Travel Best Domestic Airlines for Traveling Around Argentina? ✈️

[ChloeE]

Hey everyone!

I’m planning a trip to Argentina soon (can’t wait! 😄), and I’m starting to organize some travel within the country. I’d love to explore a few places like Bariloche, Salta, Mendoza, and maybe even El Calafate.
For those of you who’ve traveled around Argentina:
Which airlines do you recommend for domestic flights?
Are there any budget-friendly options that are still reliable?
Also, any tips on booking flights like when to buy tickets, or whether delays are common?

Appreciate any advice or recent experiences you can share. Thanks in advance!

 

[anna14]

If you're looking for comfort and more reliable service, Aerolíneas Argentinas is your best bet. It’s the national airline, has the most routes, and tends to be more punctual. It’s a bit pricier than low-cost options, but it includes bags and snacks, so sometimes the final price is similar.

 

[Kiara21]

I’ve flown with Flybondi and JetSMART several times, both are low-cost and usually the cheapest if you book early. Just keep in mind they charge for everything (seat selection, bags, etc.), so factor that in. Also, they mostly fly from Aeroparque (AEP), which is super convenient if you’re staying in Buenos Aires!

 

[TomiFernandez]

Personally, I wouldn’t recommend Flybondi unless it’s your absolute only option. I had a couple of bad experiences, major delays and last-minute cancellations with very little communication. Also, they fly out of El Palomar or Ezeiza, not always Aeroparque, which can be a hassle depending on where you’re staying.

If you can, go with Aerolíneas Argentinas or even JetSMART , they might cost a bit more upfront, but they’re way more reliable and less stressful overall. Sometimes cheap ends up being expensive 🙃

 

[GlasgowJohn]

Personally, I wouldn’t recommend Flybondi unless it’s your absolute only option. I had a couple of bad experiences, major delays and last-minute cancellations with very little communication. Also, they fly out of El Palomar or Ezeiza, not always Aeroparque, which can be a hassle depending on where you’re staying.

If you can, go with Aerolíneas Argentinas or even JetSMART , they might cost a bit more upfront, but they’re way more reliable and less stressful overall. Sometimes cheap ends up being expensive 🙃

El Palomar has been closed to domestic aviation for several years - it closed during COVID and then a little later the government decided to cancel all commercial flights from the airport

 

[earlyretirement]

El Palomar has been closed to domestic aviation for several years - it closed during COVID and then a little later the government decided to cancel all commercial flights from the airport

Yes, I think it's only open for private jets isn't it?

 

[GlasgowJohn]

Yes, I think it's only open for private jets isn't it?

It's managed by the Air Force now.
San Fernando is the biggest and most efficient airport for executive jets. San Fernando is managed by Aeropuertos Argentina who manage Ezeiza and Aeroparque

 

[nikad]

It's managed by the Air Force now.
San Fernando is the biggest and most efficient airport for executive jets. San Fernando is managed by Aeropuertos Argentina who manage Ezeiza and Aeroparque

Did Argentina ever get those new expensive jets yet? Anyone know?

 

[GlasgowJohn]

The first 6 F16s are due to arrive in Argentina at the end of this year.
I understand they will be based at the Tandil Air base

 

[citygirl]

The first 6 F16s are due to arrive in Argentina at the end of this year.
I understand they will be based at the Tandil Air base

Oh great. Another wasted expense that Argentina didn't really need.

 

[roland]

Hey everyone!

I’m planning a trip to Argentina soon (can’t wait! 😄), and I’m starting to organize some travel within the country. I’d love to explore a few places like Bariloche, Salta, Mendoza, and maybe even El Calafate.
For those of you who’ve traveled around Argentina:
Which airlines do you recommend for domestic flights?
Are there any budget-friendly options that are still reliable?
Also, any tips on booking flights like when to buy tickets, or whether delays are common?

Appreciate any advice or recent experiences you can share. Thanks in advance!

For domestic flights in Argentina, the main airlines are:

• Aerolíneas Argentinas – the national airline. They have the most routes and frequencies, including to places like El Calafate and Iguazú that some other airlines don’t cover as often. Service is generally solid, though delays can happen (especially during peak travel times or weather issues in Patagonia).
• JetSMART – a low-cost airline that’s usually the cheapest option if you book early. They’re reliable, but keep in mind they charge extra for bags, seat selection, etc.
• Flybondi – another budget airline. They’re known for low fares, though flights can sometimes be delayed or rescheduled. Still, many people use them without problems.

Tips:

• Try to book domestic flights at least a month or two in advance, especially for high-demand destinations like El Calafate or Bariloche. Prices tend to rise closer to the travel date.
• Delays are not unusual in Argentina (weather and union strikes can affect schedules), so it’s a good idea to leave buffer time if you’re connecting flights.
• Sometimes it’s cheaper to book tickets on the local versions of the airline websites (in pesos), but with an international card you may want to compare both the “.com” and “.com.ar” sites.
• If you’re flexible, night buses (cama or coche cama) are also an option between some cities, like Mendoza, Buenos Aires or Salta, Córdoba. They’re comfortable and can save a hotel night.

Enjoy your trip, Argentina is huge, so internal flights save a lot of time compared to buses, especially for Patagonia!

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