History

In 1949 four loss making airlines were merged into one new state owned corporation and rebranded as Aerolíneas Argentinas. The airline inherited a mixed fleet of post-WWII aircraft, the backbone made up of DC3’s, DC4’s and later DC6’s. Aerolíneas linked the Paris of South America (Buenos Aires) with other major cities which often took days to reach. The arrival of the airlines’ first jet in 1959 drastically cut flying times to Europe and the US. In 1971 Argentina’s government reorganised aviation and Aerolíneas became the sole Argentine international carrier and was awarded 50% of the domestic market. In 1986 the airline’s profitability and reputation was damaged by industrial action and the in 1990 President Carlos Menem, Argentina’s privatisation zealot, sold the airline to a consortium headed by Spanish airline, Iberia. Corruption, asset stripping and shady dealings marked the first decade of private ownership and the airline was forced to enter bankruptcy protection in 2001. After teetering on the brinks of closure the government renationalised the airline in 2008 and in 2010 unveiled an updated livery. Aerolíneas joined SkyTeam in 2012.

On-Board Service

Aerolíneas is not famous for providing great service. The airline doesn’t give priority to aircraft interiors which are tired and many of the staff look exhausted. Many of the airlines crew have been flying for a very long time and it shows. Service is lacklustre and meals are dispensed with a minimum of interaction with passengers, before they disappear into the galley. Passengers who press the call button will often be regarded as a nuisance.

Network

Because of Aerolíneas’ poor reputation, most Argentines regard LAN as a superior airline to their own flag carrier. A subsidiary company LAN Argentina now often has a more popular network than Aerolíneas and even many international passengers prefer other airlines to get to Buenos Aires; hence their network is not at extensive as it ought to be. Domestic flights and some short distance international flights depart Buenos Aires’ Aeroparque airport close to the CBD while long distance flights serve the city’s main airport Ezeiza. The airline also flies between Sydney and Auckland.

Price

Aerolíneas Argentinas is cheap. Not just on occasions but always and the savings can be huge and make the airlines poor on-board experience worth it. Together with the airlines generous baggage allowance, price help explain why the airlines flights are often full.

Catering

Many passengers who remember how low their airfare was expect almost nothing on their flight, so are often pleasantly surprised that a meal is served free of charge, even on shorter legs. However catering is modest, but meal sizes are adequate and the plastic crockery in economy matches the interiors and is fine. Business Class passengers enjoy nice meals on chinaware with a linen tablecloth. The food itself is nothing too exciting but overall it’s not too bad at all.

Entertainment

In the entertainment game, Aerolíneas Argentinas is behind the times, but before you complain this could be an explanation for their cheap fares. The airline does not have seat back entertainment units but shows a single Spanish language film on the main screen with volume and English language translations available through headsets. Their in-flight magazine, called Alta is more exciting than the airline itself with interesting stories and wonderful photography.

Ground Service and baggage

Aerolíneas Argentinas uses its own computerised check-in system which has to be the slowest in aviation. It genuinely takes check in agents a long time to do their job on international flights which often creates long queues, while domestic passenger check in goes smoother. Baggage allowances are very relaxed like Argentineans and if you are required to pay excess charges it is cheap, especially when compared to LAN. Bags are handled in a carefree manner so don’t pack crystal vases. Insurance is not a bad idea when flying round Latin America.

Premium Classes & Lounges

Aerolíneas Argentinas Business Class product called Condor Class is reminiscent of the 1980’s. Basically the seats are much larger than economy, the meal service is superior and the cabin interiors more spacious, however it is not Singapore Airlines or Emirates, but neither is the price tag. If you are after extra space and better experience then its fine, but premium passengers will be forced to endure the typically unpunctual service and unlikely to get more smiles from crew than other passengers. Their few lounges are tired and in need of updating.

Economy Class

For budget travellers Aerolíneas Argentinas has its good points and bad. Firstly its cheap, baggage allowances are extremely generous and the meal service is OK. However on the downside is the airlines terrible track record of punctuality and indifferent overall service. There really is nothing prestigious about the experience and it’s something most passengers want to forget rather than remember.

Frequent Flyer Programme

Until recently staff would actively discourage passengers from joining the airlines terrible frequent flyer programme Aerolíneas Plus. Considering the airline is not partnered with others, membership conveyed few benefits or rewards. However, as the airline is soon joining SkyTeam a membership will then be partnered to many of the world’s great airlines so might indeed be of value. Alternatively, superior loyalty schemes will then be of use on Aerolíneas Argentinas, so why join? Aerolíneas Plus is unlikely to be of any value unless you live in Argentina.

Corporate Culture

Argentineans are very relaxed and open people and the employees of the airline stand up for their rights and are not pushed around like other airlines, especially in the US. Management semi-respect staff or at least take them into consideration when making decisions. During the privatised period 1990-2008 the airline was poorly run, unprofitable and corrupt, and things seem to be much better now than it was then. However basic business decisions seem to be forever in the pipeline rather than being implemented.

Safety

Aerolíneas Argentinas is quite proud of its safety record, not having had any fatal incident since 1970. The airline is credited with being one of the best maintained airlines in America so while many of the aircraft are old, they are well looked after.

Aerolineas Argentinas - Rating

Argentina’s dull flag carrier that attracts passengers by low fares with service that matches.

www.aerolineas.com.ar