Originally Posted by antroboy
Considering the increase in foreign tourism flying into Argentina in
the past 3/4 years, I cannot understand that there isn't a straight
flight to EZE from the West Coast. There used to be one about 10
years ago (Aerolineas Argentinas), but when Iberia bought them
they just let the route die
I fly LAX-EZE at least twice a year, I'd love to have this route back...
Aerolineas Argentinas had this route until the financial crisis hit in 2001. Once that happened they drastically cut back on routes. Currently their only US flights are to MIA and JFK. Although I'd like to see service reinstated to LAX for my partner when he travels to the US from EZE, there's no way I'd fly AR. Talk about uncomfortable! They're fine for short haul domestic flights but I would not enjoy a 14 hour flight in Y without IFE or E+ (or chances to upgrade).
AR will not reinstate this route until they are taken off FAA Category 2 status. As long as that rating stands they are only permitted to maintain current routes under heightened safety scrutiny, not add any new ones. Last I heard they were working hard to get Category 1 status back. Once they get that I'm pretty sure EZE-LAX-EZE will be reinstated before too long.
As for UA adding LAX-EZE service... well, I'd love it, but I don't see it happening. They have UA 855 which is LAX-ORD-EZE but you have to change planes. I wonder if they decided to add a west coast flight to EZE whether they'd go with LAX or SFO??
I think the more likely scenario if the flights continue selling as well as they have from both ORD and IAD to EZE is that UA will substitute at least one 772 for one of the 763s. I'd be really happy with that and would finally consider blowing some miles on an F award. Currently there's no way I'd burn 100k miles on an F award on a 763.
With planes being regularly sold out and tickets going for $1000++ each, I think some changes should be coming, whether that be upgauging the aircraft or adding routes/frequencies. Soon to see!