RIP-OFF Airways? Why Even Argentina’s President Refuses to Fly His Own National Airline

• Airline: Aerolinas Argentina
• Class: Economy
• Route: Madrid (MAD) to Buenos Aires (EZE)
• Aircraft: Airbus A330-200

Aerolíneas Argentinas is an airline in crisis, mirroring the massive economic challenges of its home country. It has gained such a poor reputation that even the President of Argentina reportedly opted for Lufthansa economy class over his own national carrier for a state visit.

I recently flew their Airbus A330-200 from Madrid to Buenos Aires to see if it’s truly as bad as the locals say. At $600+ USD for a one-way ticket with no baggage included, the “bare minimum” was an understatement.

Checking in at Madrid, I inquired about a business class upgrade. The quote? €1,000. Given the dated product, I stuck with my economy seat.

A quick travel tip: I ended up paying €17 for a latte and a croissant at the airport. While I have a Priority Pass, many lounges have become so overcrowded and the food so mediocre that I’d often rather pay for a decent coffee than fight for a seat in a loud lounge. Onboard the A330-200

The aircraft is configured in a 2-4-2 layout, which I personally prefer over the cramped 3-3-3 or 3-4-3 found on newer planes.

• The Seat: Legroom is decent, and you get a pillow and blanket. However, while there is a USB slot, there is no universal power outlet, so don’t expect to charge your laptop during the 12-hour flight.
• The “Bring Your Own” Entertainment: Every seat has a screen, but the airline does not supply headphones. When I asked the crew for some, I was told I had to bring my own.

After a very “light” breakfast of fruit salad, crackers, and yogurt, the crew essentially vanished. For a daylight flight spanning 12+ hours, the crew forced everyone to shut their window shades and then disappeared to the galley.

Even more concerning was the safety oversight. When the seatbelt signs came on due to turbulence, the crew never walked through the cabin to check if passengers were buckled up. It’s one thing to cut costs on food, but cutting corners on safety is never okay.

If you fly to Argentina, you’re there for the steak. I visited Las Lilas (or a similar local steakhouse) and paid about $25 USD (35,000 Pesos) for a fillet. While it wasn’t the absolute best I’ve ever had, it was far superior to the airline’s “pasta-only” lunch option.

Pro-Tip: Buenos Aires is a city that feels very run-down lately, with a visible homelessness crisis. It’s also a difficult city to navigate if you don’t speak Spanish, as English isn’t as widely spoken as you might expect.

I felt ripped off. Between the high ticket price, the lack of basic amenities (like headphones or a proper meal), and the disappearing crew, Aerolíneas Argentinas is truly a “bare minimum” airline.

My recommendation: Look for alternatives. Lufthansa, Iberia, and others fly this route and offer much better value for your money.

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This is it guys, wherever you’re off to, have a safe trip!