I am trying to avoid American-based or American-affiliated airlines, and intend to fly from San Francisco SFO to Buenos Aires EZE. I have contemplated several journeys, namely:

1) San Francisco->Toronto->Buenos Aires (Air Canada)
2) San Francisco->Mexico City->Buenos Aires (Mexicana)
3) San Francisco->Miami->Buenos Aires (LAN Argentina)
4) San Francisco->Miami->Buenos Aires (Aerol�neas Argentinas)

Has anyone flown via any of the above mentioned routes? If not, how are these plans? I am currently favouring Option 1 as of now.

Hi Ajedrec�staBrit�nico. Welcome to FT!

Canada, Mexico and Argentina are all in the Americas so not sure how you're going to get here without using an American-based or American-affiliated airline

I have no experience of Air Canada or Mexicana so can't offer advice on those 2 options. Option 3 is out for you because LAN flights between SFO and MIA are operated by American Airlines on a codeshare basis (ie you may have a LAN flight number on your ticket but you will be on an AA plane).

As for option 4, the only time I would fly Aerolineas internationally would be if the only other option to reach my destination was a 3-week boat journey. And even then I'd have to give the decision some serious thought!! Avoid Aerolineas at all costs - the delays and cancellations are terrible and the onboard service leaves a lot to be desired.

Out of interest, why the aversion to US-based airlines?

A lot really depends on which cabin class you are flying in?

If in economy I would prefer to use the quickest means possible (leaving out option 4 of course). Differences in the Y product are not enough to make me want to add hours on to what is already a long journey - ditto for business class as well to be honest although the AC latest J product has had good reviews.

I have never flown these four airlines to EZE, but this is what I know/have heard

1) AC flight to EZE has a stopover at SCL, adding four hours to travel time. Unless they are operating their seasonal direct flight from YYZ to EZE.
2) MX can have long layover in MEX, sometimes overnight.
3) I have friends that flew LAN to EZE, they enjoyed the experiences.
4) I have heard horrible experiences on Aerol�neas Argentinas as mentioned by Britenbsas. Also agree with avoid at all costs.

I recently flew SFO/YYZ/(SCL)EZE. This was in the front cabin, and it wasn't bad. AC seasonally has YYZ/EZE nonstop service.

Your best bet to EZE is generally going to be on LAN, as far as service goes. (Again, you don't mention what cabin you will be in). Unfortunately, they got rid of the LAX/SCL nonstop. However, to EZE, that isn't the end of the world - fly SFO/LAX/LIM/EZE. Your LIM connection is about midnight, and you get a nice 8 hour LAX/LIM leg. They have a great IFE system. LAN pricing generally includes the SFO tag on AA or UA. The big downside is the LAX connection on the return, which makes that last hour turn into 5. Despite this, it is how I usually go.

Whatever you do... avoid Aerolineas like the plague. Im sorry to have to post this but its the way things are.

Option 4 is not an option

Sorry forgot to mention, cabin option is economy/business.

If I had the choice and was travelling alone I would go for the AC business class option just for the flat seat and privacy alone on the YYZ SCL/EZE flight.

The YYZ-EZE nonstop is not coming back this northern winter.

SFO-YYZ-SCL-EZE seems quite out of the way and adds a lot of travel time vs. SFO-MIA-EZE or SFO-LAX-LIM-EZE.

I searched a random date in February 2010 on Air Canada's website for reference, and I found SFO-YYZ-EZE connection, though. Are they discontinuing it after that?

In economy, I'd do SFO-MIA-EZE just to minimize travel time. In business, I'd probably do the same though Eastbay1K's suggestion will likely yield the best service all around.

Also, I think it is understandable to prefer foreign carriers to US carriers simply based on the generally better service alone, but in this case, I would not exclude AA as an option. Flying an all AA itinerary is going to give you the most options if something goes wrong as AA has flights to EZE from three hubs - JFK, DFW and MIA (more than one per day from MIA). If something, for example, goes wrong on the LAX-LIM segment of SFO-LAX-LIM-EZE you could be left competing for limited seats on that once daily flight on the following day. Being on AA will certainly give you better options.

Are you referring to taking LAN?

Yes.

I don't know why you want to avoid US carriers. One other choice that you didn't mention, that I think is valid, is Copa. LAX-PTY-EZE. I have flown this, and while on a 737, their business class was acceptable.

Personally I prefer to fly CO in Biz class. I've flown DL in Biz, and I didn't like it much. I flew on AA once, and it was okay, as well. I've booked MX awards before, but a CO flight always came up later, so I switched to that.

Of the other ones you mentioned, I have taken LAN to South America, in Biz, and thought their service was fine. I haven't flown them into EZE, yet.