy at work and let this one slip away ....

EmailKid

Outbound from DFW still there (Fri, Sat), but ALL returns are now over $600 :(

Got a little busy at work and let this one slip away ....

EmailKid

Available out of BWI and keeps going up up and up. Was $560, now $622!

I suppose I could drive 10 minutes to the Brazilian Consulate here in DC and get a VISA ASAP, tomorrow or Monday. Hmmm!

I thought it was MAO airport in Chad. :)

I was just up there a few months ago. That would be an impressive MR - can any of AA's fleet land in sand?

great fare! too bad im fully committed in june

I suppose I could drive 10 minutes to the Brazilian Consulate
here in DC and get a VISA ASAP, tomorrow or Monday. Hmmm!This flight doesn't even operate for another 2 weeks, yes ?? :D

I'm only seeing $7xx from SEA on this. Too bad since I still have 4 years on my Brazil visa and wouldn't mind a 1-2 day stay here. Oh wel....

I'm only seeing $7xx from SEA on this. Too bad since I still have 4 years on my Brazil visa and wouldn't mind a 1-2 day stay here. Oh wel....

Very specific dates but from SEA on Jun 14-17th I'm still seeing 515AI on AA's website. not bad for a weekend trip/run if you have or can get the visa. probably the lowest ever from West Coast to Brazil.

Very specific dates but from SEA on Jun 14-17th I'm still seeing 515AI on AA's website. not bad for a weekend trip/run if you have or can get the visa. probably the lowest ever from West Coast to Brazil.Sure enough, that still comes right up.
And those are with only one change each way at MIA.
Not bad !

Available out of BWI and keeps going up up and up. Was $560, now $622!

I suppose I could drive 10 minutes to the Brazilian Consulate here in DC and get a VISA ASAP, tomorrow or Monday. Hmmm!

I do not know the process in DC... At CG Houston (where mine was issued) there was an appointment system with 'required' slot bookings. However, my experience was that A) they would still see unbooked people with an urgent need and B) they issued a visa for a friend on the spot because they weren't too busy (mine was personally a 2-3 day turn).

As an American, in most destinations that would like me to visit, then if they need to collect a tax or fee, I can pay it at the airport. Since there are a great many countries that allow this, without high motivation, I will never visit a country that doesn't.

Awesome! For your reasons and others (ie, 'I'll never go to a communist country') there are a lot of really cool trips out there that are not overrun by foreign tourists.
Depending on who you know in Houston, you may be able to have someone deliver the visa app for you (a friend did one for her family in AUS), and I'd even deliver one for an out of town friend/frienemy/FT stranger if asked.
Here is the story (from a Brazilian family member): Brazil has a law that requires reciprocity on visas with regards to fees and requirements. If you think Brazil should treat you differently, you should be petitioning your political representatives to change the US laws and Brazil will follow. Interesting recent news from Brazil: an EU country (Spain or Portugal?) was sending back 1/3 of Brazilians on entry (with valid visas). Brazil was sick of it, so they arbitrarily started sending back 1/3 of that country's citizens. Now everyone is scrambling to deal with the diplomacy issue behind it.

Awesome! For your reasons and others (ie, 'I'll never go to a communist country') there are a lot of really cool trips out there that are not overrun by foreign tourists.
Depending on who you know in Houston, you may be able to have someone deliver the visa app for you (a friend did one for her family in AUS), and I'd even deliver one for an out of town friend/frienemy/FT stranger if asked.
Here is the story (from a Brazilian family member): Brazil has a law that requires reciprocity on visas with regards to fees and requirements. If you think Brazil should treat you differently, you should be petitioning your political representatives to change the US laws and Brazil will follow. Interesting recent news from Brazil: an EU country (Spain or Portugal?) was sending back 1/3 of Brazilians on entry (with valid visas). Brazil was sick of it, so they arbitrarily started sending back 1/3 of that country's citizens. Now everyone is scrambling to deal with the diplomacy issue behind it.

Not to mention it is much easier for a US citizen to get a Brasilian Visa and than a Brasilian citizen to get a US Visa. Although Dilma and Obama seem to have hit it off and while Obama still will not back away from requiring a Visa he has been open to having more processing locations, reducing the processing time and making the process less overwhelming. Time will tell.

Very specific dates but from SEA on Jun 14-17th I'm still seeing 515AI on AA's website. not bad for a weekend trip/run if you have or can get the visa. probably the lowest ever from West Coast to Brazil.

LAX same dates @ $506ai. Looks to be ~5CPM and a hell of a adventure.

The Visa is not too hard to get from what I understand, although last time I did it I was in Argentina, not the States.

I'd be all over this if I wasn't committed to Portland that weekend!

What about the need for a Visa?

LAX same dates @ $506ai. Looks to be ~5CPM and a hell of a adventure.

