I flew from Miami to Argentina on the country's flag carrier for the first time. I was thoroughly impressed with the A330 economy trip after low expectations.

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Taylor RainsMar 19, 2023, 17:14 IST
I flew from Miami to Argentina on the country's flag carrier for the first time. I was thoroughly impressed with the A330 economy trip after low expectations.

Taylor Rains/Insider

  • Aerolineas Argentinas is Argentina's flag carrier and has a fleet of Airbus A330 and Boeing 737 aircraft.
  • I flew for nine hours on the A330 from Miami to Buenos Aires and went in with low expectations.
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When I was planning my November 2022 trip to Antarctica, I knew I'd have to get myself to Ushuaia, Argentina — the southern-most city in the world.

When I was planning my November 2022 trip to Antarctica, I knew I'd have to get myself to Ushuaia, Argentina — the southern-most city in the world.
Standing at the port in Ushuaia with the Ocean Endeavour — the expedition ship that took me to Antarctica.Taylor Rains/Insider

I spent $5,700 to travel to Antarctica on an expedition cruise ship. Here are 9 things I think everyone should know before going.

I found the best way to get there would be on Aerolineas Argentinas — the country's flag carrier.

I found the best way to get there would be on Aerolineas Argentinas — the country's flag carrier.
Matías Baglietto/NurPhoto via Getty Images

See inside the Ocean Endeavor, a ship that sails to Antarctica. Rooms can go for over $10,000.

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I preferred Aerolineas over low-cost options because the carrier flies to the South American city multiple times a day, meaning I had options if things went wrong.

I preferred Aerolineas over low-cost options because the carrier flies to the South American city multiple times a day, meaning I had options if things went wrong.
Inside Aerolineas Argentinas Boeing 737. This aircraft had thinner seats than the one I took to Ushuaia, but both were perfectly comfortable.Taylor Rains/Insider

Low-cost carriers like JetSmart only fly the route a few days a week, meaning if one flight was canceled, I might have to wait several days for the next one.

Low-cost carriers like JetSmart only fly the route a few days a week, meaning if one flight was canceled, I might have to wait several days for the next one.
Fabrizio Gandolfo/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
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But, before I could hop to Ushuaia, I had to first take a long-haul trek to Buenos Aires. I booked my flight for about $1,000 roundtrip from Miami, with a few days' stay in the capital city.

But, before I could hop to Ushuaia, I had to first take a long-haul trek to Buenos Aires. I booked my flight for about $1,000 roundtrip from Miami, with a few days' stay in the capital city.
The BA sign in Buenos Aires.Taylor Rains/Insider

After booking the flag airline, I started to do research and saw a lot of reviews knocking it for things like seat comfort and inflight entertainment.

After booking the flag airline, I started to do research and saw a lot of reviews knocking it for things like seat comfort and inflight entertainment.
Eitan Abramovich/AFP via Getty Images
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However, users of travel website TripAdvisor named Aerolineas the best major airline in Latin America in 2019 and it was number seven on Skytrax's 2022 list of best airlines in South America.

However, users of travel website TripAdvisor named Aerolineas the best major airline in Latin America in 2019 and it was number seven on Skytrax's 2022 list of best airlines in South America.
Granted, Aerolineas still lost to low-cost competitors, like JetSmart and Chile's Sky Airline, which come in third and fourth, respectively.Taylor Rains/Insider

Source: Aviacionline, Skytrax

Nevertheless, I was still a little concerned about my nine-hour trek from Miami to Buenos Aires — especially since I'd never flown the carrier before — so I went in with low expectations.

Nevertheless, I was still a little concerned about my nine-hour trek from Miami to Buenos Aires — especially since I'd never flown the carrier before — so I went in with low expectations.
The check-in line at Ushuaia airport for my flight back.Taylor Rains/Insider

Source: Skytrax

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But, I was pleasantly surprised, and I actually think the long-haul flight was a great experience comparable to US mainline carriers. Here's what it was like.

But, I was pleasantly surprised, and I actually think the long-haul flight was a great experience comparable to US mainline carriers. Here's what it was like.
Taylor Rains/Insider

I arrived at Miami International Airport around 3:00 p.m. for a 6:00 p.m. departure. I couldn't check in online so I had to get my boarding pass from the ticket counter after showing my passport.

