May 26, 2015, 1:36 am
Last edit by: tonei
DEAD
When and where are you traveling?
16-Aug-2015 -- 21-Aug-2015 JFK-LIM-IGU (4 nights)-GIG (4 nights) -IGU-LIM (1 night) -JFK dantorsiello
21-Aug-2015 -- 23-Aug-2015 JFK-LIM-GRU (10 hours)-IGU (1.5 days)-GRU (8 days)-LIM-JFK anandrag
10-Nov-2015 -- 15-Nov-2015 JFK-SCL-GIG (2 nights) - IGU (2 nights) - GRU-LIM-JFK Adam1222
11-NOV-2015--15-NOV-2015 JFK-LIM-IGU(2 nights)-IGU-GRU(1 night)-LIM-JFK Long Train Runnin'
18-Nov-2015 -- 28-Nov-2015 JFK-LIM-IGU (2-3 days)-GIG (2-4 days) -IGU-LIM-JFK FPmiles
20-Nov-2015 -- 27-Nov-2015 (OAK)-LAX-LIM-GRU (4 nights)-IGU (2 nights)-LIM-LAX-(SFO) tonei
20-Nov-2015 -- 30-Nov-2015 (SJC)-LAX-LIM-GRU-IGU (2 nights) -GIG (5-6 nights)-SCL-LIM-LAX-(SJC) mtvesuvius
21-Nov-2015 -- 23-Nov-2015 LAX-LIM-GRU-IGU-GRU-LIM-LAX jetsarefast2
23-Nov-2015 -- 30-Nov-2015 LAX-LIM (2.5 days)-IGU (2 days)-LIM (14 hours)-LAX jetsarefast2
25-Nov-2015 -- 29-Nov-2015 MCO-LIM (overnight) -IGU (3 nights) -LIM (overnight) -MCO rivlinm
General Travel Information
Brazil Tourist Visa Questions and Answers
CDC information on Iguaçu Falls
Suggestions for what to do/where to stay/how to get around in ...
IGU
http://wikitravel.org/en/Iguaçu_Falls
GRU
LIM
LAN Economy Tips/Quirks/Etc
Mileage Credit
LAN: O credits 100% to AA for international flights outside of South America."http://www.aa.com/i18n/AAdvantage/earnMiles/airlines/lan.jsp"]Link[/URL]) AS earning rules are unclear, but ask and you might get lucky. (Link)
TAM: O credits 0% to AA for all flights prior to October 1; starting October 1 O credits 50% to AA for intra-Brazil flights and 100% to AA for international flights. (Y and B fares credit 100% on intra-Brazil) (Link)
When and where are you traveling?
16-Aug-2015 -- 21-Aug-2015 JFK-LIM-IGU (4 nights)-GIG (4 nights) -IGU-LIM (1 night) -JFK dantorsiello
21-Aug-2015 -- 23-Aug-2015 JFK-LIM-GRU (10 hours)-IGU (1.5 days)-GRU (8 days)-LIM-JFK anandrag
10-Nov-2015 -- 15-Nov-2015 JFK-SCL-GIG (2 nights) - IGU (2 nights) - GRU-LIM-JFK Adam1222
11-NOV-2015--15-NOV-2015 JFK-LIM-IGU(2 nights)-IGU-GRU(1 night)-LIM-JFK Long Train Runnin'
18-Nov-2015 -- 28-Nov-2015 JFK-LIM-IGU (2-3 days)-GIG (2-4 days) -IGU-LIM-JFK FPmiles
20-Nov-2015 -- 27-Nov-2015 (OAK)-LAX-LIM-GRU (4 nights)-IGU (2 nights)-LIM-LAX-(SFO) tonei
20-Nov-2015 -- 30-Nov-2015 (SJC)-LAX-LIM-GRU-IGU (2 nights) -GIG (5-6 nights)-SCL-LIM-LAX-(SJC) mtvesuvius
21-Nov-2015 -- 23-Nov-2015 LAX-LIM-GRU-IGU-GRU-LIM-LAX jetsarefast2
23-Nov-2015 -- 30-Nov-2015 LAX-LIM (2.5 days)-IGU (2 days)-LIM (14 hours)-LAX jetsarefast2
25-Nov-2015 -- 29-Nov-2015 MCO-LIM (overnight) -IGU (3 nights) -LIM (overnight) -MCO rivlinm
General Travel Information
Brazil Tourist Visa Questions and Answers
CDC information on Iguaçu Falls
Suggestions for what to do/where to stay/how to get around in ...