The Visa is not too hard to get from what I understand, although last time I did it I was in Argentina, not the States.

I'd be all over this if I wasn't committed to Portland that weekend!

Must be all gone. The best I can find is $688 LAX-MIA-MAO-MIA-LAX 14-24 Jun. Is that what everyone is seeing now?

So I search using the FT airport code lookup for MAO

get

(MAO)
Intl Arpt Eduardo Gomes
Manaus, BR

and I still have no clue as to where this is

Manaus is a major port city on the Amazon River in Brazil. Cruise ships dock there.

Very busy port for natives to travel, sometimes takes a weeek plus on a small local boat.

You will see a lot of hammocks for sale, they just sling them om deck to travel long periods.

Worth going there for three days (unless you want to venture out more) . Pricing is inexpensive.

Stayed at a hotel called the Taj Mahal ! Go figutr....

I hold HKSAR passport and US passport.

HKSAR passport holder can enter Brazil as tourist for X days (forgot how many but more than enough as I remember) without visa.

I am curious how AA counter agent would check my document(s) - for the outbound I can use HKSAR to satisfy the Brazilian immigration requirement - since this would be a R/T, would the agent demands to see a Visa on the HKSAR passport for US re-entry, or would not even bother to look (the agent at MAO would need to make sure the eligibility for the re-entry anyway)? Or do I present my US passport as well?

For AA ("dual"-citizen) passengers with Danish and American passports flying from the US to Brazil, such passengers present the airline reps in the US with the Danish passport -- which (unlike when traveling only with a US passport) doesn't require a visa/visa-acquisition-prior-to-travel to Brazil -- works just fine even as the US passport has no visa/no Brazilian stamps. When dealing with Brazilian immigration on entry and exist, such persons use just the Danish passports to present for travel to/from Brazil because there is no visa-related costs/headaches involved when using the Danish passports.

The "security" contractors may want to check out both passports and the check-in agents may too, but the involved government passport control agents are fine with being shown just the passport being used for (re-)entry (or exit too in the case of Brazil) at the passport control desks.

Substitute HKSAR passport for Danish passport above, and it works outs the same -- just fine generally for those who remember to have both in their possession.

That said, US citizens with a US passport are supposedly required to use a US passport to exit the country, but the validity of that requirement is even in some doubt in the heads of some of the lawyers working for involved US departments/agencies.

LAX same dates @ $506ai. Looks to be ~5CPM and a hell of a adventure.

The Visa is not too hard to get from what I understand, although last time I did it I was in Argentina, not the States.

I'd be all over this if I wasn't committed to Portland that weekend!

My in-person visa acquisitions at the Brazilian consulate in NYC and the Brazilian consular facility at the embassy in DC worked out well and more smoothly than my most recent visits to US Passport offices to get US passport work done.

My in-person visa acquisitions at the Brazilian consulate in NYC and the Brazilian consular facility at the embassy in DC worked out well and more smoothly than my most recent visits to US Passport offices to get US passport work done.

NYC is fairly simple, just make sure your paperwork and accompanying documentation is completed fully and accurately. The agent will now wait around while you try to "correct" it. Also, the consulate does get backed up from time to time, particularly around busy travel times to Brazil, so don't wait to the very last minute. Turnaround is normally 24 hours but can't be counted on all of the time.

NYC is fairly simple, just make sure your paperwork and accompanying documentation is completed fully and accurately. The agent will now wait around while you try to "correct" it. Also, the consulate does get backed up from time to time, particularly around busy travel times to Brazil, so don't wait to the very last minute. Turnaround is normally 24 hours but can't be counted on all of the time.

I think you meant "not" where you typed "now" above.

Other than that, the above characterization aligns with what I've observed or been told by Brazilian foreign ministry types.

Very specific dates but from SEA on Jun 14-17th I'm still seeing 515AI on AA's website. not bad for a weekend trip/run if you have or can get the visa. probably the lowest ever from West Coast to Brazil.

Note that these fares book into "O" class of service and are not eligible for mileage accrual on Alaska Airlines. However, it does look like there was a policy change as of May 1, 2012 and mileage does accrue on AA.

Koopas

MIA-MAO, June 15-24, $397

MIA-MAO, June 15-24, $397

WOW!:D

It depends on how much you value RDMs at. Most people do not value AA RDMs at 2.7 cents each. I value mine at around 2.2-2.3 cpm now, and I'm on the higher side, but I would not MR purely for RDMs unless it was less than 70% of that, as I don't know when I can spend the miles, and they only have a true value when spent. Otherwise, they may as well be airline funny money, subject to devaluation at any time.

.

While I agree with your thoughts on RDMs and value, the total value of EQMs is a different story. I value each EQM @ 8.8 cents per mile and think the view of MR by RDM a flawed perspective (although you do note for "purely fro RDMs" others base MR soley on this).

