We are planning our trip for January, 2005 and will be booking a flight on Aerolineas Argentinas from Baraloche to Buenos Aires. The flight arrives in BA at 3:30 p.m. We are then booked on an American Airlines flight from EZE to Miami that leaves at 9:45 p.m. I'm assuming that we should have enough time to get luggage, transfer between airports, check in (business class), go through customs and security but I am wondering what is Aerolineas record for on-time flights or cancelling flights? And, if we should book a later flight on AA instead. Thanks.

I would not take the chance of arriving in Buenos Aires on the same day I am connecting on an international flight with a different carrier. Definitely arrive to BA the day before to prevent any missed connections. You will end up paying high fees for missing flights and having to re-book. Look at your ticket restrictions carefully. Some airlines will not give you a refund or re-schedule you if you miss the return portion of an international ticket without proper notice. Due to the economic status of Aerolineas Argentinas, the airline cancels flights without prior notice. Be careful.

Lately I flew to Bariloche in Aerolineas Arg and to Iguazu, both flights arrive in time.
However if possible I would arrive tone day earlier or alocate more time between flights.
I guess you know that AA most likely is arriving to Aeroparque that is a different Airport from which American will be departing.
They are far from each other.
That is Aeroparque is downtown Buenos Aires by the River Plate, The other one Pistarini Airport (formerly Ezeiza) is like 45 minutes by car and this without any extraordinary delays.
Now I believe that AMerican requires to be in Ezeiza two or three hours
before departure, ?
In other words, I would change the Aerolineas Argentinas to be doulble sure. How is the traffic around 4 PM? I do not know. Frankly I do not how much time it would take at that time of the day. You should try to find out.
Good luck.

A couple of thoughts:

Rather than change the Aerolineas flight, you might consider taking the later American flight, 908. It leaves EZE at 10:55, which gives you an additional hour.

However, since you are booking a year in advance be aware that flight times are subject to change, which could create problems for you.

Another idea: Southern Winds is a member of American's One World Alliance, so by switching from Aerolineas to Southern Winds you could probably arrange to check your luggage through from Bariloche to your US destination.

More importantly, if you are booked through the same system, if there are problems with the first portion of your flight you will not run the risk identified by Poncho of having to pay a large fee to rebook or even lose your unused ticket altogether.....

PONCHOTJ

I have missed a lot of flights in my time but I have always managed to get on a later return flight without charge. When I have missed my outward flight I have found thei airlines to be far less helpful.

Most travel insurance covers you for missing the outward flight but not for the return. I figured this is generally because the airlines get you back without charge although you may have to wait for a seat to become available.

I have missed Ryanair and easyJet flights (but these are not really really return flights as you buy single tickets) and these airlines have made me buy new tickets. But I would be quite surprised if AA or Aerolineas tried to charge me for missing a return flight.

Hi! I am traveling to Antartica in Jan, 2005 thru BA. I prefer to travel independently, which I will in SA, however, obviously, I will join a tour to go to Antarctica Now pls be forgiving if this is not the case, as I am repeating what I was told by my tour operator who does similar bookings for clients. When I was looking at my domestic air, she said that her experience was that oftentimes morning flights were canceled. She spoke generally-no specific airline. She did not know why. When I needed to connect, she was more comfortable doing the connections on the following day. I need to do this on my return from the tip-changing airports in BA & we rebooked the connecting flight the following day. As there are no hotels at the airport, what looks like a wonderful bed & breakfast was recommended, who will shuttle you to & from the airport. This service is included in their very reasonable rates. Contact me if you would like the site.
Now again, I am repeating what I heard. Dr Daawgy has much more first hand knowledge & his suggestion of a later flight is an excellent one.
I know this adds additional days traveling but I view it as a chance to explore different cities more thoroughly. Hope this helps.