DL/LA: ORD to GIG/SDU from $1043
Nov 16, 2020, 9:53 pm
#16
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Midwest
Programs: AA Platinum Pro, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold, IHG Diamond, BonVoy Gold, BW Diamond, RR Premium
Posts: 377
Aha ok thanks for the clarification!
While I realize my mistake, unless you're walking to GIG, there is no security difference between the two. In fact, SDU is walking distance to the known-as-very-dangerous Downtown area of Rio. I stayed at the Novotel SDU a few times for extended periods. Suuuuper quiet around there at holidays and weekends, which in Rio is not a good thing for walking to/from Metro, dinner, etc. Walking from SDU to the hotel took less than 5 minutes but is not for the faint of heart! You never know who will be on the overpass bridge each time you walk across.....
That said, nothing happened to me. I dress down in Brazil, flip flops and a tank top, and carry a 5 year old nearly-obsolete phone, and just one credit card. That's it.
While I realize my mistake, unless you're walking to GIG, there is no security difference between the two. In fact, SDU is walking distance to the known-as-very-dangerous Downtown area of Rio. I stayed at the Novotel SDU a few times for extended periods. Suuuuper quiet around there at holidays and weekends, which in Rio is not a good thing for walking to/from Metro, dinner, etc. Walking from SDU to the hotel took less than 5 minutes but is not for the faint of heart! You never know who will be on the overpass bridge each time you walk across.....
That said, nothing happened to me. I dress down in Brazil, flip flops and a tank top, and carry a 5 year old nearly-obsolete phone, and just one credit card. That's it.
I had my choice of Rio of Sao Paulo for my business side, by the way, and my contacts advised me that the crime was worse in Sao Paulo. Now I am hearing opposite. I suppose in any world city, being smart and staying out of seedy areas, not carrying cash, etc. helps.
Nov 16, 2020, 10:04 pm
#17
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PlatMM, BA and Alaska Emerald, HHonors DIA, Accor, Marriott Titanium, IHG Plat Amb, UA Silver, AA
Posts: 4,513
I'm about to fly into SDU. Planning to take private transport to my hotel. I assume, then, I should just take a regular taxi? Or do you have a better recommendation? I snagged an AA special for under $1300 in Premium Economy. Mix of business and some relaxing next week. SDU was the only thing available. No GIG until December (from DFW)
I had my choice of Rio of Sao Paulo for my business side, by the way, and my contacts advised me that the crime was worse in Sao Paulo. Now I am hearing opposite. I suppose in any world city, being smart and staying out of seedy areas, not carrying cash, etc. helps.
I had my choice of Rio of Sao Paulo for my business side, by the way, and my contacts advised me that the crime was worse in Sao Paulo. Now I am hearing opposite. I suppose in any world city, being smart and staying out of seedy areas, not carrying cash, etc. helps.
Rio is fine especially if you dress down/ beachy and don't carry anything you wouldn't mind losing. I've been there at least 12 times and no problems. Have seen bag/phone snatchings, etc, but really it's fine.
I almost exclusively use Uber in Brazil, you get picked up at SDU at the Uber Center there just outside the terminal at the shopping center area. When using it to/from restaurants and hotels and shopping centers, it's just so nice because you can wait inside and just go out when Uber arrives. And you don't need cash or credit cards to use Uber!
If you need any help send me a PM. Have a GREAT time! Food, beach, people, and sightseeing..... Rio is awesome.
Nov 16, 2020, 10:45 pm
#18
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Midwest
Programs: AA Platinum Pro, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold, IHG Diamond, BonVoy Gold, BW Diamond, RR Premium
Posts: 377
Where is your hotel?
Rio is fine especially if you dress down/ beachy and don't carry anything you wouldn't mind losing. I've been there at least 12 times and no problems. Have seen bag/phone snatchings, etc, but really it's fine.
I almost exclusively use Uber in Brazil, you get picked up at SDU at the Uber Center there just outside the terminal at the shopping center area. When using it to/from restaurants and hotels and shopping centers, it's just so nice because you can wait inside and just go out when Uber arrives. And you don't need cash or credit cards to use Uber!
If you need any help send me a PM. Have a GREAT time! Food, beach, people, and sightseeing..... Rio is awesome.
Rio is fine especially if you dress down/ beachy and don't carry anything you wouldn't mind losing. I've been there at least 12 times and no problems. Have seen bag/phone snatchings, etc, but really it's fine.
