Why Argentina and Brazil Should Be on Your Radar Now

September 2014
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Get Up to 71% off on First Class on Two American Carriers, and Explore Two of the Continent’s Most Vibrant Cities.

São Paulo is the other side of Brazil, vibrant, pulsating, and New World to Rio’s Old World. It’s the city to visit to see the vast cultural, business, and lifestyle forces at work in Brazil right now. What’s more, it’s a good jumping-off point for excursions to the barefoot-luxury coast of Bahia.

Buenos Aires’ combination of European elegance and Latin flamboyance is well known. But don’t visit without booking a side-trip to Mendoza, the up-and-coming wine country— Argentina’s Napa Valley.

Through this deal, get to either destination in First Class at great savings—in a bona fide First Class cabin.

First Class award seats are more available than is commonly thought—that’s the purpose of this series of articles. (See the July issue for a look at Europe First Class; the August issue to Asia First Class.)

The information in this article is not just for FCF members who have miles. The chart below will tell you how to get the necessary miles, even if you have none right now. Anyone can take advantage of this report.

Upgrade Route-Opportunity Mindset

As you read through the chart below, don’t be concerned if your departure city isn’t mentioned. Remember the word “connection” in regards to your departure or arrival city. Often, you can tack on the flight to an international gateway for free; worst case, you have to buy a separate ticket.

The Major Point

Focus on the long-haul segment first, and then the connecting flights. Think of these routes as “Continent Bridges” to leverage in order to Build your Itinerary Around the Seat (BIAS) availability.

Attention South America Residents:

Opportunities on a U.S.-South America route also exist on the South America-U.S. route. South America residents should find this upgrade intelligence as valuable as U.S. residents.

Survey of Award Availability for One Traveler in First Class to South America*

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[["Airline","Route (To \/ From)","Operating Airline","#colspan#","#colspan#","#colspan#","#colspan#","#colspan#","Miles Needed","How to Get Miles","#colspan#","#colspan#","Lowest Published First Class Fare","Award Purchase Strategy Savings"],["#rowspan#","#rowspan#","Departure Availability","#colspan#","#colspan#","Return Availability","#colspan#","#colspan#","#rowspan#","Credit Card Partner \/ Points Needed","Where to Buy the Miles (Partner with Lowest Cost Miles)","Cost to Buy the Miles**","#rowspan#","#rowspan#"],["#rowspan#","#rowspan#","Handful","Hopeful","Hooray","Handful","Hopeful","Hooray","#rowspan#","#rowspan#","#rowspan#","#rowspan#","#rowspan#","#rowspan#"],["American","Dallas - Buenos Aires","Sept.","","","Sept.","","","125,000","Starwood \/ 100,000","US Airways (125,000 needed)","$2,375 ","$4,125 ","$1,750 \/ 42%"],["#rowspan#","Los Angeles - S\u00e3o Paulo","","Sept.","","","","Sept.","#rowspan#","#rowspan#","#rowspan#","#rowspan#","$5,200 ","$2,825 \/ 54%"],["#rowspan#","Miami - Buenos Aires","Sept.","","","Sept.","","","#rowspan#","#rowspan#","#rowspan#","#rowspan#","$4,105 ","$1,730 \/ 42%"],["#rowspan#","Miami - S\u00e3o Paulo","","","Sept.","","","Sept.","#rowspan#","#rowspan#","#rowspan#","#rowspan#","$4,105 ","$2,048 \/ 46%"],["United","Chicago - S\u00e3o Paulo","Dec., Jan.","Oct., Nov., May","Sept., Feb., March, April, June","Dec., Jan.","Oct., May","Sept., Nov., Feb. to April, June","140,000","Chase \/ 140,000","LifMiles (135,000 needed)","$2,025 ","$6,922 ","$4,897 \/ 71%"],["#rowspan#","Houston - S\u00e3o Paulo","Oct., Dec., June","Nov., Jan. to May","","Oct.","Dec.","Nov., Jan. to May","#rowspan#","#rowspan#","#rowspan#","#rowspan#","$6,837 ","$4,812 \/ 70%"],["#rowspan#","Washington, DC to S\u00e3o Paulo","Dec., Feb., July","June","Sept. to Nov., March to May","Sept., Jan.","Oct., March to June","Nov. Feb.","#rowspan#","#rowspan#","#rowspan#","#rowspan#","$6,278 ","$4,253 \/ 68%"]]
<small>*<span style="color: #6699cc;"><strong><em>Handful:</em></strong></span> Our most recent research shows that award space is available for at least one person about 4 to 8 days during the months indicated in the chart. Worth pursuing if you’re flexible. <span style="color: #6699cc;"><strong><em>Hopeful:</em></strong></span> Our most recent research shows that award space is available for at least one person about 9 to 12 days during the months indicated. <span style="color: #6699cc;"><strong><em>Hooray:</em></strong></span> Our most recent research shows that award space is available for at least one person about 13 days or more during the months indicated. <em> **Cost based on a recent Buying Promotion in FCF’s daily alerts, May 9 and July 17; buy miles when they are on sale!</em></small>