Aerolineas Argentinas is Argentina’s national carrier, serving destinations across South America, North America and Europe. What makes it unusual is the dual-hub system: long-haul international flights depart from Ezeiza while domestic and short-haul regional routes operate from the downtown airport.
Let’s be frank: it’s not always my first choice, as the onboard experience can be a mixed bag. But when the schedule is right and the price is a steal, I’m happy to fly with them. As a member of the SkyTeam alliance, it also offers some useful perks. Here’s the inside scoop on flying Aerolíneas Argentinas.
Where does Aerolineas Argentinas fly?
From its two Buenos Aires hub airports, Aerolineas Argentinas covers South America extensively. Here’s where they’ll take you internationally: Cancun, Punta Cana, Rome, Madrid and Miami. If you’re headed to Cancún or Punta Cana for some sun, they’ve got you covered there too.
The airline’s domestic network is strong. Serving numerous airports throughout Argentina, it’s often a convenient way to get around a country where driving long distances can be a real challenge. The rise of low-cost competitors like Flybondi and JetSMART has also helped make flying within Argentina more accessible.
Dual hub system and focus cities
Here’s a key piece of advice for flying into Buenos Aires. The airline splits its operations between two airports. Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) is the main hub for long-haul international flights on its Airbus A330s. This is where you’ll land if you’re coming from the US or Europe.
Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) is the airline headquarters and main hub for domestic and short-haul regional flights. It’s conveniently located right in the city center, which is great for locals but can be a headache for travelers connecting from an international flight. AEP is tight on space, which is why the operations are split.
When booking connections to domestic cities, I recommend keeping both flights at the same airport. If you need to switch airports, allow plenty of time. Traffic can be a factor and the bus connection typically takes 60-90 minutes, varying with traffic.
Fleet
Aerolineas Argentinas uses the Airbus A330 for long-haul flights, with 24 Club Condor business class seats in a 2-2-2 layout. If you’re in a window seat, you’ll need to climb over your neighbor to reach the aisle.
Economy class is a standard 2-4-2 setup. Want a little more room without paying for it? I recommend picking a seat in the last few rows. The plane body narrows back there, so the layout changes to 2-3-2, giving you a bit more breathing room.
For regional and domestic flights, you’ll be on a Boeing 737. These planes feature a “Club Economy” cabin at the front, which is more like a domestic first class or premium economy. You get two rows of spacious seats in a 2-2 layout, but don’t expect full business class service.
Inflight service
The service you get depends entirely on the cabin you’re in. The airline offers Business Class, Premium Economy Class and Economy Class.
Club Condor
Long-haul business class is a solid step up, though it may not match the offerings of some global competitors. The seats recline to a lie-flat position, the menus feature multiple courses, and the flight attendants can range from forgetful to wonderfully attentive. The real highlight? The delicious Argentine wines. Don’t be afraid to ask the crew for their favorites.
Club Economy
The Club Economy seats themselves are wide, plush and offer extra legroom. The service, however, is pretty disappointing. If flight attendants serve the cabin at all, it’s typically nothing more than a light snack and basic beverages.
If you’re connecting from a long-haul flight in Club Condor, the difference can be jarring. Honestly, the only reason to pay for this cabin is for the extra space.
Economy
Economy class is pretty standard. You get decent recline, an average meal and some excellent Argentine wine. I do appreciate that on long-haul flights, every seat has its own USB port and entertainment screen with a good variety of shows and movies.
Fare types
Like many airlines, Aerolíneas Argentinas has different fare types, and the cheapest ones come with the most restrictions. It pays to know what you’re buying to avoid surprise fees at the airport. This is especially true since low-cost carriers like Flybondi and JetSMART have entered the market, pushing the airline to compete on price.
Promo fares don’t even permit a carry-on bag (only a small backpack or purse), and you could face a high penalty at the gate. Base fares include a carry-on but no checked bag. This is why SkyTeam elite status can help you save significant cash.
Here’s a money-saving tip: If you have SkyTeam Elite or Elite Plus status with a partner airline like Delta, make sure your frequent flyer number is on your reservation. I’ve found that even if I add it during booking, it doesn’t always stick. Double-check at check-in. This can save you on baggage fees and seat selection through SkyTeam benefits.
Other amenities
While the onboard service can be hit-or-miss, the airline does offer some nice ground perks for eligible travelers. There’s a Salón Cóndor in Terminal C at EZE for business class and SkyTeam Elite Plus members.
As a SkyTeam member, the airline also offers SkyPriority services. This gets you priority check-in, boarding and luggage handling if you have elite status or are flying in a premium cabin. It’s a nice touch that makes the airport experience a bit smoother.
Loyalty program
Aerolineas Argentinas has its own loyalty program (Aerolíneas Plus), but the value isn’t great. I recommend earning miles through SkyTeam partners instead - Flying Blue from Air France or KLM or Delta SkyMiles. That’s the best way to maximize value from your spending with this airline.
When it comes to booking with miles, I often use my Delta SkyMiles for Aerolíneas Argentinas flights. Just be sure to compare the cash price, as domestic flights can sometimes be very cheap. You can also sometimes save a good amount of money by setting your location to Argentina and booking 'locally'.
And if you’re flying in from another country and continuing on a domestic flight, check the price of booking that domestic leg separately. You could save a lot, but this strategy works best if you’re only traveling with a carry-on.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others. Find more perspectives in our user reviews below.
