✈️ Airlines Operating at Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport (GIG)
Knowing exactly where to go upon arriving at Galeão is vital. Terminal 2 is extensive, and check-in counters are divided into “Islands” (from A to H). Mistaking the island can mean a 10-minute walk with luggage. This guide indicates the exact location and what to expect from each airline’s service according to recent experiences from other travelers.
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FAQ about Airlines at Galeão
Where do I check in?
Verify the terminal (almost always T2) and the assigned Island in the detailed list below. The islands are marked with large letters visible from the entrance.
How early should I arrive?
Domestic flights: Minimum 2 hours. International flights: Minimum 3 hours.
Strategy: Although Immigration is usually fast, lines at check-in counters (especially GOL and LATAM) can be very slow during peak hours. Don’t risk it.
Where do I claim lost luggage?
Head to your airline’s counter in the baggage claim area (before exiting to the public zone) as soon as you notice it. It is essential to have your baggage tag handy.
Which airline has the best service?
According to recent reviews, Emirates and KLM stand out internationally. Domestically, Azul has the most consistent reputation, while GOL and LATAM have mixed opinions.
Critical Points: What you need to know before boarding
The “Low Cost” Factor (Flybondi, JetSmart, Sky)
These airlines usually operate on Islands A and B.
User Experience: They are extremely strict with carry-on luggage weight and size. Several passengers report surprise fees at the boarding gate. Additionally, they often use remote positions, implying bus transfers to the aircraft.
The Polarization of GOL
GOL is one of the airlines with the most operations, and opinions are mixed.
User Experience: While some travelers appreciate proactive help not to miss connections (Review #54), others report “unprepared” staff and long waits during technical issues (Review #34). Be prepared for both scenarios.
Airline Experience Comparison
| Airline | Check-in | Service | Luggage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerolíneas Argentinas | ⚠️ Island C | ⚠️ Slow connection | ✅ Acceptable service |
| Air France | ✅ Island F | ✅ Very good | ✅ Fast |
| American Airlines | ✅ Island E | ⚠️ Variable | ✅ Standard |
| Avianca | ✅ Island B | ⚠️ Inconsistent | ⚠️ Delays |
| Azul Linhas Aéreas | ✅ Island B | ✅ Friendly | ✅ Good reputation |
| British Airways | ✅ Island F | ✅ Correct | ✅ No complaints |
| Copa Airlines | ✅ Island C | ✅ Organized | ⚠️ Connection issues |
| Delta | ✅ Island F | ✅ Very good treatment | ✅ Punctual |
| Emirates | ✅ Island F | ✅ Premium | ✅ Agile delivery |
| Flybondi | ⚠️ Island A | ⚠️ Basic | ❌ Extra for luggage |
| GOL | ✅ Islands D and E | ✅ Friendly | ⚠️ Slow at peak hours |
| Iberia | ✅ Island H | ✅ Bilingual | ✅ Regular service |
| ITA Airways | ✅ Island E | ✅ Correct | ⚠️ Some delays |
| JetSMART | ⚠️ Island B | ⚠️ Basic | ❌ Low tolerance |
| KLM | ✅ Island F | ✅ Efficient | ✅ Useful assistance |
| LATAM | ✅ Island G | ✅ Efficient | ✅ No incidents |
| Lufthansa | ✅ Island C | ✅ Well organized | ✅ Good handling |
| Paranair | ✅ Island G | ⚠️ Little info | ⚠️ Basic service |
| SKY Airline | ⚠️ Island A | ⚠️ Limited | ❌ Costs for extra weight |
| TAP Air Portugal | ✅ Island B | ⚠️ Ups and downs | ✅ Good boarding |
| United Airlines | ✅ Island F | ✅ Good English | ✅ Good connection service |
Complete List of Airlines in Terminal 2
Aerolíneas Argentinas
📍 Island C | 📞 Website
User Experience: Acceptable service, although reports of slowness in connection processes.
Air Canada
📍 Island F | 📞 Website
User Experience: Standard operation with no recent incident reports.
Air France
📍 Island F | 📞 Website
User Experience: Very good references for staff quality and punctuality.
Air Transat
📍 Island F | 📞 Website
User Experience: Standard seasonal operation.
American Airlines
📍 Island E | 📞 Website
User Experience: Correct in normal conditions, but delays during rescheduling.
Avianca
📍 Island B | 📞 Website
User Experience: In-flight service valued, but ground service can be irregular.
Azul Linhas Aéreas
📍 Island B | 📞 Website
User Experience: Very good reputation for punctuality and efficiency. Users value treatment on board and on the ground.
British Airways
📍 Island F | 📞 Website
User Experience: Professionalism at the counter, organized boarding. Correct lounge.
Copa Airlines
📍 Island C | 📞 Website
User Experience: Good service, although frequent complaints about missed connections in Panama.
Delta Air Lines
📍 Island F | 📞 Website
User Experience: Excellent reputation for customer service and assistance for people with reduced mobility.
Emirates
📍 Island F | 📞 Website
User Experience: First-class service, with excellent attention both on the ground and on board.
Flybondi
📍 Island A | 📞 Website
User Experience: Low cost with limitations. Necessary to print boarding pass in advance. Strict with luggage.
GOL Linhas Aéreas
📍 Islands D and E | 📞 Website
User Experience: Mixed opinions. High satisfaction on normal flights, but complaints about crisis management and long lines.
Iberia
📍 Island H | 📞 Website
User Experience: General efficiency and comfort on flights to Madrid. Staff speaks Portuguese.
ITA Airways
📍 Island E | 📞 Website
User Experience: Correct at the counter. Some delays, but professional attention.
JetSMART
📍 Island B | 📞 Website
User Experience: Low cost with limited processes. Very strict with luggage and basic check-in.
KLM
📍 Island F | 📞 Website
User Experience: Well-rated for punctuality, multilingual staff, and shared lounge with Air France.
LATAM
📍 Island G | 📞 Website
User Experience: Very well evaluated recently. Friendly staff and efficient customer service (Review #70).
Lufthansa
📍 Island C | 📞 Website
User Experience: German organization: agile check-in, functional lounge, punctual flights.
Paranair
📍 Island G | 📞 Website
User Experience: Few references, but stands out for operating regional flights without complications.
SKY Airline
📍 Island A | 📞 Website
User Experience: Very basic. Frequent charges for extra weight. Ideal if traveling light.
TAP Air Portugal
📍 Island B | 📞 Website
User Experience: Very useful connection to Europe. Some report delays in high seasons. Basic but functional lounge.
United Airlines
📍 Island F | 📞 Website
User Experience: Efficient assistance, good attention on connections to the USA. Bilingual staff.
Didn’t find your airline? Check the complete and updated list on the official airport website here.