Non official Site

To reach the official website please visit gru.com.br

Airlines Operating at São Paulo Guarulhos

Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) is the nerve center of aviation in South America. With three terminals operating at full capacity, the check-in and boarding experience varies drastically between companies. This guide combines official information with the analysis of thousands of passengers so you know exactly what to expect from your airline before arriving at the counter.

FAQs about Airlines at Guarulhos

  • Where do I check in for my airline?
    Consult the complete list by terminal. Areas are divided from A to H.
  • How early should I arrive?
    Domestic flights: 2 hours before. International: minimum 3 hours before. Users report that lines in Terminal 2 can be slower than in Terminal 3.
  • Where do I claim lost or damaged luggage?
    Head to your airline’s counter in the baggage claim area as soon as you notice the problem, before crossing the exit door.
  • Which airline has the best reputation?
    According to users, Emirates, Qatar, and Gol stand out for service and punctuality. LATAM is valued for its resolution capacity in the face of unforeseen events.
  • Where are the companies located?
    Check the locations by terminal section to avoid walking unnecessary kilometers between sectors.

Airplane on the runway at Guarulhos Airport

Photo by Ivan Shimko on Unsplash

Critical Points: Smart Traveler Manual

The risk of international connections

Passengers of regional airlines like Aerolíneas Argentinas report that on international-to-domestic connections they often have to pick up bags and re-check them, a process that is not always well signposted.

Strategy: If your connection involves changing terminals or going from international to domestic, do not assume your bag is going to the final destination. Ask at the origin counter and, upon landing at GRU, check the baggage screens.

Language barrier at counters

Cases have been reported with airlines like Ethiopian where ground staff do not speak Spanish or English, making last-minute formalities difficult.

Strategy: Bring your reservation and important documents printed or in screenshots. Airport Wi-Fi often fails, and relying on a real-time online translator can be stressful at the counter.

Strictness in Low-Cost Carriers

Companies like Flybondi and JetSMART are extremely strict with carry-on weight and boarding pass printing.

Strategy: Print your boarding pass before arriving at the airport to avoid abusive printing fees. Measure and weigh your suitcase at home; at GRU there is no tolerance for excess with these companies.

🛫 Airline Experience Comparison

👉 Swipe right to scroll through the table
Airline Check-in Customer Service Baggage
LATAM ✅ Agile in T2 and T3 ✅ Very good ✅ No major complaints
Gol ✅ Efficient in T2 ✅ Outstanding kindness ⚠️ Somewhat slow at peaks
American Airlines ✅ Fluid ⚠️ Weak with unforeseen events ✅ Normal
Flybondi ⚠️ Basic, print pass ⚠️ Limited ❌ Frequent extra charges
Emirates ✅ Excellent ✅ Premium service ✅ Very fast
Avianca ✅ Correct ⚠️ Uneven service ⚠️ Some delays
Aerolíneas Argentinas ⚠️ Slow in connection ⚠️ Little bilingual assistance ✅ Correct

Don’t see your airline here? Check the detailed list by terminal with contact info and real user experiences.

Airlines in Terminal 1

Azul Linhas Aéreas

  • Check-in: Area A
  • Contact: voeazul.com.br
  • Experience: One of the airlines with the best reputation for punctuality and efficiency. Users highlight the onboard service as correct, although on the ground the baggage process can sometimes be slow. Recommended to arrive early for flights from T1, as it has less infrastructure than other terminals.

Airlines in Terminal 2

Aerolíneas Argentinas

  • Check-in: Area C
  • Contact: aerolineas.com.ar
  • Experience: Passengers in connection have reported confusion with the immigration process, having to pick up bags and check in again. Adequate service, but slowness in rescheduling in case of delays.

Air Europa

  • Check-in: Area C
  • Contact: aireuropa.com
  • Experience: Valued for correct treatment on board. On the ground, some complaints about long wait times at check-in. Customer service varies.

Arajet

  • Check-in: Area B
  • Contact: arajet.com
  • Experience: New company with good initial reputation. Boarding is agile, but it is recommended to review immigration requirements for the Dominican Republic in advance to avoid setbacks.

Avianca

  • Check-in: Area B
  • Contact: avianca.com.br
  • Experience: Mixed reviews: some passengers praise the quick boarding process, while others mention a lack of empathy regarding cancellations. Short flights do not include food service.

Boliviana de Aviación

  • Check-in: Area C
  • Contact: boa.bo
  • Experience: Some passengers report significant delays in departure and little information during flights. Counter service is efficient.

Ethiopian Airlines

  • Check-in: Area C
  • Contact: ethiopianairlines.com
  • Experience: Outstanding onboard service, especially in business class. On the ground, some complaints about lack of Spanish/Portuguese speaking staff during check-in.

Flybondi

  • Check-in: Area C
  • Contact: flybondi.com
  • Experience: Low-cost company. It is frequent that you have to print the boarding pass in advance or pay extra. Checked baggage may present delays. Recommended to check the carry-on baggage limit well.

Gol Linhas Aéreas

  • Check-in: Area B
  • Contact: voegol.com.br
  • Experience: Highly valued for customer service. Orderly boarding and functional digital processes. On domestic flights, it has received praise for punctuality and ground assistance. One of the favorites for frequent travelers in Brazil.

JetSMART

  • Check-in: Area C
  • Contact: jetsmart.com
  • Experience: Chilean low-cost company. Check-in at Guarulhos is basic. Recommended to arrive with boarding pass already issued. Little tolerance for excess carry-on baggage.

