Domestic flight booking and planning

Travelers from Africa to Brazil can consider Royal Air Maroc, with a route such as Nouakchott (Mauritania) to Casablanca (Morocco) and then onward to São Paulo (Brazil). This offers an alternative to direct flights from Russia for those traveling from the African continent.

Advise on strategies for booking domestic flights in Brazil to get the best prices. Discuss the timing of purchase (advance vs. last minute), expected price ranges for flights including baggage, and factors influencing price fluctuations.

Comparison between Ethiopian Airlines and Moroccan Airlines. Moroccan Airlines via Casablanca is preferred for comfort and flight duration. Food on Moroccan Airlines is generally disliked, except for 'tvorog' (quark/cottage cheese), while Ethiopian Airlines' food is considered acceptable, particularly meat dishes. Ethiopian Airlines aircraft are larger, allowing for more movement, but the aircraft on the Sao Paulo routes are comparable. Ethiopian Airlines' main advantage is price.

For travel to Iguazu Falls from Brazil, flying is recommended over long-distance bus journeys (over 24 hours) if budget allows. Potential flight destinations include Cascavel, Maringa, or Curitiba. From Rio de Janeiro, flying to São Paulo and then to Foz do Iguaçu is an option. While bus travel is available, the scenic value may not justify the time commitment. For those preferring buses, consider options with sleeper seats for comfort. When budgeting, be aware that flights to Iguazu can be costly, especially when booked last minute.

LATAM Airlines is strict about hand luggage dimensions and weight. Advise passengers to verify and comply with official hand luggage policies to avoid issues at the gate.

To find cheaper flight tickets, utilize flight aggregators that specialize in complex itineraries with layovers. Platforms that search for routes via hubs like Istanbul or Doha can be beneficial. Airlines like Ethiopian Airlines and Royal Air Maroc often have competitive pricing. Monitor prices regularly, as they fluctuate. Consider booking separate tickets for different legs of the journey (e.g., Moscow to Cairo, then Cairo to São Paulo) for potential cost savings, but be prepared for associated complexities.

Inquire about current travel advisories and airline policies regarding potential route cancellations or modifications due to geopolitical events. Specifically, investigate the feasibility and potential risks of booking flights with Turkish Airlines for the Yerevan-São Paulo route, considering potential disruptions to Doha layovers.

Booking separate flight tickets to reach Brazil (e.g., via China) can lead to transit visa requirements that would be waived under a single PNR (booked itinerary). Risk of missed connections is significantly higher, as separate tickets do not guarantee protection for subsequent segments if the first flight is delayed.

Direct flights from Brazil to Kazakhstan are not commonly available. Travelers typically need to take flights with one or more layovers. Popular airlines offering routes between these countries include Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways, often involving stops in Istanbul or Doha, respectively. Flight duration and cost can be comparable, so choices may depend on specific schedules, layover preferences, and baggage allowances.

For flights to Brazil avoiding transit through Europe or Russia, Cairo is a possible origin point for finding accessible tickets. Previously, Qatar Airways and Royal Air Maroc offered routes from Cairo. Currently, Qatar Airways routes are reportedly 'closed,' making Royal Air Maroc a primary option for such specific travel requirements.

When flying Ethiopian Airlines to Brazil: 1. **Entry Requirements:** Be prepared for immigration to ask for return tickets at Moscow check-in; a booked flight with a temporary hold (e.g., Emirates 71-hour booking) can suffice. 2. **Pregnancy Travel:** Submit a filled, signed, and stamped Pregnancy Certificate and Medif form to Ethiopian Airlines via email at least one day prior to departure. Be ready to present these documents again at Addis Ababa boarding. Carry a self-responsibility letter. 3. **In-flight Experience:** Aircraft may be older (especially Moscow-Addis Ababa), but service is friendly, food is generally good, and amenities (blanket, pillow, headphones, hygiene kit on longer segments) are provided. In-flight entertainment might be limited to English. 4. **Addis Ababa Airport:** The airport is modern with rest areas and food options. 5. **Sao Paulo (GRU) Transfer to Domestic:** Even with a single ticket (e.g., Moscow-Rio), checked baggage MUST be claimed at São Paulo (GRU) and re-checked for domestic flights (e.g., Latam to Rio) after passing customs. A Latam representative might assist with baggage re-check before the main counters. 6. **Domestic Flights in Brazil:** Expect domestic flights to be cold; dress warmly. The recommended layover time for connections is 4-5 hours.

Royal Air Maroc is considered a viable budget option for flights to Russia from Brazil. The airline typically provides hotel accommodation for long layovers. Passenger feedback indicates standard service quality.

Experience with Moroccan Airlines flight from Sao Paulo to St. Petersburg. Baggage was opened and searched upon arrival, though no items were reported missing. Passengers generally find flights via Casablanca more comfortable than Ethiopian Airlines, primarily due to shorter flight times. Food is described as not universally appealing, with a positive mention of 'tvorog' (quark/cottage cheese). EUR is accepted at Casablanca airport for those without local currency.

Online check-in is not mandatory for all domestic flights in Brazil. Most airlines provide self-service kiosks at the airport where passengers can scan their passport or enter their booking reference to print boarding passes and baggage tags. For GOL airlines, some travelers report that online check-in may fail, requiring manual check-in at the airport counter.

For pregnant passengers flying with Royal Air Maroc (RAM) under 32 weeks of pregnancy, they must provide the liability waiver form downloaded from the airline's website. It is highly recommended to print at least two copies, as staff at both departure and transit airports (e.g., Casablanca) may collect them. Standard medical certificates from local clinics are optional but useful for quick visual verification.