IGU
http://wikitravel.org/en/Iguaçu_Falls
GRU
LIM
LAN Economy Tips/Quirks/Etc
Mileage Credit
LAN: O credits 100% to AA for international flights outside of South America."http://www.aa.com/i18n/AAdvantage/earnMiles/airlines/lan.jsp"]Link[/URL]) AS earning rules are unclear, but ask and you might get lucky. (Link)
TAM: O credits 0% to AA for all flights prior to October 1; starting October 1 O credits 50% to AA for intra-Brazil flights and 100% to AA for international flights. (Y and B fares credit 100% on intra-Brazil) (Link)
[FARE GONE] LAN: JFK/MCO/MIA/LAX-IGU falls $272+ ai q1RT
May 20, 2015, 9:47 am
#47
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,413
There's a fairly fancy hotel (but with small rooms) on the Brazil side. How much do you want to spend per night?
May 20, 2015, 10:04 am
#49
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: FAR
Programs: TK Elite+, *A Gold, ITA Executive, SkyTeam Elite Plus, HH Diamond, IHG Spire, Wyndham Diamond
Posts: 85
LAX-LIM-SCL-GRU-IGU-GRU-LIM-LAX, with a 2 day stopover in SCL
$432.67 ai
$0.029 per mile (2.9 cpm)
Los Angeles
LAX 12:50pm
Terminal B
Lima
LIM 12:10am +1 day
8 h 20 m
LAN Airlines 601
Economy / Coach (O)
Layover:1 h 30 m
LAN Airlines logo
Lima
LIM 1:40am
Santiago
SCL 6:55am
Arrives on Nov 19, 2015
3 h 15 m
LAN Airlines 601
Economy / Coach (O)
Nov 21, 2015 - Return 1 stop Total travel time:9 h 30 m
LAN Airlines logo
Santiago
SCL 3:15pm
Sao Paulo
GRU 8:20pm
Terminal 1
4 h 5 m
LAN Airlines 5951 Operated by TAM LINHAS AEREAS
Economy / Coach (B)
Layover:3 h 45 m
LAN Airlines logo
Sao Paulo
GRU 12:05am
Terminal 1
Iguassu Falls
IGU 1:45am
Arrives on Nov 22, 2015
1 h 40 m
LAN Airlines 8063 Operated by TAM FOR LA/LP/4M/LAN COLOMBIA AIRLINES
Economy / Coach (Y)
Nov 24, 2015 - Return 2 stops Total travel time:19 h 0 m
LAN Airlines logo
Iguassu Falls
IGU 5:40am
Sao Paulo
GRU 7:30am
Terminal 1
1 h 50 m
LAN Airlines 8062 Operated by TAM LINHAS AEREAS
Economy / Coach (Y)
Layover:1 h 25 m
LAN Airlines logo
Sao Paulo
GRU 8:55am
Terminal 3
Lima
LIM 11:15am
5 h 20 m
LAN Airlines 5222 Operated by TAM LINHAS AEREAS FOR LAN PERU
Economy / Coach (B)
Layover:1 h 25 m
LAN Airlines logo
Lima
LIM 12:40pm
Los Angeles
LAX 6:40pm
Terminal B
9 h 0 m
LAN Airlines 2604 Operated by AND MARKETED BY LAN PERU
Economy / Coach (O) | Seat 44A, 44C
$432.67 ai
$0.029 per mile (2.9 cpm)
Los Angeles
LAX 12:50pm
Terminal B
Lima
LIM 12:10am +1 day
8 h 20 m
LAN Airlines 601
Economy / Coach (O)
Layover:1 h 30 m
LAN Airlines logo
Lima
LIM 1:40am
Santiago
SCL 6:55am
Arrives on Nov 19, 2015
3 h 15 m
LAN Airlines 601
Economy / Coach (O)
Nov 21, 2015 - Return 1 stop Total travel time:9 h 30 m
LAN Airlines logo
Santiago
SCL 3:15pm
Sao Paulo
GRU 8:20pm
Terminal 1
4 h 5 m
LAN Airlines 5951 Operated by TAM LINHAS AEREAS
Economy / Coach (B)
Layover:3 h 45 m
LAN Airlines logo
Sao Paulo
GRU 12:05am
Terminal 1
Iguassu Falls
IGU 1:45am
Arrives on Nov 22, 2015
1 h 40 m
LAN Airlines 8063 Operated by TAM FOR LA/LP/4M/LAN COLOMBIA AIRLINES
Economy / Coach (Y)
Nov 24, 2015 - Return 2 stops Total travel time:19 h 0 m
LAN Airlines logo
Iguassu Falls
IGU 5:40am
Sao Paulo
GRU 7:30am
Terminal 1
1 h 50 m
LAN Airlines 8062 Operated by TAM LINHAS AEREAS
Economy / Coach (Y)
Layover:1 h 25 m
LAN Airlines logo
Sao Paulo
GRU 8:55am
Terminal 3
Lima
LIM 11:15am
5 h 20 m
LAN Airlines 5222 Operated by TAM LINHAS AEREAS FOR LAN PERU
Economy / Coach (B)
Layover:1 h 25 m
LAN Airlines logo
Lima
LIM 12:40pm
Los Angeles
LAX 6:40pm
Terminal B
9 h 0 m
LAN Airlines 2604 Operated by AND MARKETED BY LAN PERU
Economy / Coach (O) | Seat 44A, 44C
Last edited by finlandokie; May 20, 2015 at 11:56 am
