We will be arriving at 4am from EZE (on TK) and departing at 7PM/9PM (I at 7PM on CA and my brother at 9PM on JJ) to MAD. We will have checked bags.

I had a few Qs
- for that long of a conx, can we have our bags checked thru to our final destination, or should we pick them up?
- is there a luggage storage place in GRU to leave our bags?
- How are the airport lounges? Do they have showers?
- Are there any day trips that can do a pickup/dropoff at the airport?

Any thoughts? Should we grab a airport hotel? Personally if I can shower in the lounge, I'd rather use that money for a day trip to see the city than a room where I won't be in it at all.

Did you buy separate tickets? If so, you may not be able to check bags through. Best to check with the airlines(s).

Can't answer about luggage storage.

I see you are a UA 1K and the United Club has showers.

Can't help with any day trip info.

Same ticket.

There is a lounge for Diners Club card holders that will store luggage if you have a Diners Club card. There is also an American Express Centurion lounge that is fairly nice. Both are a little hard to find. They are on the level above the checkin places before international check in. Most of the airline club lounges are after you go through international check in.

I don't believe the Diners Club or Amex lounges have showers but there may be some in one of the airline club lounges. (I am not certain about the showers in the DC and Amex lounges because I have never specifically looked for them. I don't recall seeing any though.)

You can take an airport bus into the middle of Sao Paulo and walk around, but the traffic is terrible. Count on two hours each way to be on the safe side. I had the bus drop me off at the Intercontinental Hotel which is in a great neighborhood with shopping, an art museum, parks, etc. The bus leaves the airport frequently. I am not sure how you would catch the bus for the return trip but I am sure they could tell you if you ask at the Airport bus kiosk in GRU. You'd probably have to arrange a pickup at one of the hotels. I don't remember the exact price but it was about $25 (American) each way.

BTW, there is supposed to be free internet service in the airport but it was not functioning when I was there on Tuesday. They did have internet service at the Oneworld lounge but I don't know if the other clubs have it.

Another option would be to get a hotel room in the town of Guarulhos and spend the day at the pool, avoiding all the traffic problems. Some of the hotels have airport shuttles, but not sure if they operate at that early arrival hour.

There is luggage storage (at least 5 yrs ago) which I have used, called Malex. Fairly pricey. As you come out of int'l arrivals they're outside the terminal, to your right (near the taxi rank). The link below gives you the phone numbers, would be worth finding out what time they'd open...

http://br.answers.yahoo.com/question...5023919AA89YFZ

Getting into town and back, it could almost be worth renting a car with GPS, as a bus will set you back R$20 each way, from where you'll probably need to take taxis, which arennt cheap in SP etc. But then there's the cost of parking...

Places to visit are the MASP, Ibirapuera Park, maybe some nice sushi at the rooftop of Cidade Jardim mall, and perhaps a breakfast taking in the view from the rooftop terrace at the Unique Hotel.

Make sure you factor in a good 2hrs on the way back. No need to be at check in any earlier than T-90.

OK.
Though I don't know how comfortable I would feel driving around.
I might look at airport hotels and see if theres a day trip they could organize.
what would a cab run from/to the airport?

Cab to/from GRU would set you back around BRL 120 each way, which is why I suggested renting a car (prob BRL 100 including insurance), but your concerns about driving around are valid: hard to navigate.

I think your best bet is probably to get a bus to a hotel, as suggested, and cab around.

Have you tried hitting the forums on Tripadvisor? There could be referrals of good guides who could set up interesting itineraries for you.

Another option, with private guide picking up/dropping off in GRU (maybe negotiable?):
http://www.toursbylocals.com/SaoPaulo

Thanks
I'll drop them a message. If they can do a airport pickup and dropoff, right there is $120 I can save...

Check-in counters for international airlines typically open 3-4 hours before the flight departs. The Web sites for your airlines should have hours listed. I would imagine your bags should be transferred automatically but you'll have to confirm that with your airlines. I've only transferred domestic-to-international (and vice versa) at GRU, and for shorter periods than you have.

This is an international-to-international connection, so you may be able to stay within the secure area (do you need have a Brazilian visa if you exit the secure area?). When you get off your first flight, there will be reps asking if anyone has an international connection.

The Am Ex Centurion Club is (or at least was) outside security. It does not have showers. Within security there are airline clubs, and you may be able to get a one-day pass (assuming you're flying economy; if flying business or first class, you should be able to use your airline's club, though you'd have to check their Web site to see if they have showers). Some, but not all, have showers. There's also a "spa" with showers, near the airline clubs (haven't used it). There's also a short-stay hotel, and several hotels nearby. I've used just the Dobly International, and they had a day rate.

I've seen remarks on travel sites that there is a luggage storage service at GRU, but I haven't used it.

In the lower left corner of the tour site posted above it lists GRU as one pick-up point. Exact pick-up times they have could be crucial. If you leave the secure zone, you'll have to go through Immigration. Maybe Customs, too.