General Info

[Eros74]

...However, Brazilian law limits passengers to 2 bags weighing 50lbs total between the two....

Well, I went back with two suitcases, one 14 kg and second 18 kg plus hand luggage 6 kg. I was told when I bought the ticket of TAM I could till 40 kg in 2 suitcases. (20+20kg).

[Voyajer1]

As far as Brazilian restaurants, I agree; they are great. However, their airline industry is inflexible and absurd. Let me explain.
Most international travelers are allowed 2 bags that weigh about 50 lbs (23 Kg) apiece, right? However, Brazilian law limits passengers to 2 bags weighing 50lbs total between the two. I have had the same problem with their rules every time because it is not built for foreigners. Brazilian law prohibits international carriers from selling point to point travel between Brazilian cities so if you are traveling within their country, you better pack light or be willing to spend extra on “Excess Baggage Fees”. They better get this fixed before the World Cup and the Olympics or they would never hear the end of it.

Both of these statements are patently absurd. There are many fine Brazilian restaurants, and I have received excellent service on Brazilian airlines.

[Bobo5]

How is TAM Airlines?

I am a TAM Senator (fidelidade vermelho), as previously said not as good as Lufthansa or British but thousand times better than Iberia, Alitalia and all the US airlines.

BB5

[Eros74]

How is TAM Airlines?

I flyed with Tam this time, million times better than Iberia but not so good as British. For me it is good.

[Auriflama]

How is TAM Airlines?

[Chris Long]

Does anyone know of any university’s/education centers that are close enough to monger locations yet isolated enough to where the students or school officials would not notice. I have been given the opportunity to set up a summer study abroad program in economics. My employer will pay for me to take two weeks for exploratory set up and then it would be a summer program every year after that. This seems like a great opportunity to combine both work and pleasure while my trip cost and stay would be paid for by my employer. Any information on education centers in Rio or any of the other monger locations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Chris

[Jan 156]

I was going to put his in the Belem thread. But I thought it might be more helpful in the general sense for people in Rio or elsewhere, especially people on their first few visits.

The first story is about getting a discount when it seems impossible.

In Rio, as you know, most pharmacies give you a discount automatically. If you look at the screen, it shows the price before and after discount. I went to the main pharmacy chain here in Belem and got a different story. The discount price - as I could see on the screen - was for holders of a loyalty card. The card had to be scanned at the check out till. Which I observed. After getting this a couple of times I asked myself what I might be doing wrong. I wasn´t going to get a loyalty card for a short stay.

First. I went into another one but caught the (female) chemist´s eye first, holding eye contact. People here make and hold eye contact far more than in the west. In the street, in shops, everywhere. You should be able to get an idea of where of person is coming from. Whether you are on the same wavelength. Maybe even if they would like to make love to you. This doesn´t apply nearly so much in Copa, simply cos everyone is putting on a front or feeling the pressure or whatever. And in Centro it´s a bit less common perhaps I think cos everyone is so ´busy´ - like in the west. But walk around a normal area like Tijuca or Largo do Machado and you can practice all day. Start a conversation with the eyes. Something fun and non-threatening.

Next. When it comes to my turn in the queue. Have you ever heard the female voice that does the regular flight announcements at GIG? It is frickin sexy. How could anyone get annoyed with it? Imagine a male version of it. Yeah right. As she´s explaining the discount card system to me, I am wooing her with my voice, keeping the eye contact as much as possible (ie a fraction longer than seems required, each time). I´m making love to her with my gentle, nasal tones and looking at her from under my eyelids like I´ve just noticed she´s way cool. (Check out the classic stars for this -I wish I could do it as well as James Dean for instance).

And guess what. She uses her card at the check out so I get the discounts. Which was exceptionally useful as I knew I didn´t have enough cash on me otherwise!

For people that come to Belem, I think this is probably second nature and way too much detail. But it doesn´t hurt to use it elsewhere.


The second story is just about macho bullsh*t body language. I´ve seen many gringos get into a ´conversation´ and promptly talk themselves out of a deal. Words are an extension of body language. Unless you are discussing nuclear physics lol.

Boulevard is a dump that charges an ´entrance´ fee when it has a mind to. And occasionally at other times too. Maybe there is some sort of rota of days and times and prices. Maybe they just think of a number between one and five. I used to ask. Dummy. It´s easier to walk like I grew up here, attempt to walk past (in a nice relaxed way, as if I own the joint and am just pretending to be ordinary). And if I get stopped firmly by the brick sh*thouses that pass for security, I carry on ignoring them but fling a 2R note disdainfully at the little guy on the till.

I don´t actually think they totally think I´m Brasilian. Just that I play the game. The Brasilian way. And why not. I´m a guest. I just prefer to be treated as a proper one, rather than a jerk with cash.

