How long do customs/etc. take in AEP for trying to connect to another flight?
 

Hi all,

A friend and I are flying to AEP w/ layover in Sao Paulo and arriving at 14:06. We'd like to catch a flight straight to IGR (Iguazu) when we get in -- there's one at 15:20, 16:25 and 19:30. Could anyone give me an approximation of how long customs and everything else takes at AEP so which flight to IGR we should take? My friend is a US citizen and I'm EU. I figure we have to go through customs since we're coming from abroad and can't just straight go to the gate for the IGR flight, but any insight would be much appreciated!

Cheers,
Nadia

Customs is a lottery and will depend on how many travelers are at the airport and how many immigration and customs officials are working at the time.
15,20 is really impossible
16,25 is a possibility but delays would upset yr plans.
19,30 is playing it safe and is the sensible option.

If you book a through ticket with the same airline things would be easier.

Do you have checked bags...? I agree that 15:20 would be taking a chance but if you don't have bags then your odds get somewhat better. Also, what is your incoming airline... if its a SkyTeam member then maybe you can get check through boarding passes...? AR is part of SkyTeam so this may be of some use, depending on which airline you are coming in with...?

Not advocating you take chances, just trying to help you reason though your options and plan accordingly. And I do agree with malagajohn that there is quite some "random" component in the entire customs/immigration processing time.

This sounds like you'll have two separate tickets, which is risky if you miss the connection. It would also help to know the airlines you plan to use.

I understand that your flight may be booked already, and this is not the issue you wrote about, but not understanding why, if you are going through SP, you didn't plan to go from SP direct to IGU at the falls, instead of back and forth.

Bumping an old thread...

I'm arriving international into AEP and then connecting domestic. Checked bag, same ticket.

I'm wondering whether I need to pick up luggage and pass through customs, US style. Or will bag be checked through to final destination? (Europe style)

US-style. So be aware that even if your bag is tagged outside Argentina to your final destination you will still have to pick it up in AEP and send it in once more.

On the way back they'll send your bag straight to your final destination outside Argentina, but you will have to go through passport control.


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Correcto....#6 will definitely have to go through immigration and customs, and then recheck in for the bags.....I do not understand anyone considering cutting things so close, especially when immigrations and customs is involved.

Even if you fly in and out of Aeroparque, you need a minimum of 4 hours connection time minimum to be mildly safe, considering possible arrival and in-airport delays.

Factor in an EZE/Aeroparue combination, at least 6 hours (more for an international flight out), or an overnight in BA. You aint in Kansas anymore Todo.

Hello I am in the same predicament 2hr 40min stop at AEP (ASU AEP COR same ticket). When they mentioned I have to re-check my bags at AEP does that mean I have to stand in line at the ticketing counter at AEP, or just drop them off in the customs area (like at LAX) ? I am guessing Aerolineas will give me boarding pass for both segments at ASU, but not sure about the situation with the bags.. thank you !

Hello, I could be in a similar situation. I would like to book an AR itinerary:

AR 1381
Depart 9:20 AM MVD Arrive 10:15 AM AEP
AR 1418
Depart 1:05 PM AEP Arrive 3:05 PM MDZ

Is a 2 hr 50 min layover at AEP enough? AR certainly seem to think so because this can be booked on a single PNR. Since this is coming into AEP from Montevideo I will need to clear immigration (UK passport), collect and re-check bags. Looking at AEP, typically two other international flights arrive before this one.

G50

From our own experience we had Salta-AEP-Punta del Este (Uruguay) on one ticket/PNR and they sent our luggage directly in SLA to Punta without any need of touching it in AEP. We just went to passport control in AEP and thats it. Our suitcases made it to Punta. In AEP it was bus gate at arrival but we did it cca 35 minutes after leaving the plane from Salta to the other gate. AEP is very compact. But now I realised it was indeed in opposite direction, ie domestic to international. Waiting for luggage at AEP could take anything between 20 to 50 minutes from my experience. New checkin later adds another 20-30 minutes.

SCL/AEP/IGR. AR says that passport control for immigration is done in SCL!!!
 

Hello everyone.

I have a similar situation, but with conflicting information.

AR website offers the following from Santiago de Chile to Iguazu:

- SCL/AEP 08:55/11:00
- AEP/IGR 12:40/14:35

Meaning a 1h40mn connection.

I first thought it was impossible to do immigration, customs and transfer in 1h40mn.

Your posts here seem to say the same.

But, why would AR sell this ticket if it is not possible?

I called AR in BsAs and was told that it was no problem because:

- passport control would occur in SCL
- luggage would be transferred and customs clearance would occur in IGR.

I find this so hard to believe...

Does anyone here have experience with this kind of connection?

Thank you.