Less than a year ago, low Business Class fares to much of South America were nonexistent.
Not anymore.
American, Continental and United are now matching many of the fares offered by Delta, the current low-fare leader to South America, in several significant markets.
Over nine months ago, Delta reduced Business Class fares up to 70% for travel to three South American cities: Sao Paulo, Brazil; Santiago, Chile; and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Fares that were once in the $5,000-$8,000 range are now between $1,893- $2,522 (see chart below), and as of press time Delta’s Business Class fare sale continues.
Most restrictions are similar to reduced Business Class fares to Europe: 50-day advance purchase and 7-day minimum/30-day maximum stay requirement.
Last minute/business travel: Some American Airlines MiamiBrazil summer fares require NO advance purchase (when two travel together) — at only $2,100 (68% off) round-trip! A three-day minimum stay is required, 21-day maximum stay.
Don’t forget about 2-for-1s
While the above fares are available in many markets, they might not be offered in yours. One good alternative is 2-for-1 programs. Amex’s Platinum Card International Airline Program (800-648-4423) offers such fares on Continental and LanChile, as does United through its Ameniti.com. But even with the free companion ticket, these fares can cost $1,500- $2,500 more than two heavily discounted published fares. That’s because companion fare programs usually use the highest fare as the basis for pricing.[table_opt id="4997" style="blue-header" heading="thcenter" rows="tdcenter" responsive="all"]
Use Cash, Not Miles
Pay cash for these discounted Business Class fares if you can. Why? Because these carriers’ upgrades come with strings attached. American and Continental impose cash surcharges and Delta and United don’t allow upgrades from the lowest fares. In fact, sometimes the upgradeable fare is not much less than the discounted Business Class fare, and the discounted Business Class fare outright saves you the mileage upgrade cost (50,000+ miles) and earns more credit toward elite status. (Always double-check the difference in fares to determine the best value.)Less than a year ago, low Business Class fares to much of South America were nonexistent.
Not anymore.
American, Continental and United are now matching many of the fares offered by Delta, the current low-fare leader to South America, in several significant markets.
Over nine months ago, Delta reduced Business Class fares up to 70% for travel to three South American cities: Sao Paulo, Brazil; Santiago, Chile; and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Fares that were once in the $5,000-$8,000 range are now between $1,893- $2,522 (see chart below), and as of press time Delta’s Business Class fare sale continues.
Most restrictions are similar to reduced Business Class fares to Europe: 50-day advance purchase and 7-day minimum/30-day maximum stay requirement.
Last minute/business travel: Some American Airlines MiamiBrazil summer fares require NO advance purchase (when two travel together) — at only $2,100 (68% off) round-trip! A three-day minimum stay is required, 21-day maximum stay.