I have been meaning to finish and post a trip report from Buenos Aires to Iguazú. I took LAPA up and AR (Austral) back. Liked AR much better (free alcohol and nicer meal)! The LAPA 737 was a very old plane with seats almost falling apart and loud vibrations over the entire rear of the plane once cruising altitude was reached. I know, as long as they are mechanically maintained properly...

If your tickets are refundable, I would try speaking with a travel agent when you get there. Availability magically appeared when I saw a travel agent in person in BA, and the prices were significantly lower than what I could find from US websites before going.

AR is unfortunately no longer a partner in AAdvantage. I dont think you can do much with AR miles except book them to the AR FFP.

I hope you have a great time in Argentina.

You might want to ask, agua natural (tap) , o agua mineral (soda). Con gas I seen used in Italy, although I have not been to Argentina yet http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

But the Argentinean food is excellent, try the steak with Chimichurris sauce on it http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

To bad there is not an Argentinean restaurant in El Paso http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

an enigma ! when in argentina, i love the steaks [have 2 a day, next trip i will try to have 3]. they are from grass fed beef, are lean & tender.

my friends from there when in the us say they like our "finished out" or marbelized steaks.

the grass is always greener.....

Roger, I had a similar dilemma a while back, and had the misery of a flight with no miles. I signed up for the AR program for the hell of it while waiting for the flight (I was bored...) but I never heard from them.

AR to Ushuaia was erm, interesting. The landing was pretty spectacular, even if the cabin service wasn't. No meal on the flight from AEP-USH. Sweet little airport at USH, though. Landing at AEP is no picnic, either. I flew with LAPA USH-REL and it was much nicer.

When are you there?

What fantastic advice, folks. I want to say a big thank you http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif to all.

Before the thread gets moved to Travelbuzz, I'd like to fill in a couple of gaps.

Re FFP's, thanks to hb1 for the Spanair tip. In the planning stages, I checked AR's website, and there was no mention of Spanair then. Checking again, I see that Spanair is now listed as a partner from 1.1.03.

No mention of AR on the Spanair website (manana?), but we joined the Spanair FFP online.

Looking for info on joining the AR FFP, we could not join online, only by filling in forms while in Argentina or sending details by e-mail. Spanish only, so they are not actively looking for international members. In view of ajamieson's experience, it looks as though it's not worth the bother.

Thanks, clacko, for the tip about Southern Winds. I checked the website and they do not connect our cities, but this may be useful for other trips.

Looking at JimC's and ajamieson's comments about AR and MJ service, I am reassured (?) as to the quality - doesn't seem there is much to differentiate them!

JimC: We have reservations through a local agent (at local prices, it seems) but tickets have not yet been issued. We have to pay locally, in cash - this will be a novel experience - so may be able to adjust when we are there next month.

Thanks to several for other hints, about food and language tips and so on. I've only been to Buenos Aires before (when 1 US$ was 1 AR$), and I'm looking forward to expanding my Southern experience.

I'm constantly amazed by the depth of experience and advice on FlyerTalk, and this thread has been no exception. Thanks again, guys http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif!

[edited for typo]

[This message has been edited by Roger (edited 01-05-2003).]

I think that SpanAir is joining the * Alliance. You could get milage that way.