I arrived at Miami International Airport around 3:00 p.m. for a 6:00 p.m. departure. I couldn't check in online so I had to get my boarding pass from the ticket counter after showing my passport.
Aerolineas and Delta Air Lines are codeshare partners.Taylor Rains/Insider

Source: Aerolineas Argentinas

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Fortunately, the line was short and I only waited about five minutes. Passengers should pay attention to bag weight because the agent weighed mine at check-in.

Fortunately, the line was short and I only waited about five minutes. Passengers should pay attention to bag weight because the agent weighed mine at check-in.
Taylor Rains/Insider

I only had a carry-on, which could be up to 10 kilograms (22 pounds). Mine was about 11 and the agent let the extra kilogram slide, which was nice, but I wouldn't count on that every time.

I only had a carry-on, which could be up to 10 kilograms (22 pounds). Mine was about 11 and the agent let the extra kilogram slide, which was nice, but I wouldn't count on that every time.
My carry-on was a 35L Cotopaxi backpack.Taylor Rains/Insider
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I was off to security shortly after. Because I didn't get TSA PreCheck, I did have to wait about 30 minutes to clear the checkpoint.

I was off to security shortly after. Because I didn't get TSA PreCheck, I did have to wait about 30 minutes to clear the checkpoint.
According to the TSA's website, Aerolineas Argentineas is not enrolled in TSA PreCheck.Taylor Rains/Insider

Source: TSA

I finally got to the gate about an hour after arriving at the airport and patiently waited for boarding, which started right around 5:00 p.m.

I finally got to the gate about an hour after arriving at the airport and patiently waited for boarding, which started right around 5:00 p.m.
Taylor Rains/Insider
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I was assigned seat 16A, which was toward the front of the economy section. I took a gamble not paying for my seat in advance and I got lucky with the window.

I was assigned seat 16A, which was toward the front of the economy section. I took a gamble not paying for my seat in advance and I got lucky with the window.
Taylor Rains/Insider

Because the Airbus A330 cabin is configured in a 2x4x2 layout, I only had one person next to me in my row. I definitely prefer this layout for couples or pairs traveling together.

Because the Airbus A330 cabin is configured in a 2x4x2 layout, I only had one person next to me in my row. I definitely prefer this layout for couples or pairs traveling together.
Taylor Rains/Insider
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And, despite some reviews saying the seats were not that comfortable – I beg to differ. The economy seats were padded and easily on par with what is offered on carriers like Delta Air Lines or United Airlines.

And, despite some reviews saying the seats were not that comfortable – I beg to differ. The economy seats were padded and easily on par with what is offered on carriers like Delta Air Lines or United Airlines.
The regular economy seats on United's long-haul Boeing 767-300.Taylor Rains/Insider

Source: SeatGuru, I flew on United's aging Boeing 767-300ER from Boston to London in economy and the updated cabin made the plane feel like new,

Each reclining seat came with a plush, adjustable headrest…

Each reclining seat came with a plush, adjustable headrest…
Taylor Rains/Insider
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…an inflight entertainment screen…

…an inflight entertainment screen…
Taylor Rains/Insider

…a handheld remote…

…a handheld remote…
Taylor Rains/Insider
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…a light pillow…

…a light pillow…
The pillow was thin but it did the job.Taylor Rains/Insider

…a foldable tray table…

…a foldable tray table…
Taylor Rains/Insider
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…coat hooks...

…coat hooks...
Taylor Rains/Insider

...a large seatback pocket…

...a large seatback pocket…
Taylor Rains/Insider
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…and industry-standard legroom, offering 31 inches of pitch. The seat width was a little narrow at 17 inches — about one inch less than Delta.

…and industry-standard legroom, offering 31 inches of pitch. The seat width was a little narrow at 17 inches — about one inch less than Delta.
United's 767 offers 31 inches of pitch and 17.3-18.5 inches of width. Delta's A330 economy offers 31-32 inches of pitch and 18 inches of width.Taylor Rains/Insider

Source: Condé Nest Traveler, SeatGuru

As a shorter traveler at 5'3" and on the smaller side, I easily fit in the seat. But, taller travelers may consider paying for an exit row seat for more space.

