Complete Guide to Aerolineas Argentinas Baggage Policy and Other Rules

Aerolíneas Argentinas is the main airline of Argentina, connecting the country to the rest of the world. From its bases in Buenos Aires, it flies to all the important places within Argentina and many cities in the Americas and Europe, like Brazil, the United States, Spain, and Italy.

What really makes Aerolíneas Argentinas stand out is how well it connects people within Argentina. It’s great for seeing everything from the Iguazú Falls to Patagonia. As part of the SkyTeam global alliance, it makes traveling with partner airlines easy and offers extra benefits. People often mention the friendly, Latin-American service, which really adds a touch of Argentine culture to your trip. The airline is also updating its planes and focusing on good service, which is a big plus for both business and vacation travelers.

This guide will walk you through what Aerolíneas Argentinas offers. We’ll cover baggage rules, what the food is like on board, and how to travel with pets. We’ll also explain fees for extra baggage, what happens if you need to cancel, and how they help passengers with special needs. By the end, you’ll know enough to have a smooth and pleasant trip with Argentina’s national airline.

Aerolíneas Argentinas Checked Baggage Policy

Knowing the rules for checked bags is the first step to a relaxed trip. The Aerolíneas Argentinas baggage size and weight limits change depending on where you’re going and which ticket you bought. Aerolíneas Argentinas uses two main ways to handle checked bags: the Piece Concept for most international and regional flights, and the Weight Concept for flights only within Argentina. Make sure you know which one applies to your ticket to avoid surprises.

Piece Concept

The Piece Concept is what most people encounter on international and regional trips. Here, your allowance is based on the number of bags you can check. Each bag has specific size and weight limits. This is used for flights to and from Europe, North America, and most of South and Central America. Your allowance can be quite different for Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class, so always check your ticket.

Just a heads-up: The number of pieces for Economy can be tricky. For example, flights to Europe usually include one bag, but some flights to nearby countries might include two. Always check what your e-ticket says.

Weight Concept

For flights entirely within Argentina, Aerolíneas Argentinas uses the Weight Concept. Instead of counting bags, this system gives you a total weight allowance. You can split this weight among your bags. Just make sure no single bag is too heavy and the total stays within your limit. This is helpful for domestic travelers who might have bags of different sizes and weights.

Aerolíneas Argentinas Prohibited Items in Checked Baggage

For everyone’s safety, some things just can’t go in checked bags. If you pack these, they might be taken away, and you could even face legal issues. So, double-check your checked luggage before you get to the airport. Leave these items behind:

• Explosives and Flammable Stuff: Think fireworks, lighter fluid, certain paints, and aerosol cans (unless they’re small personal care items).
• Gases: Like oxygen tanks (unless approved for medical use), propane, or pepper spray.
• Corrosives: Things like acids, mercury, or certain batteries.
• Poisons and Infectious Stuff: Pesticides, insecticides, or anything with live viruses or bacteria.
• Lithium Batteries: Spare or loose lithium-ion batteries (for laptops, cameras) and power banks must go in your carry-on bag. They’re a fire risk and not allowed in checked luggage. Devices with batteries installed are usually okay, but very powerful batteries might have special rules.
• E-cigarettes and Vaping Devices: These also need to go in your carry-on bag because of their batteries.
• Valuable and Fragile Items: It’s a good idea not to pack cash, jewelry, important papers, electronics, or anything breakable in your checked bags. The airline’s responsibility for lost or damaged items is limited.

Aerolíneas Argentinas Extra Baggage Fee

Going over your baggage limit happens. Just be ready for the extra costs. How much Aerolíneas Argentinas charges for extra baggage depends on where you’re flying, what kind of extra baggage you have (an extra bag, overweight, or oversized), and when you buy it. Buying extra bags online before your flight is much cheaper than paying at the airport.

Prices can change, but here’s a general idea:

For Domestic Flights (within Argentina):

• First Checked Bag (if not included): Expect to pay about $30-$50 USD if you buy it online ahead of time. It could almost double if you pay at the airport.
• Second Checked Bag: This usually costs more, maybe $40-$60 USD when you buy it online.

For Regional Flights (like to Brazil, Chile):

• First Extra Piece: If your ticket includes one bag and you want a second, it usually starts around $50-$70 USD online.
• Overweight Fee (over 23 kg): Bags between 23 kg and 32 kg usually cost $60-$100 USD. Bags heavier than 32 kg usually aren’t allowed.
• Oversized Fee (over 158 cm): Bags bigger than the usual size but less than 203 cm (80 inches) will also have an extra fee, often similar to the overweight one, around $60-$100 USD.

