sullim4

I'm seeing some pretty reasonable J fares from the west coast to SCL on AeroMexico.

At the same time, in reading through this forum, I am seeing a lot of cynicism directed towards them, most of which seem pretty deserved based on the circumstances. Stuff like refusing refunds on cancelled flights, minimal to no assistance in IRROPS situations, downgrades from J to Y, things like that. It also isn't clear to me how healthy they are after emerging from bankruptcy.

I have never flown them before, either pre or post-covid. Basically I'm wondering - is it worth it to pay nearly a grand more and fly someone like LATAM or DL/AA/UA on long haul to South America, or is a lot of this just overblown?

Mama

Let us know how much their airfare is from the west coast to SCL, and I will tell you if it's worth it.

sullim4

$1850 or so, it's I class. Option of either a noon flight or a red eye to MEX, then connect to SCL the next morning. Red eye from SCL to MEX on the way back, and a 4 hr-ish layover in MEX going back to SEA.

RFNJ

I have been flying them pretty regularly for 10 years, including during and after bankruptcy, and I haven't seen any changes because of it. In the 10 years, I have seen improvement - newer planes, better boarding experience. The criticisms are valid - they suck at refunds. Beyond a simple delay, they often seem to lack any authority/initiative. I have never been downgraded, so I can't speak to that.

I will say that all in all I don't usually have any problems with them. Routine delays are not uncommon, especially dealing with MEX. But I don't think they are a bad airline.

Eastbay1K

MEX is a disaster area. The immigration lines and then if you have to wait for luggage for your connection (SCL northbound is one of those cities...) - it is an hour+ typically for the luggage, as it goes through inspection prior to baggage carousel arrival. The bag re-drop and transit security is typically a 15 minute experience, max. The lounge situation is pretty bleak, but I've got a routine down, including the AX lounge. Onboard F&B ranges from awful to decent. The 787-9 is a nice ride. The 787-8 is an acceptable ride. Most of the 738s are ok, and more comfortable than domestic US narrow body front cabins. The crews range from "don't ask, I'll bite your head off" to quite pleasant. Boarding for US-bound flights tends to be a cluster, especially with the current doc verification.

But the price is often (but not always) right. And the MQDs for DL are almost always right.

urifin

I’ve been there so many times and every time I’m surprised at how there are so many lounges but they’re all equally mediocre.

MSPeconomist

DL DMs use cheap business class AM flights to earn lots of MQDs for not so much money. There are comments on experiences in doing this in the DL forum.

Eastbay1K

Plenty that aren't DMs do the same thing.

Eastbay1K

Oh, some are less than mediocre. As for the OP, if you've only got AM lounge access and want a relatively quiet respite (with extremely limited snacks, but the panoply of beverages), there's a Terraza Premier Heiniken which is a decent hike, but probably the most pleasant place to hang out.

sullim4

Thanks everyone for the input. I think we are going to give this a try, likely with an overnight layover on the way down in MEX. The plan would be to stay at the NH hotel in T2 and catch the 10am flight down to SCL the next morning.

We are pretty invested in AS which is why LATAM has some appeal to us, although maybe this gives us a chance to try out DL from SEA instead. The AM fare is just so much lower than what the competition is offering.

urifin

I stayed at the T2 NH last year after a flight was canceled. It was great.

BNAChairman

My experience of late is that AM will float absurd changes if they cancel a flight - like leaving a day early in a lower class of service - but telephone agents do their best to sort it out. And they answer calls quicker for those with no status than Delta's Diamond Desk answers calls from elites. AM's own lounges are poor but the Centurion lounges in MEX make up for it if you have access. Expect plated options from the latter rather than a buffet. Afternoons and evenings are best for avoiding immigration crowds at MEX.

RFNJ

I like NH...its nothing fancy, but can't beat the ease of access, and has always been very clean.

Milesaway76

Ive been flying on AM for the last couple years to Mex and have taken one domestic flight. The only two complaints I have are it sometimes takes a lot of prodding to get miles connected and it can take over an hour for luggage in Mex and my home airport. If these things were fixed no issues for me.