Discover the secrets to saving on plane tickets
Finding cheap flights can be easier than you think!
What are you looking for?
With a few foolproof strategies, it's possible to travel to incredible destinations without having to spend a fortune.
Simply understand how the airline market works and take advantage of promotions and discounts.
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If you're tired of seeing high prices when planning your trip, don't worry!
We'll teach you the best tips for finding cheap plane tickets.
Research in advance: the basis of savings
One of the first rules for finding cheap flights is to book in advance.
Airline ticket prices tend to increase as travel approaches.
So, if you know your travel destination in advance, start researching and monitoring prices as soon as possible.
When to buy?
- Domestic Flights: For travel within Chile, it is recommended to purchase tickets at least 1 to 3 months in advance.
- International Flights: For international flights from Chile, it's best to purchase tickets 3 to 6 months before your departure date.
Please note that prices vary depending on the time of year and demand.
By planning ahead, you'll be more likely to find lower rates and take advantage of seasonal promotions.
Use search and price comparison tools
One of the best ways to get cheap airline tickets is to use price comparison sites.
Tools like Skyscanner, Kayak, Google Flights, and Momondo allow you to compare fares from different airlines, travel agencies, and travel sites. These platforms help you find the best deal available.
Tips for using search tools:
- Be flexible with your dates: Flexibility with your travel dates is one of the best ways to save money. By moving a day or two, you can find much cheaper tickets.
- Use price alerts: Tools like Skyscanner and Google Flights allow you to set up price alerts to monitor when fares drop. This will help you receive notifications when a promotion appears.
- Search at different times: Try searching during off-peak times, such as early morning or on weekends, to find better deals.
Enjoy special promotions and discounts
Promotions are one of the most effective ways to find cheap flights.
Airlines often offer discounts during sales campaigns and special dates.
Top promotions to look out for:
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday: These sale dates are perfect for getting great discounts on airline tickets, even from airlines operating in Chile, such as LATAM, JetSmart, and Sky Airline.
- Seasonal Promotions: During national holidays and special dates, such as Fiestas Patrias or the Chilean summer, many airlines offer promotions.
- Flash Sales: Some airlines offer last-minute sales, with discounts on nearby flights. Keep an eye on your preferred airline's website and comparison sites.
If you're flexible with your dates, you can wait for these seasonal promotions to find even better prices.
Subscribe to airline newsletters and follow them on social media to receive real-time notifications of the best deals.
Consider flights with stopovers
While direct flights are convenient, they tend to be more expensive. If you're patient and don't mind layovers, flights with stops can be a more economical option.
How to find cheap flights with stopovers:
- Use search tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner, which allow you to filter flights with stopovers to find the best deals.
- Avoid very long layovers: Although longer layovers are cheaper, they can make your trip tiring. Look for flights with short, efficient layovers.
Fly on less popular days and times
If you have flexibility in choosing your flight times, consider traveling on less popular days and times.
Flights during weekends or school holidays are often more expensive due to high demand.
Flights during the week, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, or at less conventional times, such as early morning or late evening, are usually cheaper.
When to travel to pay less:
- Days of the week: Flights departing on Tuesdays or Wednesdays are generally cheaper. Mondays and Fridays are more expensive, especially for popular destinations.
- Avoid holidays and school vacations: During holidays like Christmas, New Year's, and summer vacation, ticket prices rise. If possible, try to travel outside of these times.
Take advantage of loyalty and points programs
Another excellent strategy for saving on airfare is to take advantage of loyalty programs and accumulated miles.
Airlines such as LATAM, JetSmart, and Sky Airline offer programs that allow you to accumulate points with each flight, which can be redeemed for discounts on future tickets, class upgrades, or even full tickets.
Main Loyalty Programs:
- LATAM Pass: One of the most popular loyalty programs in Chile. By accumulating points, you can redeem them for discounts and benefits on future flights.
- Smiles (Gol): Gol's miles program is also a good option for those traveling to Brazil and other destinations.
- Airpoints (Sky Airline): Sky Airline's miles program that allows you to accumulate points for discounted tickets.
Using these miles will give you a significant advantage, especially if you travel frequently.
Consider low-cost airlines
In Chile, low-cost airlines are an excellent option for those looking for cheap airfare.
Companies like JetSmart and Sky Airline offer affordable flights, albeit with simpler services.
Main Low Cost Airlines in Chile:
- JetSmart: A very popular option for those traveling to domestic and international destinations at lower prices.
- Sky Airline: Another low-cost airline that operates within Chile and offers tickets at very good prices.
These airlines can be a great option if you're willing to pay for extras like checked baggage and in-flight dining separately.
Comparison chart: Cheap flights in Chile
Below are some flight examples with approximate prices to help you understand how to find cheap flights from Chile.
Remember that prices may vary depending on the season and promotions.
| Origin | Destination | Company | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santiago | Sao Paulo | LATAM Airlines | $135.000 |
| Santiago | Buenos Aires | LATAM Airlines | $90.000 |
| Santiago | Lime | Sky Airlines | $90.000 |
| Santiago | Miami | Avianca | $305.000 |
| Santiago | Bogota | Avianca | $198.000 |
These prices are estimates based on promotions and advance flight fares. Prices may vary depending on the time of year and availability.
Conclusion
Finding cheap flights to Chile is possible with the right strategies.
By following the advice of buying in advance, using comparison tools, and taking advantage of promotions and loyalty programs, you can guarantee cheaper flights to domestic and international destinations.
Be flexible with dates and times, take advantage of seasonal promotions, and be aware of mileage programs.
With these strategies, you can enjoy the best that Chile and the world have to offer without compromising your budget. Enjoy your trip and save big!