As a shorter traveler at 5'3" and on the smaller side, I easily fit in the seat. But, taller travelers may consider paying for an exit row seat for more space.
Taylor Rains/Insider

I flew on Delta's Boeing 767 from Sweden to New York in economy and it was the best transatlantic flight I've taken in a long time

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The seat also came with a few added perks I don't commonly see in regular economy, like a footrest…

The seat also came with a few added perks I don't commonly see in regular economy, like a footrest…
Taylor Rains/Insider

…as well as a cup holder. Granted, mine was broken and the airline couldn't fix it before my flight, which was a little disappointing.

…as well as a cup holder. Granted, mine was broken and the airline couldn't fix it before my flight, which was a little disappointing.
Mine was the one on the left.Taylor Rains/Insider
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But, it's rare to find a cup holder in economy in the first place — I've only seen it one other time on Singapore Airlines' A380.

But, it's rare to find a cup holder in economy in the first place — I've only seen it one other time on Singapore Airlines' A380.
The cupholder on Singapore Airlines A380 in economy.Taylor Rains/Insider

The footrest was the most shocking though. Typically, this amenity is reserved for premium economy, like United's Polaris Plus cabin.

The footrest was the most shocking though. Typically, this amenity is reserved for premium economy, like United's Polaris Plus cabin.
United Airlines' Polar Plus cabin on its Boeing 787 has a footrest and legrest. Singapore's premium economy also had a footrest, but not its regular economy.Taylor Rains/Insider
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I also liked the space between the armrest and the fuselage. I was able to store my purse and jacket here instead of underneath the seat in front of me.

I also liked the space between the armrest and the fuselage. I was able to store my purse and jacket here instead of underneath the seat in front of me.
Taylor Rains/Insider

After boarding was complete, announcements were made in both Spanish and English and we pushed back right on time. Due to traffic in Miami, we were airborne about 30 minutes later — but we still arrived on time in Buenos Aires.

After boarding was complete, announcements were made in both Spanish and English and we pushed back right on time. Due to traffic in Miami, we were airborne about 30 minutes later — but we still arrived on time in Buenos Aires.
Taylor Rains/Insider
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About an hour after takeoff, the flight attendants served dinner. My meal came with pasta, an egg and spinach muffin-looking dish, bread, and a caramel dessert.

About an hour after takeoff, the flight attendants served dinner. My meal came with pasta, an egg and spinach muffin-looking dish, bread, and a caramel dessert.
Taylor Rains/Insider

We were also served drinks, like soda, juice, coffee, and wine — I opted for Diet Coke.

We were also served drinks, like soda, juice, coffee, and wine — I opted for Diet Coke.
Taylor Rains/Insider
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I thought the food was fine, but nothing to write home about.

I thought the food was fine, but nothing to write home about.
Taylor Rains/Insider

It didn't have as much flavor as the long-haul economy meals I've tried on carriers like United, Delta, Air New Zealand, and Singapore...

It didn't have as much flavor as the long-haul economy meals I've tried on carriers like United, Delta, Air New Zealand, and Singapore...
My economy meal on Air New Zealand from Auckland to New York was much more flavorful with more creative options.Taylor Rains/Insider

I flew on the world's 4th longest flight in a 'Skycouch' — an economy seat that converts into a bed — and it was a lifesaver on the 16-hour journey

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…but it was definitely better than on Air Canada. Overall, future flyers should expect an alright meal, equivalent to a high school lunch.

…but it was definitely better than on Air Canada. Overall, future flyers should expect an alright meal, equivalent to a high school lunch.
My Air Canada meal did not taste good, in my opinion.Taylor Rains/Insider

Fortunately, the comfort made up for the mediocre food. After dinner, I settled into my seat and started browsing the movie options. I was happy to find titles like "Knives Out" and "Les Miserables."

Fortunately, the comfort made up for the mediocre food. After dinner, I settled into my seat and started browsing the movie options. I was happy to find titles like "Knives Out" and "Les Miserables."
Taylor Rains/Insider
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I thought there were plenty of movie and TV options to pass the time. But, it's still always a good idea to bring pre-downloaded content on a phone or laptop, just in case.

I thought there were plenty of movie and TV options to pass the time. But, it's still always a good idea to bring pre-downloaded content on a phone or laptop, just in case.
My neighbor used her laptop for entertainment the entire flight.Taylor Rains/Insider

There is no WiFi on the plane — which I'm sure is a pain for business travelers — so make sure you have entertainment already downloaded before boarding.