Here's how I value miles (on AA as an EXP):


100,000 miles flown = 200,000 miles in the bank value $2,500
8 System-wide upgrades. Value $4,000
Lounge access. Value $800
Free domestic upgrades (unlimited). Value $1,000
First class check-in, dedicated phone line, expanded award inventory. Value $500
Total value. $8,800

So I put one on hold. SEA-ORD-MIA-MAO-MIA-SEA for $521 not bad... around 4.9cpm. Anyone is going on this trip? Please PM me? We should have a get together thing there? since most of us will be there on the same date (fly there on 15th evening, and leave 17th evening). I have been to Brazil many times but only to GIG/SDU and GRU/CGH ... know nothing about MAO... would be nice to have a travel mate there.

For AA ("dual"-citizen) passengers with Danish and American passports flying from the US to Brazil, such passengers present the airline reps in the US with the Danish passport -- which (unlike when traveling only with a US passport) doesn't require a visa/visa-acquisition-prior-to-travel to Brazil -- works just fine even as the US passport has no visa/no Brazilian stamps. When dealing with Brazilian immigration on entry and exist, such persons use just the Danish passports to present for travel to/from Brazil because there is no visa-related costs/headaches involved when using the Danish passports.

The "security" contractors may want to check out both passports and the check-in agents may too, but the involved government passport control agents are fine with being shown just the passport being used for (re-)entry (or exit too in the case of Brazil) at the passport control desks.

Substitute HKSAR passport for Danish passport above, and it works outs the same -- just fine generally for those who remember to have both in their possession.

That said, US citizens with a US passport are supposedly required to use a US passport to exit the country, but the validity of that requirement is even in some doubt in the heads of some of the lawyers working for involved US departments/agencies.

Thanks for the info. Got the HKSAR passport this Feb just for the purpose of no Visa required for Brazil and Russia. ;)

There is no immigration to go thru when exiting US, HOW does the US Government know its citizens exiting the country with US passport or other nationality passport?

I am going to see if there still some MIA-MAO availability and if husband agrees to go...

Here's how I value miles (on AA as an EXP):


100,000 miles flown = 200,000 miles in the bank value $2,500
8 System-wide upgrades. Value $4,000
Lounge access. Value $800
Free domestic upgrades (unlimited). Value $1,000
First class check-in, dedicated phone line, expanded award inventory. Value $500
Total value. $8,800


Free Upgrades only $1000!? 100,000 miles /500 Mile E-certs - 200 e-certs needed. 200 x 30 - $6000.00 How can you value your upgrades less than $6000 considering e-certs are already the cheapest way to get upgraded without using miles. 200,000 miles depending on how you use them can be worth WAY more than $2500. That's 3 one way First Class awards to Europe! I am guessing $800 for lounge access includes the benefit of using partner lounges-- fair enough if you travel overseas a-lot (which would put a higher value on your miles for leisure travel but lower value on domestic upgrades since you would fly more Int'l overseas segments) $500 for First Class Check-in , Award Availability ( KIND OF not so expanded) and phone line..might be a little on the high side there.

Free Upgrades only $1000!? 100,000 miles /500 Mile E-certs - 200 e-certs needed. 200 x 30 - $6000.00 How can you value your upgrades less than $6000 considering e-certs are already the cheapest way to get upgraded without using miles. 200,000 miles depending on how you use them can be worth WAY more than $2500. That's 3 one way First Class awards to Europe! I am guessing $800 for lounge access includes the benefit of using partner lounges-- fair enough if you travel overseas a-lot (which would put a higher value on your miles for leisure travel but lower value on domestic upgrades since you would fly more Int'l overseas segments) $500 for First Class Check-in , Award Availability ( KIND OF not so expanded) and phone line..might be a little on the high side there.

This is what the value is for me. I travel 50%+ internationally and use EVIPs for upgrades so the domestic segments are included. As an EXP I don't get stickers so I figure my domestic segment upgrades at $1000. Miles can be worth more but I sometimes give 50,000 to friends for a free domestic first trip.

Just my 2 cents but I think using RDMs only for MRs is short sighted as to their true value.

Thanks for the info. Got the HKSAR passport this Feb just for the purpose of no Visa required for Brazil and Russia. ;)

There is no immigration to go thru when exiting US, HOW does the US Government know its citizens exiting the country with US passport or other nationality passport?

I am going to see if there still some MIA-MAO availability and if husband agrees to go...

There is no problem for you to use your HKSAR passport when entering Brazil. I also had no problem entering HK with my Brazilian passport :cool:

When AA checks your documents you simply show them your HK passport and your American one. They are used to seeing multiple nationality passports. You just present your HK passport at immigration in Brazil.

There is no issue with doing this. I know may people in the US with European passports who travel to Brazil with no issue.

To CRNK: How would you like me to explain my comment? What are you asking?

