At Last: South American Fares Headed South

May 2009
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The South American market has finally joined the rest of the world: Premium fares are coming down and require shorter advance purchase. LAN is in the vanguard of the trend. It is offering a 30-day advance purchase fare—previously 50-day advance was the rule—and the majors (American, Continental, Delta, Northwest and United) are matching in most markets. For details: http://www.lan.com/promociones/data/norteamerica/us/todo_sudamerica/premium_business_lax-en-us.html

The drop in fares has been dramatic. In early April American Airlines charged $6,872 (not including taxes) to fly Business Class from Los Angeles to Buenos Aries for travel on June 1. Now that ticket, booked 30 days in advance, is $2,909, a difference of $3,963 (136%).

For new and improved Business Class seats, keep in mind American (B777 and B767), LAN (B767) and United (by end of May B767).

Opportunities with the Partners

Both American and LAN are members of the oneworld Alliance: fly on one, earn miles on the other. United partners with Star Alliance, meaning you can also earn miles with Air Canada or US Airways, and Continental at the end of this year. Current SkyTeam partners are: Continental (till October 24), Delta and Northwest. Again fly one, earn miles on the other.

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<small><em>AA- American airlines, CO- Continental, DL- Delta, LA- LAN airlines, NW- Northwest, UA- United Based fare, no taxesincluded</em></small>