LATAM

  • Check-in: Area E
  • Contact: latam.com
  • Experience: Very good organization in the check-in process. In peak hours, there may be long lines. Some passengers highlight that LATAM staff is among the most collaborative at the airport. On-time flights tend to be punctual. Baggage without major reported incidents.

Royal Air Maroc

SKY Airline

  • Check-in: Area C
  • Contact: skyairline.com
  • Experience: Low-cost with agile processes. Essential to review ticket conditions (does not include food, seat, etc.). Some passengers mention baggage overweight as a reason for high charges.

TAAG Angola Airlines

  • Check-in: Area C
  • Contact: flytaag.com
  • Experience: Mixed reputation. On board, service is basic but correct. On the ground, delays are frequent. Fluent Portuguese service.

VOEPASS Linhas Aéreas

  • Check-in: Area D
  • Contact: voepass.com.br
  • Experience: Operates regional flights. Very useful for connections to medium-sized cities. Simple and fast processes, although without amenities.

Airlines in Terminal 3

Aeroméxico

  • Check-in: Area G
  • Contact: aeromexico.com
  • Experience: Positive comments about in-flight service. The boarding process can present long lines. Users recommend arriving at least 3 hours early for international flights to avoid stress from delays.

Air Canada

  • Check-in: Area H
  • Contact: aircanada.com
  • Experience: On board, service is praised on long flights. Some claims about the condition of new bags checked in Guarulhos. Correct attention, although impersonal on the ground. Recommended to verify baggage policies well to avoid surprise charges.

Air China

  • Check-in: Area G
  • Contact: airchina.com.br
  • Experience: No specific reviews found in Guarulhos, but internationally known for acceptable onboard service and limited communication in English/Portuguese.

Air France

  • Check-in: Area H
  • Contact: airfrance.com.br
  • Experience: Excellent reputation on flights from Brazil. Agile check-in and cordial assistance. Lounge shared with KLM is highlighted for its food and cleanliness. Good handling of flight changes.

American Airlines

  • Check-in: Area H
  • Contact: aa.com
  • Experience: Efficient check-in, but there were recent complaints about lack of agility in rebooking after cancellations. Well-equipped Admirals Club, although far from some gates.

Azul Linhas Aéreas

  • Check-in: Area H
  • Contact: voeazul.com.br
  • Experience: One of the airlines with the best reputation for punctuality and efficiency. Users highlight the onboard service as correct, although on the ground the baggage process can sometimes be slow.

British Airways

  • Check-in: Area H
  • Contact: britishairways.com
  • Experience: Passengers value organized boarding and the quality of the counter staff. Shared lounge is correct, although it tends to be full at peak times.

Copa Airlines

  • Check-in: Area G
  • Contact: copaair.com
  • Experience: High efficiency in check-in, but frequent complaints about missed connections in Panama. Courteous and well-organized service.

Delta Air Lines

  • Check-in: Area F
  • Contact: delta.com
  • Experience: Shared Delta SkyClub, good service and signage. Onboard service rated excellent by frequent travelers. Good attention to passengers with reduced mobility.

Emirates

  • Check-in: Area H
  • Contact: emirates.com
  • Experience: Highly valued in business and economy class. Premium lounge among the best in Guarulhos. Fast baggage return. Very organized check-in even on long night flights.

Iberia

  • Check-in: Area G
  • Contact: iberia.com
  • Experience: Efficient service, but without great distinction. Users value punctuality and attention on flights to Madrid. Staff speak Portuguese, which facilitates the process.

ITA Airways

  • Check-in: Area H
  • Contact: ita-airways.com
  • Experience: Alitalia successor company, good counter service. Baggage has had some reported delays. Correct onboard service.

KLM

  • Check-in: Area H
  • Contact: klm.com
  • Experience: Lounge shared with Air France, highly rated. Multilingual team, punctual flights, and efficient assistance for connecting passengers.

LATAM

  • Check-in: Area F
  • Contact: latam.com
  • Experience: Organized flow, although the area can get congested. Positive reviews of service staff, especially in last-minute rebookings. LATAM Pass Lounge available for elite members.

Lufthansa

  • Check-in: Area G
  • Contact: lufthansa.com
  • Experience: German organization at the service of the traveler. Check-in and boarding are fluid. Shared lounge correct, no luxury but functional.

Qatar Airways

  • Check-in: Area H
  • Contact: qatarairways.com
  • Experience: One of the best rated at the airport. 5-star service on board and on the ground. Exclusive VIP lounge, excellent cuisine and service.

South African Airways

  • Check-in: Area G
  • Contact: flysaa.com
  • Experience: No many current reviews at Guarulhos. Historically good service, although with recent restructuring.

SWISS International Air Lines

  • Check-in: Area G
  • Contact: swiss.com
  • Experience: Swiss service recognized for punctuality and efficiency. Attentive and polite staff. Functional lounge, not very big but comfortable.

TAP Air Portugal

  • Check-in: Area G
  • Contact: flytap.com
  • Experience: Excellent connection to Europe. Sometimes collapsed in high seasons. Customer service with ups and downs, but good in-flight service. Lounge shared with Star Alliance, basic but useful.

Turkish Airlines

  • Check-in: Area G
  • Contact: turkishairlines.com
  • Experience: Very good onboard service, modern and quiet lounge. Good connections to Asia and Europe via Istanbul. Recommended for those looking for value for money.

United Airlines

  • Check-in: Area G
  • Contact: united.com
  • Experience: Agile and professional service. Functional shared lounge. Good level of English from staff and assistance with fast connecting flights to the USA.