Finding cheap flights to Colombia can feel like a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. By following a few simple strategies and using the right tools, you can find great deals and save some serious cash.
1. Book at the Right Time
Timing is everything when booking flights. Generally, you want to book your flight around two to three months before your trip. Flights tend to be most expensive when booked too far in advance or too close to the departure date.
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The best time to search for flights is midweek, particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Airlines often release deals and adjust prices on these days, so it’s worth keeping an eye out.
Also, consider flying during the low season in Colombia, which is around April to June, and September to November. Fewer tourists mean cheaper flights.
2. Use Flight Search Engines
Not all search engines are created equal. Some focus on certain airlines, while others show a broader range of options. The best trick is to use a combination of flight comparison sites to see the widest selection of deals.
Google Flights
Google Flights is a great place to start your search. It’s fast, simple, and gives you a calendar view of prices. It’s especially handy if you have flexible dates.
Skyscanner
Skyscanner is another popular tool. Simply enter your dates, departure city, and destination. Make sure to check their “Cheapest Month” option if your travel dates are flexible.
Momondo
Momondo compares thousands of airline websites and booking sites to show you the best deals. It’s a great way to double-check if you’re getting a good price.
3. Set Price Alerts
If you don’t need to book immediately, setting price alerts can help you grab a deal when prices drop. Most flight comparison tools allow you to set alerts. For example, Google Flights and Skyscanner let you track flight prices for specific routes.
4. Check Budget Airlines
While big airlines fly to Colombia, don’t ignore budget carriers. Low-cost airlines often fly to cheaper airports or routes and can help save money if you’re flexible with your schedule.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines offers budget-friendly flights from many US cities to Colombia. Keep in mind that they charge extra for luggage, seat selection, and other services. Still, if you travel light, you can save a lot.
Viva Air
Viva Air is a Colombian budget airline that operates domestic routes, as well as international flights within Latin America. It’s a good option for getting around Colombia on a budget if you’re planning to fly domestically after arriving.
5. Check Nearby Airports
Colombia has several major cities with international airports. The most popular ones are Bogotá (BOG), Medellín (MDE), and Cartagena (CTG). Depending on your route and where you’re coming from, it might be cheaper to fly into one city and then catch a domestic flight to your final destination.
Don’t forget about smaller airports too. For example, Cali (CLO) tends to be a cheaper entry point for some international routes.
6. Be Flexible with Your Dates
If your dates are flexible, you’ll have a much better chance of finding a cheap flight. Typically, flights that leave on weekdays are cheaper than weekend flights. Also, consider flying during off-hours since early morning or late-night flights tend to be cheaper.
Use the “flexible dates” option when you run searches on websites like Skyscanner and Google Flights. It can save you a lot of money by showing cheaper alternatives to your ideal departure dates.
7. Consider Layovers
Direct flights are convenient, but they often cost more. Consider taking connecting flights with layovers to save money. Many times, flights with a stopover in cities like Panama City or Miami can be noticeably cheaper.
Just be sure that you have enough time between layovers. You don’t want to miss your connection and be stuck in another country!
Panama City (PTY)
Panama City (PTY) is a common layover city for travelers heading to Colombia from North America or Europe. Sometimes, taking an indirect route through Panama can result in cheaper options.
Miami (MIA)
Miami is another common stop for people flying to Colombia. Many airlines have direct flights from Miami to Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena.
8. Consider Local or Regional Airlines
Colombia has its own domestic and regional airlines that often have great deals. Checking local carriers could save you money, both on your main flight into Colombia and for any domestic flights within the country.
Avianca
Avianca is Colombia’s flagship airline and one of the largest in Latin America. They offer both domestic and international flights. While not always the cheapest, Avianca does have competitive prices if you’re booking in advance.
LATAM Airlines
LATAM Airlines is another big player in Latin America. They have a wide selection of routes, including domestic flights in Colombia. Their international flights from the US or Europe to Colombia can sometimes be discounted if you book early.
9. Use Airline Miles and Points
If you have airline miles or credit card points, try to use them to offset the cost. Many Colombian airlines, including Avianca and LATAM, are part of major airline alliances like Star Alliance and Oneworld. This means you can use points from US-based airlines to book flights to Colombia.
Even if you don’t have enough miles for a full reward flight, sometimes you can get a discount by using them for part of the fare, taxes, or fees.
10. Use VPN to Get Different Pricing
Some airlines and booking sites show different prices depending on the country you’re searching from. Using a VPN to search for flights from different countries can sometimes yield cheaper tickets.
For example, if flight prices seem high when searching from the US, try setting your VPN to a country like Colombia, Mexico, or Panama. This strategy doesn’t always work, but it’s worth a shot when hunting for savings.
Final Thoughts
Finding flight deals to Colombia is all about being flexible and using the right tools. Book during low season, use search engines like Google Flights and Skyscanner, and don’t be afraid to explore layovers or regional airlines.
Keep checking for deals, set alerts, and be patient. With these strategies, you’ll be able to find a deal that fits your budget in no time.
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