As an American, in most destinations that would like me to visit, then if they need to collect a tax or fee, I can pay it at the airport. Since there are a great many countries that allow this, without high motivation, I will never visit a country that doesn't. Macau and Hong Kong, the only countries in China I have visited, charged no fee. They WANT my tourism dollar. Mainland China has made it clear they don't so I don't go there. Bolivia was an exception because I was highly motivated to go there to observe a specific species of bird, most easily observed there. And, even they had a process for paying the reciprocity fee at the airport (with a warning that some airports, such as MSY, would not allow you to get on the plane) or else mail in the documents needed directly to a BOLIVIAN official, not to a third party service who would then (mAYBE) arrange matters with some official in Houston.

Brazil wants me to pay a very high fee not just to their gov't but to a visa service to "walk" my paperwork through Houston. This makes it clear they DON'T want me there. What else do I need to know? I don't pay off third parties or entrust my passport to third parties. I would LIKE to go to Brazil but I would LIKE to go to a lot of places. Those places that LIKE me back will get my money first. Places that appear to want a bribe or that appear not to want me at all will go to the back of the line. Don't get me wrong. I understand if Brazil wants to charge reciprocity. As long as the USA charges their citizens the fee, they should charge it right back, just like Bolivia. But all the other mess, to give money to a third party service...no. That is just not right, and I don't play that way. If I have given offense in my hastily written post, forgive me. Let's put it this way: I have no problem if my $$$ goes to helping the country I visit. But if it goes to a cashback/bribe to some private visa expediting service, that is just wrong and I would choose not to support that.

The countries that require this -- mainland China, Russia, and now Brazil -- well, I think the thing speaks for itself. They think they don't need the middle class tourist, and maybe they don't. Maybe they can make it all from the billionaires. If so, bless their heart!

The point of my post was to warn people who think they can earn miles that sometimes American Airlines has a reputation for checking visas and if you don't have the visa, you don't fly, EVEN to destinations where you can get the visa at the airport. I heard from other people this happened to. If I had not changed my usual rule and ordered a visa in advance from the Bolivian consulate, it would have happened to me and cost me a lot of money. At least, for Bolivia, the money went to Bolivia. With Brazil, their instructions for Louisiana residents seem to require paying the reciprocity fee to Brazil AND paying an even higher cost to a third party. Yes, it's a deal breaker.

You don't get it. You REALLY don't get it. Let me try to explain this to you and see if you can get your head out of the sand.

You are moaning about paying for a service(a third party) that would take care of the Visa process for you.

1. You do not have to use the service. You go in person and apply for the visa in person yourself.
2. You are oblivious to the fact that Brazilians have spend hundreds and thousands of dollars to obtain a US visa (It is a big country you know. Bigger in fact, than the lower 48 United States). My family had to travel 1500 miles to Rio to apply for a tourist visa to visit me. They spent about $2000, and were denied. They do not have the option to pay a few extra dolars for a service. IN PERSON INTERVIEWS ARE REQUIRED.

But frankly, with your superiority complex, I am glad you choose to not travel to Brazil, and spend your money elsewhere.

Let's put it this way: I have no problem if my $$$ goes to helping the country I visit. But if it goes to a cashback/bribe to some private visa expediting service, that is just wrong and I would choose not to support that.

Bribe? This just makes you sound ridiculous.

So I put one on hold. SEA-ORD-MIA-MAO-MIA-SEA for $521 not bad... around 4.9cpm. Anyone is going on this trip? Please PM me? We should have a get together thing there? since most of us will be there on the same date (fly there on 15th evening, and leave 17th evening). I have been to Brazil many times but only to GIG/SDU and GRU/CGH ... know nothing about MAO... would be nice to have a travel mate there.

Helps to note the dates :eek:

Very specific dates but from SEA on Jun 14-17th I'm still seeing 515AI on AA's website. not bad for a weekend trip/run if you have or can get the visa. probably the lowest ever from West Coast to Brazil.

Sure enough, that still comes right up.
And those are with only one change each way at MIA.
Not bad !

Thanks. Just put a trip on hold for SEA-MAO 6/14-6/17/12 at $515 AI. Decent seats on MIA-SEA and SEA-MIA but the MIA-MAO an MAO-MIA in 737-800 seats aren't exit rows due to close to departure time. Not willing to burn an eVIP for a 737-800 segment MIA-MAO though.

Thankfully I'm already re-qualified for EXP and this was just a tempting RDM addition (already have a Brazil visa good for 3+ more years). Looks like I'll pass and save the $$ for re-qualifying next year.

I always wanted to go to Northern Brazil and just booked a flight DFW-GRU-MAO and the the return MAO-MIA-MCO-DFW for $556. SWU didnt clear on the DFW-GRU, but on the MAO-MIA. I wonder if they are serving a full meal in J with the late evening departure?

