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Tam Airlines?

Posted:
29 Feb 2008, 20:20
by locutus
Has anyone flown TAM before? Any comments? I'm off to Sao Paulo for 4 days soon with work, so once I've got my yellow fever jab, looks like I'm off on the cheapest business ticket Amadeus can find. [:(!]
Also, any idea if they are partners with any FF program? Would be nice if I could earn some miles for myself!
TIA.

Posted:
29 Feb 2008, 20:37
by Scrooge
I flew them SH a couple of years ago, nothing special, nothing bad either...LH as long as you get one of the A330's and not an MD-11 it should be an ok flight.

Posted:
04 Mar 2008, 09:03
by willd
Just as an aside I believe the MD-11 has now left the fleet or at the very least is kept for when routes go tech. They have recently acquired a 345 from Air Canada that is currently being put to use on routes to Europe, I believe its currently penciled in for all the Frankfurt flights.
They are a very promising airline and have done very well out of the Varig collapse (they now run and own the new Varig).
They are FF partners with United, Air France and TAP. Rumours of a forthcoming *a membership haven't really happened.

Posted:
04 Mar 2008, 10:47
by locutus
It seems you can't earn miles with Flying Blue though, if you fly from here:
Accrual for TAM is not eligible on transatlantic routes and between Europe and Brazil and between USA and Brazil.
Doesn't look like I'll be earning any miles for my trip then, as TAM are still about £2k cheaper than BA [:(]

Posted:
04 Mar 2008, 10:54
by willd
IF miles are important, why not go via CDG or AMS?

Posted:
04 Mar 2008, 12:03
by locutus
Originally posted by willd
IF miles are important, why not go via CDG or AMS?
Because my company make me go on the cheapest option that comes out of Amex Travel.

Posted:
04 Mar 2008, 19:32
by willd
Originally posted by locutus
Originally posted by willd
IF miles are important, why not go via CDG or AMS?
Because my company make me go on the cheapest option that comes out of Amex Travel.
I thought that might be the case.
TBH I would be interested to hear your reviews on TAM. I have heard some good things about them and they are akin to VS in the region. Ok they dont have flare but they did start up and succeed against a much stronger and often pushy rival.
I think your experience will be they do the job but jsut not in a great amazing way. I would put them on a par with the likes of IB, TP, AZ long haul business.

Posted:
04 Mar 2008, 22:05
by tallprawn
Originally posted by willd
They are a very promising airline and have done very well out of the Varig collapse (they now run and own the new Varig).
TAM haven't got any connection to Varig, GOL own the current Varig operation. [:)]

Posted:
06 Mar 2008, 22:54
by locutus
Looks like the panic is over and I'm allowed to book BA. Hopefully I'll book it tomorrow to make sure no one changes their mind! BA fares seem to continually go up as I've been checking this week. Now it looks like I need to stay a Sat night or the price is another £1000.
Shame I have to use my HSBC corporate card though and not my BA Amex card! Ah well, at least I will still earn miles and get to experience the dark side.