May 20, 2015, 10:07 am
#50
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: lax
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Diamond, Hilton Gold
Posts: 389
May 20, 2015, 10:43 am
#51
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 700
If you haven't been, and may not be back soon - I strongly suggest that you visit both sides despite the cost - both very different, but Argentina side proves to be a bit better overall IMHO.
May 20, 2015, 10:52 am
#52
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,422
As others have said, an amazing deal. I think I paid about $200 for the domestic JJ trip GRU-IGU.
I can't see Brazil moving too quickly--maybe a decade? Brazil is almost as clear as Chile was about it being retaliatory. Brazil's rejection rate of visas is still a bit too high. But yes, I can see Brazil working its way into the VWP over the next decade or so.
Argentina has the low rejection rate and was previously in the VWP but am not sure the current intent they have. At least from the most recent round of changes, they seem to be moving in the opposite direction: I entered by land several times, as a visa was not required at the time, but now is for all entries. I guess the other question is: Is Argentina stable enough for the US to be happy? A consistently sinking peso here is not a good sign--was at 3/USD when I went in 2007, then about 5ish/USD in late 2012, and is now up to 9/USD.
I can't see Brazil moving too quickly--maybe a decade? Brazil is almost as clear as Chile was about it being retaliatory. Brazil's rejection rate of visas is still a bit too high. But yes, I can see Brazil working its way into the VWP over the next decade or so.
Argentina has the low rejection rate and was previously in the VWP but am not sure the current intent they have. At least from the most recent round of changes, they seem to be moving in the opposite direction: I entered by land several times, as a visa was not required at the time, but now is for all entries. I guess the other question is: Is Argentina stable enough for the US to be happy? A consistently sinking peso here is not a good sign--was at 3/USD when I went in 2007, then about 5ish/USD in late 2012, and is now up to 9/USD.
They are better than the USA airlines. LAN's problems are "on the ground"; their in-flight service is good. In economy at least. Their premium cabin is lackluster.
May 20, 2015, 11:05 am
#53
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Gold, AA Gold, CO Gold
Posts: 74
My primary impression of LA Y on a JFK-SCL r/t earlier this year was the very tight legroom on their 787. I am 6ft tall, and had to empty the seat pocket of magazines to make room for my legs, a first for me. In-flight service may be marginally better than a US airline, but not as good as TAM was three years ago. My $0.02.
May 20, 2015, 11:58 am
#54
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: TPA
Programs: AA PLT, HH Gold, FM Prem, SPG gold
Posts: 581
Agree. Found them slightly better than US carriers in Y. Flew Mia>lim and was offered an adequate hot meal, wine with dinner and an after dinner drink. Eye shades and pillow as well
Beyond that service was non existent and not particularly warm. Just went through the motions. But still better than our domestic options.
Business hard product was still not fully lie flat and my understanding is service is where they really fall flat.
But for $272 I'd even fly United and enjoy my paltry 1360 rdm.
Beyond that service was non existent and not particularly warm. Just went through the motions. But still better than our domestic options.
