Fares so Low It Doesn’t Pay to Use Miles or Status Upgrades
We surveyed thousands of routes from the U.S. to the Caribbean and Mexico, and to Central and northern South America and uncovered Business Class fares as low as $466 (plus taxes). On a per-mile basis, these fares are hard to beat, and at these prices it’s not worth using miles or status upgrades to get them. In fact, it’s worth taking advantage of these deals to make a mid-year mileage run, instead of waiting until December.
A Perspective on Prices
Dividing the fare by the miles flown is one way of leveling the playing field when comparing ticket prices to different destinations. It tells you how far a buck will take you from your departure city. For example, from Miami to Quito is about 3,600 flight miles round-trip, and on American the flight costs $466 (for travel Aug. 16 through Dec. 12; plus taxes and fees). That yields a cost-per-mile of about 13¢. A trip to Madrid from Miami on American is 8,834 flight miles roundtrip, and costs $3,384 (30-day advancepurchase required; plus taxes), resulting in a cost-per-mile of 38¢. Going to Quito is much less expensive in more ways than one.
Special Business Class Fares to the Caribbean, Central and Northern South America, and Mexico for under $800
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Leave Your Miles in the Bank
Business Class fares are so low that there is no reason to pay cash. Instead, use the trip to earn miles for future travel on a route where premium fares are high.
Forget elite upgrades, too. They’re a lose-lose proposition. If you’re flying American, the cost could bring your outlay close to that of a paid Business Class fare—and you can’t confirm until just before departure. If you’re flying Continental or Delta, all of which offer “free” upgrades to elites, you’ll have a lot of competition. Why play eliteupgrade roulette when low fares are a sure bet?
Finally, don’t waste your money and a mileage-earning opportunity on a 2-for-1 ticket either.
Hotel Deals
They’re rampant. One example: The Four Seasons Punta Mita in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico, is offering a third night free (33% off).
Taxes and Fees
They can add as much as $500 round-trip to your ticket, so make sure to factor this into your calculation. Just look at the difference in taxes and fees round-trip from Atlanta: to San Juan they are $14, to Cancun about $69, to Santo Domingo about $150, and to Belize City about $384.