I always wanted to go to Northern Brazil and just booked a flight DFW-GRU-MAO and the the return MAO-MIA-MCO-DFW for $556. SWU didnt clear on the DFW-GRU, but on the MAO-MIA. I wonder if they are serving a full meal in J with the late evening departure?

Which dates? I wasn't getting any luck out of DFW.

This is an interesting world view. Most visa arrangements are reciprocal. If a Brazilian can not get a US visa at US port of entry, why do you think we as US citizens are more entitled to that privilege at a Brazilian airport?

Incidentally Hong Kong and Macau are not countries, just like New Orleans is not one last time I checked :)

Cheers
@ORD

As a citizen of the country of MSY (that was a bit snarky) may I point out that peachtree did not say that we are more entitled to the privilege of instant visas -- there are places where the reciprocal bureaucracy (regardless of which country started it) has complicated the time and cost of visas in both directions. (Try getting a Dubai visa if you have a Canadian passport). If he wants to avoid those countries, so be it.

I think the main point of the posts has been to warn that getting a BR visa can be time-consuming so be sure you know what the requirements are before you book your trip. I had to pass on a recent bargain fare MIA-GIG because I couldn't get one (from the consulate in Houston) in time. I've lived in Brazil and know how frustrating the system can be.

Wow, this is a spectacular find! $379.40 a/i from MIA June 15-17...these flights are usually around $1000.

I already have the visa, only question is, what about the CDC warning about yellow fever down there and recommending a vaccine? Anyone have any info?

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/brazil.htm

Wow, this is a spectacular find! $379.40 a/i from MIA June 15-17...these flights are usually around $1000.

I already have the visa, only question is, what about the CDC warning about yellow fever down there and recommending a vaccine? Anyone have any info?

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/brazil.htm

I don't know that you HAVE to have one, but getting a YF vaccine is very easy, and not a bad idea if you travel often -- especially if you enjoy Africa. Plus, there are some countries that require proof of vaccination if you have traveled to a country that's had an outbreak of YF.

Just go to a local travel clinic and you'll be in and out in no time. Make sure to get your Yellow Card (can't recall off the top of my head the official name for it, but they'll know ... it's basically a record of vaccination)

Thanks for the tip! Probably won't be doing anything too crazy with only 48 hrs on the ground in MAO but would like to see at least a little of the Amazon.

I have a LAX-JFK-MIA-MAO-MIA-LAX ticket on hold (no visa required for me :D). Still deciding if it's worth spending $513 to Brazil for a weekend as I only have 48 hours there. :p I wasn't going to jump on it, but now that AA is willing to extend my EXP status, I might need to reconsider. ;)

This month's American Way magazine explains some of AA's logic in expanding their offerings to MAO.

You don't get it. You REALLY don't get it. Let me try to explain this to you and see if you can get your head out of the sand.

You are moaning about paying for a service(a third party) that would take care of the Visa process for you.

1. You do not have to use the service. You go in person and apply for the visa in person yourself.
2. You are oblivious to the fact that Brazilians have spend hundreds and thousands of dollars to obtain a US visa (It is a big country you know. Bigger in fact, than the lower 48 United States). My family had to travel 1500 miles to Rio to apply for a tourist visa to visit me. They spent about $2000, and were denied. They do not have the option to pay a few extra dolars for a service. IN PERSON INTERVIEWS ARE REQUIRED.

But frankly, with your superiority complex, I am glad you choose to not travel to Brazil, and spend your money elsewhere.
I don't think he was saying, "American are better than Brazilians, so we shouldn't have to go through the same visa process".

I think what he was saying is that, "Some countries prefer US tourist dollars more than they prefer making a point of being as big of an a$$hole as the US. Unless I have a compelling reason to visit a country, I am not going to jump through hoops to get a visa. The fact that I live in Louisiana makes it even harder for me than people who live near a Brazilian embassy, so I will not be taking advantage of this fare."

Everyone has a line where they say, "My need to visit XXX is not strong enough that I am willing to spend YYY money and ZZZ effort to travel there." The abstract comparison of how difficult it is for other people in other countries to obtain visas does not enter in to that math. I am willing to pay $4 for a gallon of gas, and I will drive X miles out of my way to save Y cents per gallon, unless my "add fuel" light has been on for 30 miles, at which point I will gladly pay $20 for a gallon of gas. The fact that it costs $10 to buy a gallon of gas in the UK has no bearing on my personal economics standards of gasoline consumption. Likewise, the fact that it is much much more difficult for a Brazilian to obtain a US visa really has no bearing on my consideration of whether I consider it 'worthwhile' for myself to obtain a Brazilian visa.

Frankly, if I lived in Brazil (or any other country), I wouldn't choose to come to America unless I had a compelling reason, such as family or business. Between the state department and the TSA, the US is sacrificing a lot of tourist revenue.

