Most comfortable routing LAX-EZE
 

I'm working on a personal/business trip this August, and will be going from LAX to EZE. I would like to do it on *A or MP partner airlines. I would be buying a paid BIZ ticket. I'm trying to optimize comfort/hard product and good sleeping time...

My "default" routing would look something like this:

LAX-IAD on UA flight 946 (777).
IAD-EZE on UA (767--reliable new configuration?)
EZE-IAD " " "
IAD-JFK on exPlus flight
JFK-LAX on ps flight.

I've found a "reasonable" D-fare, which I can upgrade using SWU's (although NF=0 at the moment). (Taking 3-class birds transcon gives me a shot at the F cabins. I don't mind the longish lay-over at IAD on the way there, as it gives me a chance to get dinner before the flight, then take an ambien and get some sleep on the way to SA).

I'm assuming the only lounge available in EZE would be the RCC? That club wasn't too bad, back in the day.

I've checked on ITA for availability, and see also TAM and TACA, as well as AC. I even looked into LH (LAX-FRA-EZE). Too much time and $. Anybody care to comment on other options? TIA...

Your outbound is definitely right. The return? Not sure about going through JFK. I think there are 3-cabin options through SFO, ORD, and DEN, if not to LAX directly.

Other than the ps flights, I'm not seeing much of any 3-cabin aircraft headed west from IAD before 5 PM... am I missing them?

There are very few domestic 3-class flights to begin with. The most recent widebody schedule is two months old now.

Yes, checking things out, it looks like almost everything is going to narrow-body AC

I think the most comfortable option is going to be the non-*A option - LAN, routing LAX-SCL-EZE and return. Both the outbound and return are scheduled to allow sleep between LAX and SCL. Just make sure you get the non-stop between LAX and SCL. On certain days the flight stops in LIM in the middle of the night, which really interferes with sleep. LAN is a fabulous airline; much better than UA.

How about AC LAX-YYZ-SCL-EZE? That would be my first choice for paid business.

Thanks, that's a good idea. I hadn't considered them; never flown them. On ITA the options I saw with them did have the stop in Lima on the days I wanted to travel, which wouldn't be worth it. I'll have to look more closely.

I wanted to try AC, but the AC fares I can find at a comparable price point to the UA D fares have the long legs in coach! Otherwise, it is over $3k more to fly them. I don't have any upgrade instruments for AC, either. But I would like to fly them sometime...

Air Canada has direct flight from YYZ to EZE now, does not have to stop by SCL anymore. Saves you about 4 hours in each direction. Though it does not have daily flight, I think it operates 4 to 5 times a week.

AC uses 767-300 on this route. Most of them have the new their new Executive First seats, but are being sold as Business Seats. From the pictures posted here and here, those seats can give UA’s new First Class seats run for their money.

Unless you're totally married to UA I'd consider flying MX. You can take a red eye from LAX->MEX then a daytime flight from MEX->EZE, arriving at EZE 8:20PM. I don't have any experience flying MX in C or F, but in the back they have pretty good service.

LAX/EZE - Lan is choice 1. I know this is a UA forum question, but if you get the nonstop LAX/SCL day of travel (and note that this can change without warning, as it did on the trip I'm currently on), LAX/SCL is a pleasant flight, and SCL/EZE is a piece of cake - the SCL connection is a breeze, and is the only 1st world airport in the LAX/SCL/EZE routing. If you get in a bit early to SCL, you will have time for a shower in the lounge and arrive @ EZE, fresh as a summer's eve. I have flown this routing since Dec 2007 6 times (sometimes stopping over in Chile, sometimes not) and haven't had a delay of more than a few minutes on any segment this past year. Also, if you like your wines, Lan is your best choice.

IMhO... I actually would hit JFK each way, not only PS to start and end the trip.... but an IFL at each stop :cool: (well except for EZE)

Also IIRC the 763's should all be finished by August.

Unless you're trying to earn a lump of UA miles, I'd also recommend LAN.

You'd be flying in the new J on their 767.

Food is excellent, and a good selection of Chilean wines to choose from.

I've looked and looked for my day of travel, as well as before and after, and the LAN flights ALL go through LIM. It doesn't look like the best place to break one's travel; kind of "half way" more or less...

Good to hear about the 763's:)

I looked at doing the ps flight on the outbound, and it does work, but I'm a little leery of the close connection going JFK-IAD. Only one option, and if there are T-storms (August), I could be hosed. My thoughts were to take instead the 777, with lots of time to hit Vino Volo, and possibly the IFL...

Sounds truly appealing, but miles are a very important secondary consideration. I've heard good things about TAM (but no first hand experience myself), but their prices are several k-dollars greater than UA...

The LAN prices I've been able to find on ITA are very good, but there's that Lima stop in the middle of the trip... Guess I'll have to wait until I get to BA to have a nice Malbec:p

I thought LAN started that daily direct route - when are you flying?