13 Routes Between the U.S. and Argentina, Brazil, and Chile with Good First and Business Class Award Availability Right Now—on American, Delta, and United

For Amex, Chase, Starwood, AAdvantage, MileagePlus, and SkyMiles members, it’s a great time to consider these 13 options, which might not last long.

I confess that FCF does not publish very many special reports about long-haul travel to southern South America. This is simply because this region has fewer major airlines and promotions compared to the rest of the world.

That said, here are six reasons to give southern South America a look, right now.

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American Flights: For the lowest partner award rate book through Japan Airlines loyalty program—the carrier is a Starwood partner—and you can save up to 35,000 miles (35%), as Japan Airlines charges 65,000 miles in Business Class round-trip for routes under 10,000 flight miles and 80,000 miles for flights under 12,000 miles; First Class is 100,000 and 115,000 miles. Inventory through Japan Airlines is at times similar to American’s.

Delta Flights: Lowest partner award rate is through Alitalia’s MilleMiglia loyalty program—the carrier is an Amex Rewards and Starwood partner—and you can save up to 50,000 miles (40%), as Alitalia charges 75,000 miles round-trip to South America. Inventory through Alitalia is at times similar to Delta’s.

More point transfer partners and lower rates: Save 35,000 miles by booking through Virgin Atlantic’s loyalty program, which charges 90,000 miles round-trip. Virgin Atlantic Partners: Amex Rewards, Citi ThankYou, Chase, and Starwood. Inventory is at times similar to Delta’s.

United Flights: For the lowest partner award rate book through Asiana’s loyalty program—the carrier is a Starwood partner and you can save up to 50,000 miles (36%), as Asiana charges 70,000 miles in Business Class round-trip and 90,000 miles for First Class. Inventory through Asiana is at times similar to United’s.[/aside]

1. Great Mileage Award Availability: On 13 routes, now through October. See charts on page 7 for details.
2. Large U.S. and Canada Route Network: Makes it easier to reach a southern South American gateway (Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Miami, New York, Orlando, and Washington, DC) with mileage award space from smaller U.S. airports, this is at no extra cost because American, Delta, and United do not charge more miles for domestic or Canadian connecting flights. The United Houston or Washington, DC, to São Paulo costs the same as Los Angeles-São Paulo, which involves flying to Houston or Washington, DC, to catch the international flight, for example
3. Lie-Flat Business Class Seats: Delta and United’s entire international fleet has them; American is still mid-rollout for new flat-bed seats on some routes.
4. Easy Access to Miles: For Delta flights, via Amex Rewards (miles almost always post instantly) and Starwood (often post in one day, but allow up to five business days). If you don’t have any miles, consider signing up for an Amex Membership Rewards earning card as you can buy up to 500,000 points, at 2.5¢ each. That can save you up to $11,892 on these flights. (See Jan. 2015 report for more details on getting miles.)

For United flights, via Chase transfer (miles almost always post instantly). See April 2015 report for more details on getting miles. For American flights, via Starwood transfer (miles often post within two days).

5. Okay Mileage Cost: Delta charges 125,000 miles in Business Class; United charges 110,000 in Business Class and 140,000 in First Class; and American charges 100,000 in Business and 125,000 for First Class until March 21; after the rate increases to 115,000 and 170,000 (see page 10 for more on AA program changes).
6. Return On Miles to South America Is Often Good: On Washington, DC-São Paulo, fares are usually high—starting at $5,268 in First Class and climbing to $16,220. At 140,000 miles, the return is 3.8¢ per mile

Sweet Redeem Survey: First Class to/from Southern South America

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Sweet Redeem Survey: Business Class to/from Southern South America

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No Credit Card Transfer Points, But You Bought Alaska Miles or LifeMiles?

Alaska is an American and Delta partner and the cost to southern South America using Alaska miles is 100,000 to 125,000 miles on American and 125,000 miles on Delta. If you took advantage of Alaska Airline’s last (see Nov. 16 alert) mileage purchase bonus (up to 50%), then you are getting those miles at a good discount. (Alaska offers the bonus every two to three months.) Availability using Alaska miles is sometimes similar to American and Delta’s.

LifeMiles is a United partner and the cost to southern South America is 100,000 to 140,000 miles. If you took advantage of LifeMiles’ last (see Dec. 10 alert) mileage purchase bonus (up to 140%), then you are also getting those miles at a good discount. (LifeMiles offers the bonus every two to three months.) Availability using LifeMiles is sometimes similar to United’s.