Delayed/stranded at EZE
 

I was supposed to fly out of EZE tonight (nov 10th) at 10:45pm. After trying to check in I got a confusing rerouting screen. After a call to onepass, found out that due to claimed weather issues somewhere in the us or Europe the previous flight could not leave last night so now I am leaving at 8:45am tomorrow morning. This presents several challenges for me.

Also annoying was lack of delay email. All I got was the notification to check in at the 24hr mark.

I have a bachelor party (date set while I was way) for a dear friend who is currently sick. I am supposed to help plan it. Getting in 7 hours later prevents that and being ready for the next day
2. Where to stay tonight in Buenos aires and the pain of getting to EZE at 6:30am
3. Wasting my last day in BA talking to phone agents and finding a place to stay.

I was wondering if you could help give me advice on what to ask for in compensation.

Would be an upgrade, rested and comfortable (looks like it is sold out)
A free nice place to stay tonight with transfer to airport
Compensation in form of miles or certs

Thoughts?

Thanks,

Paul


There are worst places to be stranded. :)

Ask them to reroute you on the UA flight via IAD. Or on the AC flight via SCL/YYZ. Weather shouldn't matter in that regard; if there is a seat for sale on those flights CO should put you on it.

aa has flights from eze....maybe you could double dip by asking for orc on *A & get 1 world mi too...

As mentioned, all the major carriers in the US have redeyes leaving around the same time. CO should be able to book you on one of their flights.

Not to be a jerk, but as for upgrade compensation... really? Why should you get one when the rest of the plane is also stuck overnight?

As for hotels... though there is the incentive and tendency for airlines to blame weather a disproportionate amount of times for delays, offering a hotel room to every passenger on every weather misconnect means insolvency for the airline very quickly.

With all due respect, *&% happens. Continental hates having events like these happen as much as you do. No reason to ever count on the air transport system to be 100% reliable.

Delta has a flight to Atlanta if you can get on that. Good connections to IAH if that was your final destination.

I have also flown there through Panama City. Check on Copa flight to Panama City and then pick up Continental to IAH. However, timing may not work out versus just waiting for the delayed flight tomorrow.

Good luck.

True
 

I know that upgrade is a bit far to ask. But it never hurts to ask....

I know stuff happens but always worth a try. Based on other cancels
Getting a room may be best bet. I already asked about flights and they told me there were no partner flights and to call
Customer care.

Thanks

What happened when you called Customer Care?

If I were you, I would focus on whatever it is that you think is most important: 1) Getting back earlier; 2) Upgrade; or 3) Hotel. Neither #2 nor #3 are reasonable, but it never hurts to ask. #1 is reasonable, but it's chances of happening are radically decreased if you him up #2 and #3 at the same time.

Most of the replies so far are non-responsive to the OP's question. Note that he was not asking about how he might get home on time or even minimize the delay - he's only asking about what compensation he can get out of the situation.

well sorry for others for trying to give the OP options to get to the event for his friend. Heaven forbid he get any advice on getting himself home sooner... What a horrible thing!


And since you brought it up, as far as compensation goes, I would say nothing is due.

if weather related, you may be out of luck- as long as your ticket is revenue ticket, ask them to fly you on a different airline. If the UA flight is not available (or operating tonight) AA has 2 nonstops to MIA, 1 to DFW and 1 to JFK so that gives you your best chances vs DL . If you fly to SCL or GRU at this time you WONT make the flight. Aerolineas Argentinas flies to MIA and JFK (but their service is a different story) Another Option- ASK CO to fly on COPA Airlines-- via Panama City--- it leaves like 3-4am or so..and maybe you can fly to USA sooner than flying at 830am--- COPA also flies to a few US cities (MCO, MIA, LAX, JFK, IAD ) and you still get onepass miles. if you need to spend the night, check out airbnb.com as under buenos aires I saw a guest house listed near Ezeiza so you dont have to go all the way to Buenos Aires. Be advised EZE is awful for security-- the lines are huge and innefficient-- you want to be there at least 2 1/2 hrs before flying.

1. To get home earlier:
Do not fly through Brazil unless you have a visa (assuming you're an American citizen). Also you can fly LAN directly to MIA. LAN also offers several flights via SCL, LIM and UIO then onto MIA. Copa will put you through PTY, Avianca through BOG and AeroMexico (and I believe Mexicana as well) will get you to MEX then onto your final destination (though most likely via MIA). You could also get to SCL via AEP airport in Buenos Aires on Aerolineas Argentinas and LAN if they're telling you that those flights are full. Suerte!! If I'm not mistaken, if you're going through SCL you'll have to pay their reciprocal entry fee you paid when you arrived in EZE (~$120 USD I think?).


2.As far as compensation, you're probably out of luck but writing a complaint sans emotion may reward you 15k miles. Never know... always worth a try as it seems they were at fault at not notifying you that the flight is going to be so delayed! I studied abroad in BA so I can appreciate your frustration getting from the city to EZE!

It's a bit unreasonable, though, for weather in Europe to be the reason a passenger in South America experiences a cancelled flight.

That being said, Continental knew two days ago that your flight was going to be delayed. That should be your basis for any compensation! Enjoy the mate!

Thanks for the replies
 

Thanks for the advice on time. My friend who lives in La Plata. Advised me on the long waits at the airport. His thinking is it will be a bit better in the morning since not many intl flights go out then.

I tried calling customer care again but after being on hold for 20. (With a 5-10 quoted) Skype cut out. I am going to try for a hotel and then miles/voucher.

The time of the flight is less than ideal for transport and jet lag.

Got through and they told me I had to do that at the airport and then the call dropped..... Guess I'll try once I get back to the EE.UU

Ciao,

Pablo