For International Flights (like to Europe, USA):

• Second Piece of Baggage (if your fare includes one): This is a common extra fee. Buying it online might cost $70-$120 USD. At the airport, it can easily be over $150 USD.
• Overweight Fee (over 23 kg): For international flights, this fee can be quite high. A bag from 23 kg to 32 kg could cost an extra $100-$200 USD.
• Oversized Fee (over 158 cm): Similar to the overweight fee, a large bag on an international trip will likely cost $100-$200 USD.

Important Things to Remember:

• If a bag is both too heavy and too big, you might pay both fees, which gets very expensive.
• Prices are often shown in USD but charged in local money, using the exchange rate of the day.
• If you’re part of the Aerolíneas Plus program and have elite status (Gold or Platinum), or are a SkyTeam Elite/Elite Plus member, you often get an extra bag for free.

Aerolíneas Argentinas Carry-On Baggage Policy

Your carry-on baggage allowance with Aerolíneas Argentinas helps you keep your important things with you in the cabin. The rules are pretty much the same on most flights, but the weight limit is a bit different for each class.

Aerolíneas Argentinas Carry-On Baggage Additions

Besides your main carry-on bag, everyone can bring one personal item. This needs to be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. Good examples include:

• A handbag, purse, or backpack
• A laptop bag or small briefcase
• A camera bag
• An umbrella or walking stick
• A coat or jacket
• Some reading material
• A small bag from duty-free at the airport
• Crutches or other walking aids
• Baby items like a diaper bag or a foldable stroller (this might need to be checked at the gate).

Aerolíneas Argentinas Carry-On Baggage Restrictions

For safety, some things aren’t allowed or are limited in your carry-on. The most important are liquids and gels. The Aerolíneas Argentinas liquid allowance follows the international 3-1-1 rule.

• Liquids, Gels, Aerosols, and Pastes: All these must be in containers of 100 ml (3.4 ounces) or less.
• Clear, Zip-Top Bag: All these small containers must fit inside one transparent, resealable plastic bag, no bigger than 1 liter.
• One Bag Per Passenger: You get only one of these plastic bags.
• Screening: You have to take this bag out of your luggage and show it separately for security checks.

Exceptions to the liquid rule:

• Medications: Prescription and necessary over-the-counter medicines. It’s a good idea to have a doctor’s note.
• Baby Food and Milk: Formula, breast milk, and baby food in amounts needed for the flight.
• Duty-Free Items: Liquids bought in the secure area of the airport, if they are sealed in an official Security Tamper-Evident Bag (STEB) with the receipt inside.

Other things you can’t bring in carry-on include sharp items like knives (small scissors with rounded blades are sometimes okay), razors, and tools. These need to go in your checked baggage.

Aerolíneas Argentinas Food Policy

The food you get on Aerolíneas Argentinas really depends on how long your flight is and which class you’re in. You might get simple snacks or full meals. The Aerolíneas Argentinas food menu tries to offer a taste of Argentina and international dishes, so you’re usually well-fed.

On Domestic Flights (within Argentina):
Because these flights are short, you don’t usually get a full meal. Passengers in all classes typically get a free snack and drink. This could be cookies, crackers, or a small sandwich, along with soft drinks, juices, water, tea, and coffee. You generally can’t buy extra food on these flights, so it’s smart to eat before you fly or bring your own snacks if you think you’ll be hungry.

On Regional and International Flights:
This is where the dining gets much better.

• Economy Class: On medium and long flights, you get a free hot meal. For a flight to Europe, this usually means dinner after takeoff and breakfast before landing. A dinner tray might have a hot main course (often with a choice of two, like pasta or chicken), a side salad, bread, and dessert. A second, lighter meal is served on longer flights.
• Premium Economy: Passengers here get a better meal experience. This includes a welcome drink, fancier meal choices served on real plates with metal cutlery, and more drink options, including good Argentine wines.
• Business Class (Club Cóndor): This is the top dining experience. You start with a drink before takeoff and then enjoy a multi-course meal created by professional chefs. The menu often highlights Argentine foods, like great beef, paired with fine wines. The service is personal and can be requested when you want it.

Aerolíneas Argentinas Pet Policy

Aerolíneas Argentinas is happy to fly with your pets, but you need to plan carefully and follow their rules to keep everyone safe and comfortable. Pets can travel in two ways: in the cabin (PETC) or in the cargo hold as special baggage (AVIH).

Pets in the Cabin (PETC):
Only small dogs and cats can travel in the cabin. Here are the rules:

• Cost: The price for a pet in the cabin depends on your route. For domestic flights, it’s about $90 USD. For regional flights, it can be around $150 USD, and for international flights to Europe or the USA, it’s typically $200-$250 USD.
• Weight and Size Limit: The pet and its carrier together must not weigh more than 9 kg (20 lbs). The carrier should be soft, breathable, and leak-proof, with maximum sizes of 48 x 30 x 24 cm (19 x 12 x 9 inches). It has to fit under the seat in front of you.
• Rules: You can only bring one pet per passenger, and the pet must stay in its carrier the whole flight.