I'm sorry your family was caught up in that nightmare. :(

I decided to let it go. I had one on hold SEA-ORD-MIA-MAO-MIA-SEA for $521 4.9cpm. If it's the coast cities I wouldn't hesitate, if the cpm is lower, I wouldn't hesitate... but I am not sure about MAO... especially go by myself. I do not need a Visa to go there cuz I have 2 passports. I love Brazil, but not sure MAO would be my kinda place.

I decided to let it go. I had one on hold SEA-ORD-MIA-MAO-MIA-SEA for $521 4.9cpm. If it's the coast cities I wouldn't hesitate, if the cpm is lower, I wouldn't hesitate... but I am not sure about MAO... especially go by myself. I do not need a Visa to go there cuz I have 2 passports. I love Brazil, but not sure MAO would be my kinda place.

I saw it yesterday from Hawaii on ITA. A truly MR! I tried to book it about 10pm HST, and the fare was gone on AA website, expedia, travelocity, etc...I guess the June 5 deadline was Pacific or Central time...

Don't you need a visa for Brazil?

Don't you need a visa for Brazil?

Brazil tourist visas are subject to visa reciprocity. There are many nationalities (mainly South American, a couple of Asian and Schengen countries) that do not require a visa to Brazil.

Brazil tourist visas are subject to visa reciprocity. There are many nationalities (mainly South American, a couple of Asian and Schengen countries) that do not require a visa to Brazil.

http://www.brazilconsulatechicago.org/en-2-10-102.html

I decided to let it go. I had one on hold SEA-ORD-MIA-MAO-MIA-SEA for $521 4.9cpm. If it's the coast cities I wouldn't hesitate, if the cpm is lower, I wouldn't hesitate... but I am not sure about MAO... especially go by myself. I do not need a Visa to go there cuz I have 2 passports. I love Brazil, but not sure MAO would be my kinda place.

I think you made the right call. If you needed the miles badly then its worth it, but for a quick vacation/mileage jog, it doesn't seem worthwhile. Especially since its just a 737-800 (at least on the flights I looked at) from MIA-MAO and only upgradeable with SWU or high miles + co-pay.

I'm getting $506 out of DCA from June 17th to July 2nd. That's a pretty cheap deal honestly...if only I could find something like this to Rio or São Paulo. Thanks for posting anyways!

Exactly you put it nicely. I would love to go to Brazil, and I certainly don't think I am superior to Brazilians, but as a poor broken-down person from Louisiana, I have to look to places that make it easy for me to visit. :-) I'm obviously reading this thread because I'm interested in the trip, I just don't see a way to make it work.

I don't think any country should be doing this expletive deleted Kafka nonsense, and if I did not live in America, I wouldn't visit here myself. The countries that are doing this nonsense, Russia, China, Brazil, no, I'm not going there. I am in fact in America, but I have no control of public policy. If I did, trust me, there would be none of this visa nonsense, and if for some reason such as you came here to work and needed a visa, it would be a simple process. Tourist visa, no, it's ridiculous to put up all these hoops.

There are 300 countries in the world, I'll hit the easy ones first, and I don't think it makes me a bad person to do that. It's just good sense if you have a limited lifespan to put up with bureaucracy and a limited income to spend on B.S. If everyone did the same and stopped making it profitable for "big" countries to rip people off on nuisance fees, maybe some of the nuisance would stop? But people refuse to stand together. They argue for the right of a big rich country like America or Brazil to charge hundreds -- you say sometimes even thousands? -- in fees. C'mon, have some stones, and admit that's unfair. Do you want all the tourist money to go to some bureaucracy, or might it be nice for an actual real person with a small B&B to make a few bucks? I vote spend the money on real persons and destinations not bureaucrats.




I don't think he was saying, "American are better than Brazilians, so we shouldn't have to go through the same visa process".

I think what he was saying is that, "Some countries prefer US tourist dollars more than they prefer making a point of being as big of an a$$hole as the US. Unless I have a compelling reason to visit a country, I am not going to jump through hoops to get a visa. The fact that I live in Louisiana makes it even harder for me than people who live near a Brazilian embassy, so I will not be taking advantage of this fare."

Everyone has a line where they say, "My need to visit XXX is not strong enough that I am willing to spend YYY money and ZZZ effort to travel there." :(

Wow. Totally NOT my experience. It took all day to get a yellow fever shot at the only place in my state that had it, and they said I got the last shot of the day. They made me wait all day to get it too, I don't know what they were waiting for. Probably to make sure some bureaucrat didn't need it.

A total waste of time and money, because no one ever asked to see it, and any immigration authority in South America or Africa that I hopefully pushed it in their line of sight, hoping I hadn't totally wasted my time and money, always just impatiently pushed it back.

