Four routes that cost up to one-third of what most others do
Since we last delved into this region six months ago, many of the lowest fares have shot up by 50%. Tracking fare movement to South America reveals the games airlines play—which aren’t always bad for consumers, by the way. Here’s a look at the best deals, the holdouts, and how to play along with the airlines.
Overview With the exception of three routes, Delta is still the low-fare leader, but most of its fares have skyrocketed: from $2,200-$2,400 to $2,900-$3,400 (with the exception of Santiago). Once Delta increased fares to the low-$3,000s, American and United started playing ball on some $3,000 fares (down from $5,000+). Delta still offers exceptionally low fares to Santiago (in the mid-$2,000s, see chart below), which most don’t match.
The Games Airlines Play We found only four American Airlines routes under $3,000 —Buenos Aries, Rio, Santiago, and São Paulo (starting at $2,141)—and they all originate from Atlanta. It’s no coincidence that American is only offering the reduced fares from Delta’s backyard. Why? Delta is messing with American’s game plan to maintain Business Class fares well above $3,000 (if not $5,000 or more). As long as Delta holds, the fare is great for Oneworld mileage program members—and I don’t see Delta buckling.
Best Bets Oneworld members: Save $3,000+ by making a connection on American via Atlanta. The alternative might be LAN on an Amex 2-for-1. Details: (800) 443-7672.
SkyMiles and SkyTeam members: If you’re flying on short-notice, look at Amex’s International Airline Program, offering 2-for-1 companion fares on some routes.
Star Alliance: You have one option: United. (Sorry.) That’s because Ameniti’s 2-for-1 program has been terminated and Varig has gone under.
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Four routes that cost up to one-third of what most others do
Since we last delved into this region six months ago, many of the lowest fares have shot up by 50%. Tracking fare movement to South America reveals the games airlines play—which aren’t always bad for consumers, by the way. Here’s a look at the best deals, the holdouts, and how to play along with the airlines.
Overview With the exception of three routes, Delta is still the low-fare leader, but most of its fares have skyrocketed: from $2,200-$2,400 to $2,900-$3,400 (with the exception of Santiago). Once Delta increased fares to the low-$3,000s, American and United started playing ball on some $3,000 fares (down from $5,000+). Delta still offers exceptionally low fares to Santiago (in the mid-$2,000s, see chart below), which most don’t match.
The Games Airlines Play We found only four American Airlines routes under $3,000 —Buenos Aries, Rio, Santiago, and São Paulo (starting at $2,141)—and they all originate from Atlanta. It’s no coincidence that American is only offering the reduced fares from Delta’s backyard. Why? Delta is messing with American’s game plan to maintain Business Class fares well above $3,000 (if not $5,000 or more). As long as Delta holds,...