I almost exclusively use Uber in Brazil, you get picked up at SDU at the Uber Center there just outside the terminal at the shopping center area. When using it to/from restaurants and hotels and shopping centers, it's just so nice because you can wait inside and just go out when Uber arrives. And you don't need cash or credit cards to use Uber!
If you need any help send me a PM. Have a GREAT time! Food, beach, people, and sightseeing..... Rio is awesome.
Nov 17, 2020, 5:27 am
#19
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Paris
Programs: Flying Blue Gold
Posts: 574
Where is your hotel?
Rio is fine especially if you dress down/ beachy and don't carry anything you wouldn't mind losing. I've been there at least 12 times and no problems. Have seen bag/phone snatchings, etc, but really it's fine.
I almost exclusively use Uber in Brazil, you get picked up at SDU at the Uber Center there just outside the terminal at the shopping center area. When using it to/from restaurants and hotels and shopping centers, it's just so nice because you can wait inside and just go out when Uber arrives. And you don't need cash or credit cards to use Uber!
If you need any help send me a PM. Have a GREAT time! Food, beach, people, and sightseeing..... Rio is awesome.
Rio is fine especially if you dress down/ beachy and don't carry anything you wouldn't mind losing. I've been there at least 12 times and no problems. Have seen bag/phone snatchings, etc, but really it's fine.
I almost exclusively use Uber in Brazil, you get picked up at SDU at the Uber Center there just outside the terminal at the shopping center area. When using it to/from restaurants and hotels and shopping centers, it's just so nice because you can wait inside and just go out when Uber arrives. And you don't need cash or credit cards to use Uber!
If you need any help send me a PM. Have a GREAT time! Food, beach, people, and sightseeing..... Rio is awesome.
Also agree that Rio is wonderful, cannot wait to go back.
Didn't have any safety issue while sticking to the Zona Sul/Barra da Tijuca and Centro on working hours. Touristic places in Rio are pretty safe.
Nov 18, 2020, 6:54 am
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,221
Rio is fantastic, did a long President’s weekend there in Feb before the world fell apart on a ~$1200 J fare on DL.
While we generally had good Uber experiences there were some dodgy cars; taxis are great too - also cheap and usually in good condition, but I think you need cash. We did a taxi from SDU because I didn’t want to have to find the Uber pickup area. We departed GIG and did Uber because we left the hotel at like 6am and I didn’t have cash left.
Lots of general info/recos in the Brazil forum too.
While we generally had good Uber experiences there were some dodgy cars; taxis are great too - also cheap and usually in good condition, but I think you need cash. We did a taxi from SDU because I didn’t want to have to find the Uber pickup area. We departed GIG and did Uber because we left the hotel at like 6am and I didn’t have cash left.
Lots of general info/recos in the Brazil forum too.
Nov 18, 2020, 4:39 pm
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA EXP | Marriott Bonvoy Titanium| Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 11,214
Rio is fantastic, did a long President’s weekend there in Feb before the world fell apart on a ~$1200 J fare on DL.
While we generally had good Uber experiences there were some dodgy cars; taxis are great too - also cheap and usually in good condition, but I think you need cash. We did a taxi from SDU because I didn’t want to have to find the Uber pickup area. We departed GIG and did Uber because we left the hotel at like 6am and I didn’t have cash left.
Lots of general info/recos in the Brazil forum too.
While we generally had good Uber experiences there were some dodgy cars; taxis are great too - also cheap and usually in good condition, but I think you need cash. We did a taxi from SDU because I didn’t want to have to find the Uber pickup area. We departed GIG and did Uber because we left the hotel at like 6am and I didn’t have cash left.
Lots of general info/recos in the Brazil forum too.
If anyone is headed to GIG or SDU, fly to IGU or IGR soon after. IMO, far better.
Nov 20, 2020, 2:34 am
#23
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Queens, NY
Programs: Bonvoy Titanium, OW Emerald, HH Diamond
Posts: 1,066
Three weeks ago I found the same fare on google flights out of JFK down to GRU on DL lir flats non-stop. It only lasted a few hours though, so was not worth posting here. Unfortunately I did not book.
Nov 20, 2020, 9:18 am
#24
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Multiple locations
Programs: AAdvantage ExPlat LT Gold, BA Silver, Aegean Star Gold
Posts: 5,037
Nov 20, 2020, 11:18 am
#25
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA EXP | Marriott Bonvoy Titanium| Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 11,214
Nov 20, 2020, 11:48 am
#26
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: BAEC Gold, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Titanium, UA Gold (*G), DL Silver, Makers Mark Ambassador
Posts: 4,629
Yeah, I was looking for something in that April timeframe but looks like it's dead.