You have to take mosquito precautions anyway, because dengue and some others don't have any vaccine, so you still have to have DEET plus long sleeves...total waste of $$$ and hassle in my opinion but if you are coming from Africa to South America or vice versa you might get it just in case somebody cares. You never know. It probably serves some purpose for some person some time.




I don't know that you HAVE to have one, but getting a YF vaccine is very easy, and not a bad idea if you travel often -- especially if you enjoy Africa. Plus, there are some countries that require proof of vaccination if you have traveled to a country that's had an outbreak of YF.

Just go to a local travel clinic and you'll be in and out in no time. Make sure to get your Yellow Card (can't recall off the top of my head the official name for it, but they'll know ... it's basically a record of vaccination)

I decided to let it go. I had one on hold SEA-ORD-MIA-MAO-MIA-SEA for $521 4.9cpm. If it's the coast cities I wouldn't hesitate, if the cpm is lower, I wouldn't hesitate... but I am not sure about MAO... especially go by myself. I do not need a Visa to go there cuz I have 2 passports. I love Brazil, but not sure MAO would be my kinda place.

Manaus is nice city if you are on your way to explore the Amazonas. Spent there couple of nights few years back. The Teatro Amazonas is quite a sight in the city center. But there are quite a few more interesting cities in Brazil

Anyone that has a Brazilian visa and is looking for last minute MR can get SEA-DFW-MIA-MAO-MIA-DFW-SEA for $515/ai with an outbound on Sat and an immediate turn on Sun or stay for a couple of days for Mon/Tues (same price).

Still bookable on AA.com.

I would guess this works for other routings still too, but I was checking my home airport.

Wow. Totally NOT my experience. It took all day to get a yellow fever shot at the only place in my state that had it, and they said I got the last shot of the day. They made me wait all day to get it too, I don't know what they were waiting for. Probably to make sure some bureaucrat didn't need it.

A total waste of time and money, because no one ever asked to see it, and any immigration authority in South America or Africa that I hopefully pushed it in their line of sight, hoping I hadn't totally wasted my time and money, always just impatiently pushed it back.

You have to take mosquito precautions anyway, because dengue and some others don't have any vaccine, so you still have to have DEET plus long sleeves...total waste of $$$ and hassle in my opinion but if you are coming from Africa to South America or vice versa you might get it just in case somebody cares. You never know. It probably serves some purpose for some person some time.

Well, I know some Asian countries, China included, if they see your passport has the Brazilian stamp they would demand to see a valid Yellow Fever Shot proof. If you dont, you would be refused entry.

Thanks, Happy. I haven't traveled much in Asia. I was hoping they'd check my card during my recent visit to Japan and validate my expense but no.....but you give me hope that I didn't just throw away my money on this stupid vaccine. :-) Some day, SOME DAY, someone will want to know that I'm yellow fever free...!

Well, I know some Asian countries, China included, if they see your passport has the Brazilian stamp they would demand to see a valid Yellow Fever Shot proof. If you dont, you would be refused entry.

Thanks, Happy. I haven't traveled much in Asia. I was hoping they'd check my card during my recent visit to Japan and validate my expense but no.....but you give me hope that I didn't just throw away my money on this stupid vaccine. :-) Some day, SOME DAY, someone will want to know that I'm yellow fever free...!
I guess, having grown up in Louisiana myself, I should have realized in some parts of the country getting a shot would not be as easy as where I am now in SoCal.

That being said, you should note that - I believe - the efficacy period of YF vaccinations is not for the rest of your life; in fact, if I'm not mistaken they only last for a couple years. You should definitely double-check it before travel.

....Still bookable on AA.com.Pretty amazing it is still going.
Two friends from AUS went to MAO today.
Looks like the flight just arrived, an hour late.

I am super jealous of all you people going to Manaus in the next few weeks! I would get in on this deal had my Brazilian visa not recently expired. I visited a couple of years ago, right before American instituted direct service when the area was much harder to get to. REALLY loved it! I would not recommend spending a lot of your time in the actual city--there isn't as much to see. Although, the square near the opera house has a cool vibe on weekend nights, with live music and even locals dancing. The jungle eco-lodges a couple of hours up the river (by boat), or a 15 min. heli ride, are where the incredible nature and wildlife are.

You likely WILL get bitten by mosquitos, there is no way around it in the thick jungle. You just need to do your best, as in any tropical location, to keep covered and away at dusk. I always treat my clothes with permethrin before visiting the jungle.

Just came back from MAO trip and I had a few observations:

- There are no lounges at MAO (without paying) - I wouldn't arrive at the airport more than 1.5 hours prior to departure. Security and immigration is pretty easy since AA is the only international flight departing at that time of the night. Free but slow wifi at the airport.

- Taxis to downtown Manaus is R$57 from the airport taxi counter. An old man offered me a ride for R$50 but I negotiated it down to R$40 (felt kinda bad after finding out how expensive petrol is and it's usually around R$50 - gave him a tip).