Pets in the Hold (AVIH):
Larger animals that can’t fit in the cabin can travel in the cargo hold, which is kept at a controlled temperature and pressure.

• Cost: This is more expensive than cabin travel and also depends on the route. Prices can range from $200 USD for domestic trips to over $600 USD for long international flights. The cost often depends on the size and weight of the animal and its crate.
• Weight and Size Limit: The airline has limits for crate sizes and the total weight of the animal and crate. It’s best to contact the airline directly with your pet’s and crate’s exact measurements and weight to make sure they can take it and to get a price. Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Persian cats might have restrictions or be banned from flying in the hold due to breathing issues.

Booking and Required Documents:

• Booking: You must book your pet’s trip in advance by calling Aerolíneas Argentinas, as there’s a limit to how many animals can fly on each plane. Do this at least 72 hours before you leave.
• Documents: For all pet travel, you’ll need:
  • A Health Certificate from a vet, issued no more than 10 days before flying.
  • Proof of a Rabies Vaccination.
  • For international travel, you’ll also need to follow the rules of the country you’re flying to. This might mean an international health certificate, import permits, and microchipping.

Other Aerolíneas Argentinas Services & Policies

Besides baggage and pets, it’s good to know about the airline’s policies for changes, cancellations, and special help. These rules often depend on the type of ticket you bought.

Aerolíneas Argentinas Cancellation Policy

Whether you can change or cancel your flight with Aerolíneas Argentinas really depends on your fare type. The airline has several options, each with different flexibility.

• Promo Fare: This is the cheapest and most restricted fare. Tickets here are usually non-refundable. Changes are either not allowed or cost a lot, plus any difference in fare. If you cancel, you’ll likely lose all the money you paid.
• Base Fare: A bit more flexible than Promo, this fare might let you make changes for a fee plus the fare difference. Refunds, if allowed, are usually partial and come with a penalty.
• Plus Fare: This fare offers a good balance between cost and flexibility. Changes are usually allowed for a small fee plus the fare difference. Cancellations might be partially refunded, with a penalty taken from the original price.
• Flex Fare: As the name says, this is the most flexible Economy fare. It usually lets you make changes for a small fee or sometimes for free (though you might still pay a fare difference). Refunds are also better, often fully or mostly refundable.
• Business Class Fares (Club Cóndor / Club Economy): These premium tickets are naturally the most flexible, usually letting you change or cancel with few or no fees.

To change or cancel, you need to use the same place where you bought the ticket (like the airline’s website or a travel agent). Always read the fare rules carefully before buying to make sure they fit your needs.

Aerolíneas Argentinas Wheelchair Assistance

Aerolíneas Argentinas wants everyone to have a comfortable and respectful journey. Wheelchair help is a free service, but you must ask for it ahead of time.

• How to Ask: You should request wheelchair help at least 48 hours before your flight. You can do this when booking online or by calling the airline.
• Types of Help: They offer different levels of assistance:
  • WCHR (for passengers who can walk short distances but need help in the airport): Need a wheelchair for long airport halls but can walk a bit and climb stairs.
  • WCHS (for passengers who can’t manage stairs): Can walk a little but cannot climb stairs. They’ll be helped up and down the plane steps.
  • WCHC (for completely immobile passengers): Need help from check-in all the way to their seat on the plane. An onboard wheelchair is available.
• Using Your Own Mobility Device: You can bring your own manual or electric wheelchairs or scooters. You need to tell the airline the device’s size, weight, and battery type (like dry cell, wet cell, lithium-ion). Lithium-ion batteries have special rules and might need to be carried in the cabin. There is no charge for bringing your own wheelchair in the hold.

Tips for Passengers

For the most accurate, up-to-date information, always check the official Aerolíneas Argentinas website first. Airline policies, especially for baggage fees and schedules, can change without notice. Checking your specific booking details online before you pack and again before heading to the airport can save you from unexpected costs and stress. The website’s “Prepare Your Trip” section is really helpful for any last-minute questions.

Once you land, the last thing you’ll want is to drag your luggage around. Whether you’re in Buenos Aires, Rome, or Madrid, a smooth travel experience is key. By using an international luggage storage service like Qeepl, you can safely store your bags for a few hours or days. Just find a Qeepl location near the airport or in the city, drop off your stuff, and go explore your destination hands-free. It’s a great way to make the most of your trip.

Finally, here are a few more tips for a better journey with Aerolíneas Argentinas. Think about joining the Aerolíneas Plus loyalty program to start earning miles and gain benefits, especially if you fly a lot in South America. Remember to check in online 24-48 hours before your flight to pick your seat and skip long airport lines. And finally, enjoy the trip! While flight attendants on international flights usually speak English, adding a friendly “hola” or “gracias” will always be appreciated and can make your experience even better right from the start.