[Nyc Expat]

During a 18 month period in 2005-06, I flew TAM MIA to Sao Paulo at least 15 times. From S.P. I flew TAM domestic. I've had excellent experiences with them. They offer a generous frequent flyer program also. Two MIA-S.P. flights were free because of accumulated miles and one flight I was upgraded to 1st. class, no charge. I also got a domestic free flight from the program. Their aircraft on the MIA route are Airbuses. New, comfortable flights.

TAM always departed on time from MIA. To MIA I encountered some delays because of security and wait for other passengers on connecting flights in- cluding myself coming from another city 250 miles west of S.P.

One round trip flight was with American on an older, less comfortable Boeing aircraft. I felt more secure on the Airbus.

I've also flown between MIA and/or N.Y. and European cities probably 50 times during a 35 year period mostly on BA, Air France and Lufthansa. Lufthansa imo is best followed by BA. I've flown also TWA and SAS on these routes in the early days. Air France has a terminal transfer that can take almost 30 minutes because of the distance involved. Lufhansa only 10 minutes.

It all depends on which airline has the best offers. Unfortunately, airfares have increased 50% since my last trip in 2006 to Brazil.

[El Greco]

TAM from London are ok, although I´d rate Air France slightly better. British Airways is better than both of them and flies direct, rather than having to change planes, lose luggage etc, in France or Portugal. But it costs more. I avoid the US airlines at all cost.

BA is having great sales from time to time. I booked return Athens-Rio-Athens, an over 3 months stay, for only 525 euros. But it was booked well in advance.

At the time I booked for Rio, a flight to Sao Paolo, same dates, was about 1.300 euros.

Sign up with them to send you their sales info.

[Jan 156]

TAM are ok, both long haul and domestic. I´ve just flown GIG-Belem a couple of days ago and got a cheaper rate than GOL (which is far inferior).

TAM from London are ok, although I´d rate Air France slightly better. British Airways is better than both of them and flies direct, rather than having to change planes, lose luggage etc, in France or Portugal. But it costs more. I avoid the US airlines at all cost.

The cheapest flight I can find at the minute from London Heathrow - GIG is
with TAM airlines at £483. Just looking for some feedback on this airline? Do they have TV's in the head rests, cabin crew, food etc.

It also says there is 1 stop aswell, but doesn't say where? Has anyone flown this route using this airline?

Last year I used Air France and was quite happy, but I can't get the flight times and price I want with them at the min. I've got 2 1/2 months yet so somthing may turn up.

Thanks for your help

[One Eyed Man]

Mongers-
TAM has individual on demand IFE systems at every seat on their Airbus 330 and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. They fly these aircraft on all their long-haul routes except the MIA-GIG route which is flown on an older 767 which has no individual IFE system. The service on TAM is considerably friendlier and better than any US-based airline, with better food and free alcohol.
Sorte,
Rock Harders

And the Aeromoças are cute in those tight white tops!

[Rock Harders]

Mongers-
TAM has individual on demand IFE systems at every seat on their Airbus 330 and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. They fly these aircraft on all their long-haul routes except the MIA-GIG route which is flown on an older 767 which has no individual IFE system. The service on TAM is considerably friendlier and better than any US-based airline, with better food and free alcohol.
Sorte,
Rock Harders

[Amerioca]

I concur with AP. TAM has a modern fleet with clean planes. It has been several years, and I do not remember if headrest monitors were present. Please note that all of my flights were domestic, only a few hours FT.

[Albert Punter]

Here are some answers.
TAM is, obviously IMHO, best Brazilian airline.
I don't know if the do have individual TVs (only took domestic flights) but for sure they do have crew and food.

Stop is in Sao Paulo.

The cheapest flight I can find at the minute from London Heathrow - GIG is
with TAM airlines at £483. Just looking for some feedback on this airline? Do they have TV's in the head rests, cabin crew, food etc.

It also says there is 1 stop aswell, but doesn't say where? Has anyone flown this route using this airline?

Last year I used Air France and was quite happy, but I can't get the flight times and price I want with them at the min. I've got 2 1/2 months yet so somthing may turn up.

Thanks for your help

[Simpleminded]

I used TAM on my last three trips and did not have any problems. They have TVs in the headrest but there are the newer kind and older kind. The older kind does not let you decide when you want to start to watch a movie, just like in the real movies. The newer kind lets you start running a movie or TV show whenever you want. I had the old kind on my way to Rio two weeks ago and had the new kind on the way back. The food is pretty good as far as airline food goes and crew is friendly. I have not flown the London route, I fly their direct route from NYC to Rio. The one stop before Rio is most likely Sao Paulo.