Originally Posted by
mvogel
Next week, we're flying to GRU on United and connecting to an Azul flight to Uruguay. This is all part of a single PNR and we are United 1Ks. Not yet sure if we'll be in Premium Plus or Polaris on the United flight.
We plan to carry-on our bags, but if we decided at the last minute to check a bag, can United tag a bag all the way to PDP and will it be transferred between United and Azul? Anyone care to fathom how reliable the baggage transfer is between United and Azul?
I think Azul leaves from a different terminal than where the United flight arrives. Do we need to go through Brazilian immigration or can we stay air side to transfer from the United arrival terminal to the Azul international departures terminal?
Lastly, we have a 2 1/2 hour connection in GRU. Is there a lounge we can use in the Azul terminal as a *Gold?
Any other advice on the United/Azul transfer is appreciated.
I'm not familiar with this route but I believe it won't depart from the Azul terminal (T1) because it doesn't have immigration facilities, afaik.
Make sure to double check that since T1 is in a separate building from T2 and T3. You don't have that time to waste.
Lounges:
The international area from T2 and T3 are connected but it can be considered a long walk so be aware of that, in case this flight departs from T2.
You can use the Safra lounge at T3 as a *Gold.
T2 international has a Priority Pass lounge, I believe.
Transfer:
I usually stop at GRU so I'm not familiar with transfers but I always hear announcements about everyone needing to collect and re-check bags.
In your situation, I wouldn't risk it with a 2h30 connection. This GRU-PDP flight from Azul operates twice weekly.