South American flights

davholla

I am hoping to go to South America next summer holidays. Two questions
1) Do people think prices will be lower or higher compared to this year?
2) Any idea when is the best time to fly?

Voyager2002

In response to 2, summer holidays is probably the worst time to fly, but by the sound of things you don't have the option of going at another time.

In general, prices are likely to be higher.

davholla

Voyager2002 wrote: »

In response to 2, summer holidays is probably the worst time to fly, but by the sound of things you don't have the option of going at another time.

In general, prices are likely to be higher.

Oops sorry I posted without checking.
I meant to say for flights in July August, when is the best time to buy now or later.

benjus

To be honest, in my experience flight prices to South America don't really change much over time - it doesn't tend to be massively cheaper to buy early and it can even be slightly cheaper to buy late. But of course it depends on how well particular flights are selling, so leaving it late is a risk.

It a pretty expensive part of the world to get to in general. You might get lucky and find an airline is having a sale to the destination(s) you want, but in general I prefer to buy 6 months or so in advance.

Voyager2002

benjus wrote: »

To be honest, in my experience flight prices to South America don't really change much over time - it doesn't tend to be massively cheaper to buy early and it can even be slightly cheaper to buy late. But of course it depends on how well particular flights are selling, so leaving it late is a risk.

It a pretty expensive part of the world to get to in general. You might get lucky and find an airline is having a sale to the destination(s) you want, but in general I prefer to buy 6 months or so in advance.

And of course the destination can make a huge difference. Cheap charters are sometimes available to the Caribbean, from where local and almost affordable airlines can take you onward to the Andes...

PeacefulWaters

If business class floats your boat, cheaper fares from Italy worked well for me this year.

stevenhp1987

PeacefulWaters wrote: »

If business class floats your boat, cheaper fares from Italy worked well for me this year.

Alitalia? They are doing cheap fares (often with additional 20% discount) because they're in administration, heading for bankruptcy if not bought, and need a cash influx.

They might not be around in the summer to honor the ticket...

richardw

davholla wrote: »

....I meant to say for flights in July August....

Some parts of South America have winter then, so perhaps double check the climate before booking.

PeacefulWaters

stevenhp1987 wrote: »

Alitalia? They are doing cheap fares (often with additional 20% discount) because they're in administration, heading for bankruptcy if not bought, and need a cash influx.

They might not be around in the summer to honor the ticket...

Iberia. Impressive cabin on the A340.

blindman

PeacefulWaters wrote: »

Iberia. Impressive cabin on the A340.

Hi

Iberia from where in Italy?

Looking to go end of next year Ex EU :cool:

PeacefulWaters

blindman wrote: »

Hi

Iberia from where in Italy?

Looking to go end of next year Ex EU :cool:

We flew Milan to Madrid and onto Santiago. Saved around £1,400 for two compared to flying from Manchester or London, after positioning flight and hotel overnight.

Booked in January and travelled in July, returning in August.