Pluna, What to expect?
 

I'm flying Pluna early next year, AEP-MVD and then onwards MVD-GIG after a few days stopover in Montevideo. I'm aware they have an $20 fee for bags which can be reduced by using OLCI, but what are they like regarding inflight service etc?

Thanks in advance

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Nothing fancy.... better if you get a good crew.

Buy on Board or food included?

Snacks included on shorty flights..... food on longer haul, unless things have changed in the last 8 months.

Just flew AEP-MVD three weeks ago. No snacks, beverages for sale (including water). Pluna is trying hard to make money.

Just as a clarification, the $20 fee (which can be reduced to $10 with OLCI, or waived on higher fares) is for the first bag, up to 20kg. Anything beyond that, according to my reading, is a $5/kg charge, which would mean (for instance) that 2 x 20kg would be $20/$10 (depending on OLCI or not) first bag + $100 for second bag. In my experience, they are quite strict with the weights.

Do they count purse/briefcase/computer bag as a separate carryon bag you have to pay for? Or do you get the first carry on bag for free?

Also, on a route like MVD-SCL or GIG-MVD, do they do a hot meal on the CR-9?

I'd expect not. LAN doesn't even have a hot meal in the front cabin on SCL/EZE (but the cold snack is really good). [IMG]http://www.airplanefood.net/images/z...pg&w=500&h=375[/IMG]

Accordingly, I'd expect Pluna wouldn't, on a similar length flight, on a smaller plane with minimal galley space.

1 - I've always been able to carry both a carry-on bag and a briefcase/computer bag without charge or hassle. The ticket/boarding pass documents have also been specific that something along the lines of a "personal item" (to borrow from US terms) is permitted in addition to carry-on.

2 - I've only ever done AEP-PDP-AEP and AEP-MVD-AEP. A year or so ago, they would offer a complimentary drink and a very light snack. These days, they come through with a paid service (Around US$7-10 for a sandwich and soft drink), but I don't know what they offer on the longer flights to/from Brazil or Chile.

I wonder if they weigh the carryon bags. I will check in online and have a typical rollaboard plus a computer bag (but theyll be more than 5kg for sure). Hope that wont cause a problem...do they gate check the rollaboard carryon bags? The CR9 certainly wont accommodate my rollaboard.

Looks like all food service is a for-pay product according to Pluna's Spanish language site.

Are there any airline frequent flyer programs that accept Pluna flights for credit (not including Pluna's own flyclub...does anyone have any experience with that?)?

Bumping this up as Pluna related questions are now being discussed.... some good information here.

Just did AEP-MVD-AEP on Pluna on April 30. New plane. One time over. 2 hours late back. All food and beverage service is BOB on this route.

AEP to MVD is a 45 minute flight. Whether or not you get a snack probably not a big worry. MVD-GIG is 2 hrs. 40 minutes if you fly non-stop. I've had domestic flights much longer than that in Brazil, on TAM and Gol, and seldom got any more than a drink and a non-descript ham and cheese sandwich. All airlines are cutting back. AEP was not a bad airport, though my camera was stolen while I was there (my fault for not watching closely enough as I moved things between 2 carry-on bags). Hope you have some trips out of Montevideo planned. The city is not that big. It's a far cry from Buenos Aires (and some people like that). Some very good restaurants. I stayed at the Sheraton Four Points, which was nothing fancy, but was comfortable. Do read up on the city's history in advance. I flew Aerolineas Argentinas from MVD to AEP and on to El Calafate and Ushuaia, so can't help you with Pluna.

I just did a AEP-MVD-ASU and return trip on Pluna.

When i left from Aeroparque they made me check my rollerbag. I removed everything that i thought was of value. I forgot a very old pocket sized camera that was inside a shoe. When i got to ASU it was gone. I should have known better but it was obvious my bag had been gone through quite well.

On the way back they did not make me check it.

The flights were on time and it was a newer CRJ-900. Inflight service is a al carte with a few options. Cute stewardesses also.

One annoying thing was that at AEP and MVD they made us walk off the plane on the tarmac and on to a bus. The bus then drove about 100 feet and we got off. At ASU there was no bus we just walked. There was never any jet bridge used. I am guessing they have lower ramp fees this way. I also think in Paraguay they just dont care.

On the way back i paid 25 U$D to me moved to the front seat of the plane. Not first class but its as best as you can get here.

From the time i got of the plane at AEP to the time i was in a taxi to my apartment was no more than 15 minutes. One of the fastest times i have ever cleared customs.

Sorry to hear about your camera... I think the crooks at AEP baggage handling are to blame.... :( :mad: