Latin America Trip
 

I need some help in planning a trip and in maximizing miles. Leaving from JFK to Sao Paulo (GRU), I have been told the best carrier to travel with is JAL. I do not seem them as belonging to oneworld. Can someone please clarify?

From GRU, I need to get to Buenos Aires. There does not seem to be any oneworld carriers performing this route. Any tips?

From Buenos Aires, its on to Mexico City. I understand that this is meant to be a hellish trip - especially when you are due in at the office the day you arrive. The choice seems to be: (1) EZE, MIA, MEX for a total of 14 hours on AA (in F class, so not too painful) or (2) EZE and a stop through GRU on a local carrier. Any suggestions on best way?

MEX to JFK seems to be another problem. Are there no oneworld flights carrying this route? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

Hi MOC,

your request was to maximize miles within OW.

JFK-GRU
a)AA951 direct or
b)via Miami where AA flies direct or through a code-share with TAM . You'll get your boarding ticket under a AA7661 or AA 7663 and Status Miles both cases. TAM is excellent.

b) GRU-EZE
You may get miles (not Status) both with TAM or Aerolineas Argentinas direct flights. If I were you I would certainly fly TAM. Their service is outstanding.
Lanchile (OW) would be a mileage run and expensive. I would not recommend.

c) EZE-MEX
Being OW then its EZE-MIA-MEX with AA or EZE-SCL-MEX with LanChile, both will get you Status Miles. If you were Star Alliance then the option you mentioned EZE-GRU-MEX with Varig would be proper.

d) MEX-JFK
You can do it with AA through Miami or DFW and earning Status Miles. Direct Flights only through Star Aliance.

Have a nice flight ! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Thanks very much for your help PB. I will book the trip based on your recommendations. I'm sure I'll enjoy every part of it other than the journey to MEX overnight and an office full of people to face in the morning. I hope the beds on AA are as comfortable as BA!!

Greetings MOC,

Most of my business travel is in Latin America, and I've done the EZE-MEX overnight "tour" a number of times. I usually do fine in the office the day I arrive, provided I find time for a quick shower.

Both EZE-SCL-MEX (Lan Chile) and EZE-MIA-MEX (AA) are very acceptable in both business class and first class. If you ever have to do that "tour" in coach, avoid Lan Chile like the plague. In my experience, AA has much better seat pitch in coach than Lan Chile.

I concur totally with pb9997 on his advice, regarding carriers. TAM provides great service, even on the longhauls which AA codeshares with. I would avoid Aerolineas Argentinas if you can. The one time I flew them, I got sick from the food and was pretty convinced that we were on board the world's oldest 747 (my routing was GRU-EZE, but the plane was continuing on from MAD). Varig is my favorite SA airline, but they're a Star partner, as previously mentioned.

You didn't ask about hotels, but generally I stay at the Inter-Continental in GRU and EZE. They're nice hotels, and the service is outstanding. Because I'm a Six Continents member, I stay with them in MEX, too, though the J. W. Marriott is leaps and bounds nicer. If you have any specific questions about traveling in Latin America, feel free to drop me an e-mail, as it's my "stomping ground" :-)

Thanks very much TexasPT. To be honest, last year I logged so many airmiles (6 mos on the road travelling) and looking back did it so stupidly. I had as yet to find this site and learn all the "tricks of the trade" that you folks know (and share) so well. Less travel this year, but this time I will ensure I do it smarter.

As for hotels, my friend in the local offices recommended: GRU-Inter Continental (just applied for membership, have yet to hear back from them); EZE-Park Hyatt (am a Hyatt Platinum); and finally 4 Seasons in Mexico. I have had problems with them in the past in that Chicago credits my BA Gold but the San Fran site said no. Go figure!!

If you have any other suggestions, they would be much appreciated. I am in pretty good hands on this trip thanks to a friend from the GRU office agreeing to travel with me through-out. I may live to regret that decision based on our mutual "party to the early hours" theme ... but we'll see. Thanks again!