- Stayed at the Go Inn Manaus (1 block away from the theater). Modern, clean but small rooms. @:-) Tip: XP BRG works really well here ;)

- No mosquitos (at least in downtown Manaus) so you won't have to worry about the yellow fever vaccination if you do not have it (I already had mine from my Africa trip). Unlike Africa, no one checked for my yellow card. There are no mosquitos if you are staying close to Rio Negro - the water is too acidic to have any mosquitos. But if you are heading into the jungle or closer to Rio Solimões, douse yourself with DEET before leaving your room.

- I joined one of those day trips to the meeting of the rivers for R$140. It's more expensive than I thought and I felt like it's one of those "cattle herding" trips. One of my buddies went on a different tour last time and he was taken on a much smaller boat down Rio Negro. I was hoping that my boat will be much smaller, but it fits about 90 people (with 50 on board that day).

- I felt really safe in Manaus, especially around the Teatro Manaus (I'd highly recommend paying R$10 for the tour of the theater - most of the time, you'd be the only person on that tour and the interior is definitely worth checking out!). I see kids and families hanging around the theater, even around 22:00-23:00. NB: Everything (and I mean everything except for a handful of restaurants and bars) closes at 12:00 on Sunday.

- Food can be inexpensive if you dare to eat with the locals - you can get a stick of churrasco for R$2.50 and a meal for R$7 on street stands. Fruits are amazing - I had plenty of açai juice everyday. :D Cupuaçu juice should not be missed!

- English is widely understood here and surprisingly good, especially if you are communicating with younger adults. Way better than Salvador and maybe better than Rio too.

- There are a lot of markets from the theater south towards the river and they are pretty neat to check out and despite what most people say, I enjoyed Manaus - the city has some interesting character to it and you can definitely see the affluence of the city during the rubber boom.

Thanks so much for the great details. I can't believe AA just opened the fare bucket from Honolulu, so I'm going on my first mileage run.

Arriving this Saturday, Departing Monday. Any one else wanna join me on a day tour of the amazonas?

Where are you guys staying?



Just came back from MAO trip and I had a few observations:

- There are no lounges at MAO (without paying) - I wouldn't arrive at the airport more than 1.5 hours prior to departure. Security and immigration is pretty easy since AA is the only international flight departing at that time of the night. Free but slow wifi at the airport.

- Taxis to downtown Manaus is R$57 from the airport taxi counter. An old man offered me a ride for R$50 but I negotiated it down to R$40 (felt kinda bad after finding out how expensive petrol is and it's usually around R$50 - gave him a tip).

- Stayed at the Go Inn Manaus (1 block away from the theater). Modern, clean but small rooms. @:-) Tip: XP BRG works really well here ;)

- No mosquitos (at least in downtown Manaus) so you won't have to worry about the yellow fever vaccination if you do not have it (I already had mine from my Africa trip). Unlike Africa, no one checked for my yellow card. There are no mosquitos if you are staying close to Rio Negro - the water is too acidic to have any mosquitos. But if you are heading into the jungle or closer to Rio Solimões, douse yourself with DEET before leaving your room.

- I joined one of those day trips to the meeting of the rivers for R$140. It's more expensive than I thought and I felt like it's one of those "cattle herding" trips. One of my buddies went on a different tour last time and he was taken on a much smaller boat down Rio Negro. I was hoping that my boat will be much smaller, but it fits about 90 people (with 50 on board that day).

- I felt really safe in Manaus, especially around the Teatro Manaus (I'd highly recommend paying R$10 for the tour of the theater - most of the time, you'd be the only person on that tour and the interior is definitely worth checking out!). I see kids and families hanging around the theater, even around 22:00-23:00. NB: Everything (and I mean everything except for a handful of restaurants and bars) closes at 12:00 on Sunday.

- Food can be inexpensive if you dare to eat with the locals - you can get a stick of churrasco for R$2.50 and a meal for R$7 on street stands. Fruits are amazing - I had plenty of açai juice everyday. :D Cupuaçu juice should not be missed!

- English is widely understood here and surprisingly good, especially if you are communicating with younger adults. Way better than Salvador and maybe better than Rio too.

- There are a lot of markets from the theater south towards the river and they are pretty neat to check out and despite what most people say, I enjoyed Manaus - the city has some interesting character to it and you can definitely see the affluence of the city during the rubber boom.

Thanks so much for the great details. I can't believe AA just opened the fare bucket from Honolulu, so I'm going on my first mileage run.

Arriving this Saturday, Departing Monday. Any one else wanna join me on a day tour of the amazonas?

Where are you guys staying?

I am doing a Saturday-Monday run as well. I ended up booking an overnight jungle tour with a company that has received favorable reviews online and in Lonely Planet. It won't leave a lot of time to see the city itself, but I think the tradeoff of overnighting in the Amazon is worth it. PM me if you want details.