Finding a good flight to Chile doesn’t have to be hard. With a bit of planning, research, and flexibility, you can save money and score an awesome deal. Here’s how you can find the best flights without any stress.
Best Time to Book Flights to Chile
The timing of your booking matters. Typically, the best time to book a flight is 2-4 months before your travel date. Airlines usually release their cheapest seats early, and prices tend to increase as your departure date gets closer.
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Try to avoid booking last-minute unless you’re flexible and don’t mind taking a risk. Last-minute deals can sometimes work out, but in most cases, you’ll end up paying more.
Additionally, consider traveling during Chile’s off-season. The peak tourist months are December to February, which is the middle of summer in Chile. Traveling between March and November could help you save on both flights and accommodation.
Use Flight Comparison Tools
The internet is full of tools to help you find the cheapest flights. Here are some of the best comparison websites you can use:
Google Flights
Google Flights is one of the easiest tools to use. It allows you to search a wide range of airlines, and you can explore a calendar that displays potential savings if you leave on different days. It’s great for playing around with dates if you’re flexible on your travel schedule.
Skyscanner
Skyscanner is another powerful flight search engine. One of the neat things about Skyscanner is that it searches smaller airlines that sometimes don’t appear on larger sites. You can also set price alerts to get notified when fares change.
Momondo
Momondo digs through both major and budget airlines and often finds cheaper options than other engines. It also offers price trends that show whether booking now is smart or whether you should wait a bit to see if prices drop.
Set Fare Alerts
If you want to track flight deals to Chile over time, setting fare alerts is a must. Both Skyscanner and Google Flights have this feature. By using it, you can get notified about price changes so that you don’t miss out on those cheaper seats.
Keep in mind that flight prices can fluctuate a lot in just a few days, so stay on top of your alerts. If you see a decent price, don’t wait too long to book.
Be Flexible with Dates
Flexibility can save you a lot of money. If you’re set on specific dates, you might not find the best deals. But if your travel plans have some wiggle room, you can easily compare prices across different days.
Typically, flying mid-week (like Tuesday or Wednesday) tends to be cheaper compared to the weekend when more people are flying. Avoid public and school holidays as these tend to hike up prices.
Avoid Direct Flights if You Can
Direct flights are convenient, but they’re often more expensive compared to flights with layovers. Look for flights that stop in major cities in North America, such as Miami or Dallas, or even cities in Latin America like Lima or São Paulo.
While the extra travel time might be frustrating, the price difference can sometimes make it worth it, especially if you’re on a budget.
Choose Airlines that Frequently Fly to Chile
Flying with airlines that operate regularly to Chile can lead to better deals. The main airport in Chile is Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago (SCL), and many international carriers fly directly to Chile.
Here are some airlines worth considering:
LATAM Airlines
The largest airline in Latin America. LATAM flies frequently to and from Chile, with various international routes. They often offer competitive prices if you keep an eye on sales.
American Airlines
A strong option if you’re flying from the US. They regularly have flights to Santiago via major hubs like Dallas and Miami. If you’re a member of their loyalty program, you can rack up miles for future trips.
Delta Airlines
Delta is another good choice if traveling from North America. They offer flights to Santiago with layovers in major hubs like Atlanta. Be sure to compare their prices with those of American Airlines.
Copa Airlines
Consider Copa Airlines if you’re booking from or through Panama. They often have cheaper international routes compared to LATAM or American Airlines, but they might have longer layovers in Panama City.
Look for Budget Airlines
Budget airlines also operate into Santiago, but they tend to only fly regionally within South America. Some examples include:
Sky Airline
Sky Airline is a Chilean low-cost airline with affordable regional flights. They often fly between Santiago and neighboring countries like Peru, Argentina, and Brazil.
JetSMART
JetSMART is another budget option based in Chile. Though their prices are cheap, be prepared to pay extra for things like seat selection, baggage, or snacks. It’s a solid option if you’re traveling light and want to save even more.
Consider Nearby Airports
Santiago is Chile’s main airport, but depending on where you’re coming from, you might find cheaper deals flying into airports in neighboring countries.
For example, you can look for cheaper flights to Buenos Aires, Argentina or Lima, Peru, and take a regional flight or even a bus over to Chile. Sometimes flying into a nearby city can save you hundreds of dollars.
Break Up Your Flights
Instead of booking a single direct flight all the way to Santiago, consider booking two separate flights: one to a hub city and another to Santiago.
For example, if you see a cheap flight to Miami, Dallas, or Panama City, buy that leg first and then use a different search engine to look for flights onward to Chile. This strategy can sometimes result in significant savings, depending on where you’re starting from.
Check for Airline Sales and Deals
Signing up for newsletters from airlines and flight comparison websites is a great way to hear about sales. Airlines commonly have flash sales that can drop prices by as much as 30%, especially during holiday periods like Black Friday.
If you’re lucky, a special promotion might just match up with your planned travel days.
Don’t Forget Hidden Costs
When comparing flight prices, remember to account for fees that might not be visible at first glance. Some airlines, especially budget ones like JetSMART or Sky Airline, charge extra for carry-ons, checked baggage, seat selection, and even food onboard.
Make sure to double-check what’s included in your ticket to avoid surprises at the airport. Sometimes spending a bit more on a standard airline can save you the headache of unexpected fees.
Use Airline Miles or Credit Card Points
If you’ve accumulated airline miles or travel credit card points, now’s a good time to check if you can use them for a flight to Chile.
Many airlines offer rewards flights or discounted fares for loyalty members. Travel credit cards can help cover flight costs too, either by booking directly through their platforms or by using points to reimburse yourself for travel purchases.
Book on a Tuesday or Wednesday
While there’s no “golden rule” for when to book flights, studies have shown that prices tend to be lower for bookings made mid-week—especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
This isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, but it’s worth keeping in mind if you have flexibility in your booking schedule.
Be Ready to Book Quickly
If you see a great deal, don’t wait. Flight prices fluctuate constantly and that sweet deal could disappear in just a couple of hours. Be decisive and book if the price looks right.
If you’re unsure, remember that many airlines offer a 24-hour free cancellation policy, so you can secure a seat and think it over later.
Final Thoughts
Finding good flight deals to Chile doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By using price comparison tools, setting fare alerts, being flexible, and watching for sales, you’ll have a much better chance of getting a good deal.
Put in some time, do your research, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different routes and flight options. Happy travel planning!
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