Drug smuggling by airline employees is a widespread problem, but it usually involves the low level workers (often baggage handlers). Having top management involved is unusual. As I said, if the conspiracy does reach as far as the airline president, I would think it could eventually bring down the airline (the news reports say he is under investigation, but that is obviously very different from saying he was involved). Gaucho, you're obviously much closer to the situation than I am, but if a similar situation were to happen to a upstart US airline, I would have little confidence in their longterm ability to survive (and, from personal experience, I know that upstart South American airlines usually fail anyway!).

My best guess is that pax ticketed for the next few months will have no problems, but I personally would "wait awhile" before booking travel, say, 6 months in advance (unfortunate because the best deals on Southern Winds often involve advance purchase fares). Of course, if your fare is only 100 bucks and you charge it to a credit card, I guess you can roll the dice.

Greetings

I'll be in BaAs March 11-17 and I'd be happy to meet up with anyone. I also speak Spanish. I'll be staying at an apartment near Suipacha and Cordoba I've been there before but I have some questions:

1) Are the shops on the 600 block of Murrillo street the best place for leather goods? They seemed a bit pricy to me. Someone mentioned an "Once" area. Where is that? Any other ideas for best prices on leather

2) Can anyone recommend a good local travel agent? I'd rather the agent book the trip to Iguasu for me. I thought about booking when I first get in but I don't have a brazilian visa. USd100 seems a bit steep to check out water dropping. I want to get around that. Also I'll need a hotel room at Iguasu and I'd rather be prepared. How far in advance do you need to book? Will it get crowed during my stay? When is the high season for tourist at the falls?

Thanks

Eddie

The Airline's president has been working with the justice department here and is providing all available information to ensure the events are cleared up. It seems that there may be some members of the Aeronautical Police based in EZE that played along to allow the 'goods' to pass the security channels. The interesting twist is that the investigations have now led authorities to believe that this shipment that was discovered was surely not the first, so this means that Madrid Airport security was also involved. This will be an interesting story to follow....

In any event, my 2 cents on this is that, apart from the relative damage to the image of Southern Winds, the company should not have immediate operational problems that are directly related to this. SW is receiving subsidies from the Argentine Government (it took over routes of other carriers under this agreement), and is actually expanding some of its operations. It recently took on a 747 as part of this fleet expansion.

Hope this helps those considering issuing a ticket make a better informed decision.

Leather Goods - a few things to consider
 

I hope I dont get myself into hot water for this, but I assure all of you that Im posting this below in the best of spirits.

While Buenos Aires in particular, and Argentina in general is currently home to some great bargains, I would like to caution visitors about buying fashion items in some locations. Not that you will do anything thats terribly wrong, and after all, what one wears is an entirely personal decision... but the "Once" area and also the shops at Murillo Street (Murillo 666 was one a very famous place) do have some issues.

1) leather quality is very variable... some pieces are good, others OK, many are lousy. those who dont know leather, beware.

2) workmanship is usually sloppy. make sure you inspect your garment thoroughly, and try all zippers, look at linings, etc.

3) styles are not always up to the latest trends, this will be more important to some and not at all to others, but a leather jacket is sometimes a fashion statement so I dont think this should be overlooked.

One way to see things is that, even if you choose to shop in the more established areas and in better stores, your dollar or Euro will still go a long way in Buenos Aires. Yes, the more established stores will charge you more, but dont forget that sometimes you get what you pay for.

Just my two cents.....

Top regional management of airlines have been involved in seedy activities elsewhere in years past too. PanAm had a special place in some of those questionable activities that go by the name of "espionage" and "self-financing of operations".

Of course PanAm too did not survive..... but for unrelated reasons. ;)

That would not be a surprise. Corrupt "law enforcement" is quite often part of that criminal-politicians-prosecutors/police nexus in narcotraffiking one sees in many parts of the world. [For a US example, check out Rhode Island, Florida or New Jersey.]

Gaucho100K:

I agree 100%! You don't have to go to the cheapest shop to get a good deal. Even in better stores, leather goods are not too expensive. We checked some shops in the Recoleta area and we have seen some nice leather goods, and we finally purchased shoes and a bag for Mrs. USAFAN at Lopez Taibo...and we got the sales tax back...

Thanks for a great Thread. Off to BA tomorrow.

I think you are right on. Even the more established stores should be approached with a question (nicely) about a final price or a discount. Also, if you are willing to pay cash, the chances you will get a discount will be greater.

Peninsula Valdes Estancia
 

The Mrs. and I spent a few nights, including our wedding anniversary, at La Ernestina on Peninsula Valdes. I highly recommend it. Feel free to PM with specific questions about it.

... and you get the sales tax refund at your departure at the airport. If paid by credit card, you get the refund after a couple of weeks.

thanks for help on estancias
 

Thank you syzygy8, iahphx, and of course, gaucho 100K for responding to my query. It'll be months before I'm off to Argentina, so there is no doubt that I will return for more expert advice.

happy trails, Ellen

While in BUE this January I had my pocket picked on one of the Metro escalators. I could feel it happen, but it was too crowded to turn around. I hope they enjoyed the worn folded tourist map that was all they got from the back pocket of my jeans :p

Despite recent economic hardships for Portenos, Buenos Aires is one of the great cities of the world, with wonderful friendly, intelligent residents and is not to be missed. The 2 weeks until I'm back are torture!

My pleasure... have a great trip !!!! :D

Buenos Aires Apartments
 

Can someone please inform me of contacts for BA apartment rentals. Also, which Southern Argentinian town is the a good launching spot for mountain treking and glacier exploring? Thank you!

I have this link bookmarked for apartments, never used the company.

http://www.bytargentina.com/