Business hard product was still not fully lie flat and my understanding is service is where they really fall flat.
But for $272 I'd even fly United and enjoy my paltry 1360 rdm.
May 20, 2015, 12:05 pm
#55
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 939
I think I differ. We stayed on the Brazilian side and it was absolutely spectacular. Yes if you are a waterfall aficionado or aquatic scientist maybe you "have to pay it" but otherwise I would say it is totally worth a ~$350 flight plus Brazil visa fee just for the Brazilian side. Personally, I didn't and wouldn't pay $160 extra per person to get into Argentina unless I was visiting more than just the falls.
Re where to stay we stayed at the Hotel Florenca and it was good value and very cheap @ ~$65 including breakfast and airport pickup but it is pretty basic and located outside the town. If you plan to do anything aside from the falls and bird park (highly recommended as well) you may want to stay someplace more central in Foz town
Re where to stay we stayed at the Hotel Florenca and it was good value and very cheap @ ~$65 including breakfast and airport pickup but it is pretty basic and located outside the town. If you plan to do anything aside from the falls and bird park (highly recommended as well) you may want to stay someplace more central in Foz town
I think both will eventually be fee-free, but you'll probably have to wait awhile. You can see how bad these fees are for tourism though. I'm taking my family to Chilean Patagonia later this year (a trip I booked because they eliminated the reciprocity fee!) and would certainly cross the Argentine border, but it would cost us $640 to do so ($160 x 4) so we won't.
They are better than the USA airlines. LAN's problems are "on the ground"; their in-flight service is good. In economy at least. Their premium cabin is lackluster.
It would be nuts to go to Iguazu and not see the Argentine side. That's, by far, the best side. Kind of like going to Niagara and not going to Canada. Seeing Victoria Falls and avoiding Zimbabwe, etc. Yes, it's objectively not "worth" the $160, but if you've gone that far, you have to pay it.
They are better than the USA airlines. LAN's problems are "on the ground"; their in-flight service is good. In economy at least. Their premium cabin is lackluster.
It would be nuts to go to Iguazu and not see the Argentine side. That's, by far, the best side. Kind of like going to Niagara and not going to Canada. Seeing Victoria Falls and avoiding Zimbabwe, etc. Yes, it's objectively not "worth" the $160, but if you've gone that far, you have to pay it.
May 20, 2015, 12:10 pm
#56
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2015
Programs: UA: Gold, AA: Platinum, SPG: Gold
Posts: 154
For anyone who wants to book on LAN's website (The deal is alive for some dates), here is a trick to hold for 24 hrs for free:
Go to booking and select paypal. Once you're redirected to paypal hit cancel / go back to LAN's site. This will bring you back and you will have a booking confirmation number and you have 24 hours to ticket the flight by calling or paying online with a credit card. Hope it works for you guys!
Go to booking and select paypal. Once you're redirected to paypal hit cancel / go back to LAN's site. This will bring you back and you will have a booking confirmation number and you have 24 hours to ticket the flight by calling or paying online with a credit card. Hope it works for you guys!
May 20, 2015, 12:23 pm
#59
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: MEX
Programs: LATAMPASS, Copa ConnectMiles Gold
Posts: 266
Agree. Found them slightly better than US carriers in Y. Flew Mia>lim and was offered an adequate hot meal, wine with dinner and an after dinner drink. Eye shades and pillow as well
Beyond that service was non existent and not particularly warm. Just went through the motions. But still better than our domestic options.
Business hard product was still not fully lie flat and my understanding is service is where they really fall flat.
Beyond that service was non existent and not particularly warm. Just went through the motions. But still better than our domestic options.
Business hard product was still not fully lie flat and my understanding is service is where they really fall flat.
I've always had good experiences with LAN on-board my flights with them (and at their lounges, too). If they are lacking service-wise, it's generally before you ever get to the airport -- like if you have to deal with their Santiago HQ. That can difficult.
I've flown with four of the five LAN divisions (Colombia, Peru, Chile, and Argentina, but not Ecuador), and would rate the LAN Chile crews as the best.
May 20, 2015, 12:28 pm
#60
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: TPA
Programs: AA PLT, HH Gold, FM Prem, SPG gold
Posts: 581
I was swapped from aa to lan bc dfw was shut due to ice. I felt as if I was upgraded to y+ even with my minor complaints. Partially culture based.