Finding cheap flights to Bolivia doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right approach, you can save a lot of money on your flight. If you’re flexible and use the tools available, it’s possible to snag a deal to explore Bolivia without breaking the bank.
Book Your Flight at the Right Time
Timing can make a huge difference. Flights are usually the cheapest three to four months in advance. Don’t wait too long because prices tend to rise as the departure date gets closer. Plan your trip early.
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If you can be flexible with your travel dates, try flying mid-week. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often cheaper. Avoid flying on weekends because those are the busiest days.
Also, be mindful of holiday periods. Bolivia celebrates many festivals throughout the year, and during these times, flights can be more expensive. Avoid booking flights around major Bolivian holidays like Carnaval (the week before Ash Wednesday) or Independence Day (August 6th).
Use Flight Comparison Tools
There are tons of great flight comparison websites out there to help you find the best deals. My favorites are:
- Google Flights
- Skyscanner
- Momondo
- Kayak
These websites allow you to search multiple airlines at once. Always try searching on more than one because the prices can vary. Skyscanner and Google Flights are especially helpful if you have flexible travel dates. They let you see prices for a whole month, so you can pick the cheapest day to fly.
Be sure to clear your browser’s cookies or search in an incognito window. Sometimes, prices can increase just because you’ve looked at the same flight multiple times.
Check Out Budget Airlines
Bolivia is served by several airlines, both international and domestic. Some excellent options that offer relatively affordable fares to Bolivia include:
- LATAM Airlines
- Avianca
- Boliviana de Aviación (BoA)
- American Airlines
- United Airlines
If you are flying domestically within Bolivia, Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) offers very good prices, and Amaszonas Airlines also connects many local destinations.
Don’t expect the same level of luxury on budget airlines, though. They often charge extra for services like checked baggage or seat selection. But if you’re just looking to get from point A to point B as cheaply as possible, they’re worth considering.
Use Airline Miles or Travel Rewards
If you have frequent flyer miles or travel rewards credit card points, see if you can use them to fly to Bolivia. Even if you don’t have enough points for a free ticket, you can usually use them to reduce the cost of your flight significantly.
Some of the best programs to collect miles for Bolivia flights include:
- American Airlines AAdvantage
- United MileagePlus
- LATAM Pass
Occasionally, airlines offer promotions that multiply the number of miles you earn or allow you to buy miles at a reduced cost. Keep an eye on these deals because they can save you a lot of money over time.
Set Price Alerts
If you aren’t ready to buy your ticket right away, set a price alert. Most flight comparison websites allow you to track fares and get notifications when there is a price drop.
Skyscanner and Kayak have easy-to-use price alert tools. You’ll get an email notifying you of any price changes so you can book as soon as there’s a price drop.
Get Creative with Layovers
Sometimes, flying indirectly can save you a lot of money. Instead of looking for direct flights to Bolivia, try searching for flights with one or two layovers. You might find better deals.
Sometimes booking two separate flights can help cut costs. For example, you could fly to a major hub in Latin America like Lima, Peru, or Buenos Aires, Argentina, and then catch a cheaper regional flight to Bolivia.
But keep in mind that if you do this, some airlines won’t be responsible for any missed connections due to delays. You’ll also have to recheck your luggage, which could be an additional hassle. So, make sure the savings are worth it before booking multiple tickets separately.
Local and Regional Flight Options
Once you’re in Bolivia, you might want to explore cities or regions that are far apart, like La Paz, Santa Cruz, or Uyuni. Bolivia has a few key airlines that operate domestically.
Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) is the national airline and typically the best option for flying within Bolivia. Their flights are reasonably priced and frequent. Another good option is Amaszonas, which serves smaller destinations.
Keep in mind that flying domestically is usually quicker but can cost more compared to buses, which are cheaper and common in Bolivia. However, if time is an issue, flying could be your best bet.
Avoid Hidden Fees
Make sure you understand what is included in your ticket before purchasing. Some airlines charge for things like carry-on baggage, seat selection, or meals. Budget airlines in particular are known for these extra fees.
Always read the fine print before booking to make sure you’re not surprised by any additional costs later on. And remember, one airline may appear cheaper at first, but once you add on all the fees, it might not be the best deal.
Plan Around Popular Routes
The most popular international airports in Bolivia are located in La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba. If you’re flying from the United States, Europe, or other parts of Latin America, it’s likely you’ll land at one of these.
Screenshots of common long-haul flights include Miami to Santa Cruz, Madrid to La Paz, or Buenos Aires to Santa Cruz. These are all major routes with regular service, and you’ll usually find the best fares by focusing on these cities.
Try Error Fares
Occasionally, airlines post really low fares by mistake; these are known as “error fares.” If you can act quickly, you can take advantage of these pricing errors and get a fantastic deal on flights to Bolivia.
Websites like Secret Flying and Scott’s Cheap Flights are great for finding these deals. Just make sure to book quickly because airlines usually correct these errors fast, and the deal may disappear in a matter of hours.
Stay Flexible with Your Destinations
If your plans permit, consider flying into a nearby country and then catching a regional flight or bus to Bolivia. Sometimes it’s cheaper to fly into a neighboring country like Argentina or Peru and then continue your journey overland into Bolivia.
This option could also allow you to see more of South America while saving on your flight cost. Plus, reaching Bolivia by land might be more affordable than flying directly, especially if you’re coming from a long distance.
Book at the Right Time of Day
Flight prices often change throughout the day. Many experts suggest booking flights late at night or early in the morning when there’s less traffic on airline websites. This doesn’t always guarantee a cheaper flight, but it could help you snag a better deal.
In Conclusion
By booking your flight early, comparing prices across platforms, and staying flexible with dates and routes, you’ll have a much better chance of finding an affordable flight to Bolivia. Whether it’s using miles, waiting for a deal, or trying out budget airlines, the key is to keep searching and be flexible.
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