Aerolíneas Argentinas

Flight AR1875 Ushuaia to Buenos Aires reveals the stark reality of Argentina's national carrier on a crucial tourism route

Particularly disappointing was discovering that an airline's premium cabin designation bears little resemblance to the actual service provided. Aerolíneas Argentinas flight AR1875 from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires—a three-hour, twenty-minute journey aboard a Boeing 737-800 MAX—offered a masterclass in how not to capitalise on a captive market, despite serving one of South America's most strategically important tourism routes.

Settling into seat 2D in premium economy, initial impressions proved surprisingly positive. The seating genuinely resembled business class configuration rather than the marginal upgrades typically associated with premium economy. Generous legroom and comfortable proportions suggested that Aerolíneas Argentinas understood the fundamentals of passenger comfort, at least from a hardware perspective.

Unfortunately, this promising beginning represented the flight's solitary highlight.

The entertainment situation proved non-existent—not merely limited, but entirely absent. No seatback screens, no streaming options, not even the courtesy of an in-flight magazine tucked into seat pockets. For a flight exceeding three hours, this represents a fundamental failure to acknowledge passenger needs during what constitutes a significant portion of their day.

The beverage service reflected similar minimalism: lemonade, cola, tea, coffee, or water. Whilst basic refreshments suffice for short domestic hops, a three-hour premium cabin experience warrants more thoughtful selection. The absence of any alcoholic options, fruit juices, or premium non-alcoholic alternatives felt particularly stark given the cabin designation and presumably elevated pricing.

The meal service—if one can dignify it with such terminology—consisted of a ham & cheese sandwich, packet of peanuts, and a biscuit. This represents the sort of sustenance one might expect on a budget carrier's short-haul service, not premium economy on a three-hour journey. The disconnect between cabin classification and actual provision borders on the absurd.

Punctuality provided the flight's second redeeming feature. Departing ten minutes ahead of schedule and arriving equally early demonstrates operational competence that many carriers struggle to achieve consistently. However, punctuality alone cannot compensate for comprehensive service failures.

The cabin crew appeared pleasant enough, though their limited responsibilities—distributing meagre refreshments and water—hardly tested their capabilities or training. One suspects they're capable of far more than their employer's service standards permit them to demonstrate.

Ushuaia Airport's lack of an Aerolíneas Argentinas lounge proved less problematic thanks to our Priority Pass membership, granting access to the airport's independent facility. This compact lounge exceeded expectations considerably, with staff demonstrating the kind of genuine hospitality that makes travel memorable. Their warmth and attention provided stark contrast to the airline's indifferent approach.

The broader context makes Aerolíneas Argentinas' service shortcomings particularly puzzling. Ushuaia serves as the primary departure point for Antarctic cruises, creating a captive market of affluent international travellers. On our travel day alone, eight scheduled Aerolíneas Argentinas flights served the Buenos Aires route, supplemented by numerous charter operations. This level of activity suggests robust demand that should incentivise superior service standards.

Instead, the airline appears content delivering bare minimum service whilst charging premium prices—a strategy that works only when passengers lack alternatives. Given Ushuaia's limited airline competition, this approach may prove commercially viable in the short term, but it hardly builds the kind of customer loyalty that sustains long-term success.

The Seasoned Traveller's Verdict:

Aerolíneas Argentinas flight AR1875 represents everything wrong with monopolistic airline behaviour. When carriers face limited competition on essential routes, service standards often deteriorate to the minimum acceptable level—or in this case, below it.

The premium economy designation appears purely cosmetic, designed to justify elevated pricing without delivering commensurate value. The comfortable seating cannot compensate for the comprehensive absence of premium service elements that passengers rightfully expect.

For fellow seasoned travellers planning Antarctic adventures, this flight represents an unavoidable necessity rather than a pleasant journey component. Pack entertainment, bring snacks, and adjust expectations accordingly. The magnificent wilderness awaiting in Antarctica will quickly erase memories of this disappointing aerial experience.

Argentina's tourism industry deserves better representation than Aerolíneas Argentinas currently provides on this crucial route. Until competition emerges or management recognises the opportunity they're squandering, passengers must simply endure rather than enjoy this essential connection to one of the world's last great wilderness destinations.