EZE to AEP: How much transfer time needed?
 

Not sure what forum to post this under, but figured this would be a good place to start.

Does anyone have any experience/guidance on how much time is needed to transfer from an international arrival at EZE to a domestic departure from AEP?

Here's my scenario:

Scheduled to arrive at EZE (from JFK) at 9:35 am on a Saturday day. The last LAN flight from AEP to our destination (IGR) departs at 12:45pm.

Is that cutting it too close?

I figure Saturday traffic should be lighter than normal, but I haven't been to Argentina since the Visa reciprocity fee has been in effect. Not sure how much time that adds to customs processing.

Anybody have any suggestions?

Are both flights on LAN? Are you checking bags on one or both flights?

In any case it's not something I would feel comfortable doing (but I don't like to take risks when it comes to missing a flight). IF you are on time and IF there is no delay at Immigration and Customs you MIGHT make it in time. What happens if you don't? That is to say, what is your plan "B"?

If it were me I would arrive the day before. OR leave for IGR a day later.

And what are the options for getting from EZE to AEP please?

Thanks phlashba!

We're arriving to EZE on American, though they are separately-booked itineraries.

We were planning to take a taxi or private car between the two for the fastest trip.

And, we don't really have much of a "Plan B" if we miss the LAN flight ... other than to act sympathetic and hope they can help us. I know ... not a fantastic plan, but ....

Our other alternative is to book a 4pm flight on Aerolineas Argentinas, but we were hoping to avoid that (A) because we prefer LAN and (B) it gets in much later than we wanted.

Unless others think this is doable, it sounds like we may have been optimistic on how quickly a EZE-to-AEP connection could be done.

So we assume you are NOT checking any bags on either flight? Because if you are I think you can discard the whole plan right now.

If not checking/collecting bags: I think you need to allow for at least 90 minutes for getting to the gate, clearing immigration and customs and another hour to go by taxi/remise from EZE to AEP (you can probably make it in 40 minutes but you can't be sure) but then you have to also make the cutoff for airport check-in. It is not impossible that you will make it but IMO it's cutting it very close (too close for me). And any significant delay in your arrival ruins any chance.

Is there some serious disadvantage to spending the night in Buenos Aires and flying to Iguazu the following day?

One more point -- since you are arriving on AA you could consider the meet and greet by AA's Five Star service. That could certainly whisk you through arrivals but I am not sure it's worth it as the same money could pay for a hotel for one night.

Finally, I think you are wise to avoid Aerolineas entirely. But that's a whole different subject!

Private Remise which is bookable immediately after exiting customs is the best way to go. Taxis at the curb after exit but that might entail a significant wait. There are also shared van transports (which are also bookable at the desks after exiting customs) about which I know nothing but you can take a look at www.tiendaleon.com.ar

Under no circumstances should you accept a ride from anyone who solicits you inside the arrivals hall. Use only official services at the transfer desks or the radio taxis lined up outside.

Reciprocity fee may not add any time - sometimes it saves time, depending on how many people need to pay it - sometimes the line for people who don't is longer. In any event, the longer you are in the immigration line, the less time you have to wait for your luggage. I've never been through after my luggage has arrived.

If your inbound is on time, you should make it. An hour (usually less) from disembarking until paying your remise driver inside at one of the booths. An hour from that point until AEP arrival.

You will, however, have little time to spare.

Note - LAN is notorious for schedule changes, sometimes without a lot of notice. If it is minor, i.e., within an hour (but earlier), they may not let you do anything about it.

Two Decembers ago dfwoods and I had what ended up to be a similar itinerary. Move swiftly (i.e. don't dawdle) through EZE and you'll have plenty of time for a bite to eat at AEP (rather a nice food court opened with the latest AEP renovations). LAN did not stick to their schedule particularly well on those flights (weather in IGR, primarily)...we had several-hour delays in both directions. They also did not have good lines at AEP or at IGR for oneworld. IGR is a typical resort-type airport...AEP is a constrained in-town airport (think MDW or LGA or SAN) with relatively limited lounges etc (primarily domestic with flights to MVD/Punta)

I will be arriving in EZE in business class and departing on LAN from AEP to SLA. I have 4.5 hours, so I am not worried there. Does LAN offer any kind of transfer service, or are we on our own?

If so, what would be the best way to go for two adults and two children?

I do the EZE-AEP transfer and head on to SLA a couple of times a year. No idea if LAN offers transfer service for biz class, but in my experience the standard warning from the airline is that "you're on your own" as far as getting to AEP.

With a family of four, the easiest way would be to head straight to the Manuel Tienda Leon kiosk right outside of the customs area (once you pass through the frosted glass doors past the x-ray machines) and get a private car to take you directly. Last time I used the private car it was 180 pesos direct to AEP, but with prices going up everywhere I'd imagine it's more now.

I'd agree to allot 90 minutes for the trip + traffic, although really I don't think it's ever taken me that long. It's basically a fixed-rate taxi and will take you right there. The bus is a cheaper option but is slower as it goes through the middle of Bs.As. to make a stop at Retiro bus station...not a good option if you're on a tight schedule. There are random taxis outside of the terminal but it's an iffy option.

Checking baggage at AEP on LAN is always a nightmare...the lines are a mess, there is no organization, etc. The only time I've ever cut it close making my AEP-SLA flight was having to fight through the clueless crowds and lines in front of the counters at AEP to get my baggage checked.

If you have pre-printed boarding passes and only carry-on luggage, once you get to AEP it's a breeze to get through security and to your gate.

What Frinkiac7 said. ^

The price will be higher though....nearer 250 pesos now.