Hello Flipside:

Even though I have not flown TAM internationally I flew them inside Brazil under their Brazilian Airpass last year. I ended up taking almost 11 TAM flights, including the connecting flight and their service is just wonderful. TAM is, in my opinion, the first Brazilian airlines to offer true customer service in Brazil ... they are really shining in Brazil! TAM used to be a tiny regional airline in Brazil in the early 90's, but because of their wonderful customer service (and low prices!), they have become the best and largest airline in Brazil. While other Brazilian airlines have stopped offering international service and others are eliminating hundreds oj jobs TAM continues to order new more planes and grow dramatically!!!

The only downside between flying TAM internationally is that their fleet uses Airbus airplanes on international routes while American just switched its 767 to a 777 in its Miami / Rio de Janeiro / Miami route. If you are really crazy for the 777 go with AA. Otherwise, F class on TAM's airbus is just as good.

Enjoy TAM and Brazil!

By the way, this is my first post in the board. I have been enjoying the wonderful comments and all the good advise as to how to maximize miles for almost a year ... and I love it. Hardly passes one day without checking the new posts in the board. I could not resist today to offer my token of advise. Hope it helps!

Macheta

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Macheta