There is no WiFi on the plane — which I'm sure is a pain for business travelers — so make sure you have entertainment already downloaded before boarding.
Taylor Rains/Insider
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I watched a movie before falling asleep for about four hours. While I can normally sleep on planes as long as there is a headrest, the footrest made the journey even more comfortable.

I watched a movie before falling asleep for about four hours. While I can normally sleep on planes as long as there is a headrest, the footrest made the journey even more comfortable.
My economy seat with my feet on the footrest on Aerolineas Argentineas in November.Taylor Rains/Insider

About an hour before landing, we were served breakfast, which came with a roll, a muffin, a granola bar, and yogurt.

About an hour before landing, we were served breakfast, which came with a roll, a muffin, a granola bar, and yogurt.
Taylor Rains/Insider
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The flight attendants also offered us drinks like juice and coffee with breakfast, the latter I desperately needed after only four hours of sleep.

The flight attendants also offered us drinks like juice and coffee with breakfast, the latter I desperately needed after only four hours of sleep.
Taylor Rains/Insider

Overall, I loved this meal because it was simple. The items were things I'd eat at home before an early-morning flight as they're light and easy on the body.

Overall, I loved this meal because it was simple. The items were things I'd eat at home before an early-morning flight as they're light and easy on the body.
Taylor Rains/Insider
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And, it was actually breakfast food. On my recent Singapore flight from New York to Frankfurt, I was offered a sandwich or pizza for breakfast — I couldn't stomach either on a red-eye.

And, it was actually breakfast food. On my recent Singapore flight from New York to Frankfurt, I was offered a sandwich or pizza for breakfast — I couldn't stomach either on a red-eye.
The pizza in Singapore's A380 premium economy from New York to Frankfurt.Taylor Rains/Insider

I flew on Singapore's mammoth A380 in premium economy to Germany and the service was great, but the seat had one major flaw I couldn't overlook

After eating, I headed to the lavatory to freshen up before landing. I thought the bathroom was clean, and there was enough space to change clothes.

After eating, I headed to the lavatory to freshen up before landing. I thought the bathroom was clean, and there was enough space to change clothes.
Taylor Rains/Insider
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We touched down in Buenos Aires around 4 a.m. local time, and while I was tired — I didn't feel miserable. I got enough sleep to hold me over thanks to the padded seat, the headrest, and the footrest.

We touched down in Buenos Aires around 4 a.m. local time, and while I was tired — I didn't feel miserable. I got enough sleep to hold me over thanks to the padded seat, the headrest, and the footrest.
Taylor Rains/Insider

My only critique would be the dinner could offer stronger flavors, but that's hardly a dealbreaker on a nighttime flight when I planned to spend most of my time sleeping anyway.

My only critique would be the dinner could offer stronger flavors, but that's hardly a dealbreaker on a nighttime flight when I planned to spend most of my time sleeping anyway.
I also ate at the lounge right before boarding, so I wasn't worried about being hungry.Taylor Rains/Insider
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Overall, after a comfortable and on-time flight, I think Aerolineas is a solid international airline. I would easily book the carrier again for long-haul travel, especially since it is often cheaper than competitors.

Overall, after a comfortable and on-time flight, I think Aerolineas is a solid international airline. I would easily book the carrier again for long-haul travel, especially since it is often cheaper than competitors.
Taylor Rains/Insider

One note — I flew into Buenos Aires' main international airport (EZE), which is about 45-60 minutes away by car from the domestic airport (AEP).

One note — I flew into Buenos Aires' main international airport (EZE), which is about 45-60 minutes away by car from the domestic airport (AEP).
Onboard Aerolineas Boeing 737 at AEP bound for Ushuaia.Taylor Rains/Insider
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If you have a domestic or shorter international flight after landing in Buenos Aires — like my second leg to Ushuaia — it could go out of AEP. So, be mindful of that when planning your travel day.

If you have a domestic or shorter international flight after landing in Buenos Aires — like my second leg to Ushuaia — it could go out of AEP. So, be mindful of that when planning your travel day.
The seats on my Aerolineas flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.Taylor Rains/Insider
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