Booking and managing flights

A traveler is seeking advice on a 2-hour layover at Sao Paulo (GRU) airport. They are concerned about the short transfer time but are reassured that if booked on a single ticket, the airline will arrange for the next available flight in case of delays. It's advised not to book separate flight segments for such a connection.

When traveling on a single ticket with the same airline (e.g., Aerolíneas Argentinas) for connecting flights, if the layover duration is significantly shortened (e.g., from 3.5 hours to 1 hour), the airline is responsible for ensuring the passenger reaches the final destination. In Buenos Aires Aeroparque (AEP), while the airport is small, passport control queues can be an issue. If faced with a tight connection, passengers should immediately inform airport staff. If a missed connection occurs due to the airline's schedule change, the airline is obligated to rebook the passenger on the next available flight at no additional cost. It is often possible to avoid re-entering security/registration if the flights are on a single ticket and from the same terminal, but immigration might be required depending on domestic-to-international transfer. Inquire with the airline about free changes to an earlier flight if the connection is deemed too short.

When flying internationally from Buenos Aires (Ezeiza - Pistarini), it is advisable to allow ample time due to the potential for flight cancellations, delays, and rescheduling, which are reported to be relatively common, especially for domestic connections. While international flights may experience fewer disruptions than domestic ones, it is prudent to build in a significant buffer, ideally arriving well in advance or even departing for the airport the day before. A 3-4 hour layover might be insufficient given these potential issues.

For flights within Latin America (e.g., Rio-BA, BA-Lima, Lima-Sao Paulo), booking 2-5 months in advance is generally recommended for price stability. Last-minute tickets (within 24 hours of departure) can occasionally be cheaper due to unsold seat liquidations, though this strategy involves high risk of unavailability.

Qatar Airways remains a reliable option for flights to Argentina. Baggage handling issues, even if they occur (e.g., luggage delayed in Brazil), are typically resolved by the airline with home delivery within a few days.

For domestic flights in Argentina, Aerolineas Argentinas is a common and generally reliable, albeit expensive, option. JetSmart is another viable airline; however, passengers must complete online check-in and print boarding passes to avoid on-site fees. Flybondi is not recommended due to its financial instability and history of widespread flight cancellations, despite some positive individual experiences.

When searching for flights to Argentina from Rio, Aerolíneas Argentinas often offers competitive fares with minimal hand luggage. Be aware that 'mini hand luggage' typically refers to a backpack or a bag, not a small suitcase. Additional baggage can usually be purchased separately. Be mindful that flight deals, especially those allowing small suitcases, may be temporary.

For JetSmart flights, it is crucial to check in online and print your boarding pass in advance to avoid potential charges at the airport check-in counter. Mobile boarding passes are also an option for domestic flights, negating the need for printing.

Booking tickets on Argentine low-cost carriers (Flybondi, JetSmart) often results in payment errors for foreign cards. Recommended workarounds include using a different device, using a local Argentine-issued credit card, or booking via international travel aggregators like Aviasales.

Airline reliability in Argentina varies. Budget carriers like JetSMART and Flybondi frequently experience flight delays or cancellations. Aerolíneas Argentinas is generally considered more stable, though not immune to scheduling issues.

When a flight involves a connection with the same airline or partner alliance, luggage is typically checked through to the final destination unless otherwise specified. Even if a ticket indicates a need to collect and re-register baggage during a short layover (e.g., 2h 10m), this often refers to automated airline procedures where the passenger does not need to exit the transit area.

For flights from Moscow to Buenos Aires, Royal Air Maroc via São Paulo is suggested, though it may involve multiple layovers if only visiting BA and Rio. Turkish Airlines is another option, but be prepared for potential scrutiny of bookings at Istanbul. Ethiopian Airlines is considered, but they have restrictions on certain cat breeds (e.g., brachycephalic). Qatar Airways is an option, but be aware of potentially high cancellation fees.

Users occasionally report issues purchasing tickets on the Flybondi website. A common workaround is to attempt access from a different device (e.g., another computer or mobile phone), as the website may block access from certain IPs or devices due to perceived security reasons.

Strikes are a recurring event in Argentina and can significantly impact travel plans, including flight delays. Information about upcoming strikes typically becomes available a couple of days in advance. If a strike occurs at the airport, it will affect international flights. Travelers should stay informed about potential disruptions.

For complex international flight routes, especially those involving multiple layovers or non-standard connections, it is recommended to use specialized flight search engines designed for multi-segment itineraries. These platforms often outperform general aggregator sites in pricing for complicated connections.