correct, it isn't a Gringo Tax, since that would imply it is imposed by the government. It is a Gringo fee imposed by the airline.
You are free to make the argument that it is justified, but it is still a 'Gringo Fee'
Quote:
Originally Posted by HIDDY
Just pay up if you have to.....simple as that.
Local resident fares are common in this part of the world and are there for a reason. Due to the size of the country it allows locals to travel by air at a discounted cost thus making it more affordable for them to visit family. This is only fair given the average wage down here. It's unreasonable for tourists to say they are being charged a "gringo tax" when it's so far from the truth.
I was in Peru last year and I was looking at taking a short trip to Lapaz, Bolivia. Every airline that operated out of Lima imposed the "gringo tax". The basis behind it as I understood was to keep rich (compared to the average Peruvian) gringos from booking their trips to i.e. Cusco or Juliaca in Peru where the price for the airline tickets are considerably cheaper than booking and purchasing your tickets in the U.S. or Europe. The gringo tax at that time was $ 150,00
sucks but there was no way around it except to take a bus.
I just had the unfortunate experience of paying $500+ for an H fare LIM-PCL because that was all the travel agent could see or 'buy' from North America. For my trip this week, we had a local university make the purchase, and saved $300 (we still bought a non-resident fare, just not an absurdly high one).
Does anyone have recent experience with this gringo fee? Is it charged on both LIM - CUZ and CUZ - LIM? Do all airlines charge it, or can anyone confirm that it is only LAN and TACA?
HI. Only by LAN and TACA. TACA only on their Cuzco and Puerto Maldonado Promo fares. LAN only on their Base fares in Peru. And for both it it is a "fee" charged if you get caught using an incorrect fares, it is not on the tix per se. But of course the non-Promo and non-Base fares are more expensive. Sucks big time.
correct, it isn't a Gringo Tax, since that would imply it is imposed by the government. It is a Gringo fee imposed by the airline.
You are free to make the argument that it is justified, but it is still a 'Gringo Fee'
From what I've seen how it works here in Argentina if a tourist books early enough then they can actually get the same fare as a resident. Once the allocation in that fare bucket has gone then you'll pay more. They just hold back more tickets in that fare bucket for residents only.
For what it's worth I found a resident fare last week which was actually dearer than the normal fare. So it doesn't always work out cheaper if you book a resident fare.
HI. Only by LAN and TACA. TACA only on their Cuzco and Puerto Maldonado Promo fares. LAN only on their Base fares in Peru. And for both it it is a "fee" charged if you get caught using an incorrect fares, it is not on the tix per se. But of course the non-Promo and non-Base fares are more expensive. Sucks big time.
Peruvian Airlines has another form of "gringo tax". If you don't have Peruvian IP address when buying tickets, Peruvian Airlines charge 100% more. Noticed when checking the website using company VPN in Lima. As result, in some cases might be recomemmendable to buy tickets on arrival if flying with Peruvian Airlines or fly to Cusco with Star Perú. If you speak Spanish, it's worth calling them to their Peruvian landline and check the price.
If Star Peru and Peruvian Airlines have same prices, personally I would fly with Star Perú as Peruvian has been grounded by local authorities two years ago because of maintenance irregularities with their B737-200 fleet.
peruvian airlines is $50 cheaper RT than star peru for my flight, still go with star peru?
Although there has been before some safety issues with the airline, they should be safe enough. Anyway, taking cab to the airport is almost always the most dangerous part of the trip in Lima so I would choose Peruvian if the price difference is more than 10 USD (and you can change the dates without having to pay penalty, just the fare difference).
Programs: LanPass Premium, AA (former gold), MileagePlus
Posts: 513
Quote:
Originally Posted by amieuro
Amen ! getting to the airport by taxi is an adventure.
Only if you look for a taxi in the street. I never recommend that for foreign people. Limeños know how to negotiate price, intuit if it's a safe driver (though yes, I know that's not infallible), etc. Foreigns always should call a radio taxi. Hotels can get you a secure cab too.
Programs: LanPass Premium, AA (former gold), MileagePlus
Posts: 513
FIRST TIME with Peruvian Airlines
I'm going to CUZ on Oct. 15. Though I briefly checked early in the morning the LAN.com rates, by afternoon I couldn't reserve anything. I think there was a problem cause it said "There are no flights on the route you are asking for". But when I changed dates (oct17, oct 20, even november and december!!!) I got the same message.
I called LAN call center and the girl told me there wasn't available seats to buy thru Lan.com on the date I wanted (But even december??? I didn't believe her). She told me to buy by phone, but the waiting time for a sales contact was endless.
I'm not a patient guy so I hang up and checked Peruvian Airlines webpage and easily could find flights for oct.15 (9:30am) returning on oct. 18 (15:00). A friend of mine suggested me to return early in the morning, cause there are already rains on some afternoons. And his perception (he is a tour guide ang goes to CUZ frequently) is that LAN planes can land on rainy days more than the Peruvian planes (more cancellations or delays than LAN). That was just his perception. But I took the risk and bought the return flight for oct. 18 afternoon.
I'll post my experience after my trip, but if there are any suggestions and recommendations for my flights in Peruvian Air. (check in, boarding time, etc.), they will be welcome. It's my first time I flight on that airline.
FIRST TIME with Peruvian Airlines
