Low Cost Airlines in South America?

Question

Are there any low cost airlines in South America?
I am going there next year & want to know the best/cheapes/quickest way to get around?

Answer 1

The only true "low-cost" airline in Latin America is Gol, which is a Sao Paulo-based airline. The bad news is that in keeping with the low-cost model, they do not offer much in the way of service outside of Brazil, except to Buenos Aires.

If you're looking to travel between two points in two different countries, then there are only three airlines with service and a safety record that would merit a recommendation:

1) TAM (Based in Brazil)
2) TACA (Based in El Salvador)
3) LAN (Based in Chile, Argentina and Peru)

The only problem is that these are not "low-fare" airlines in the sense of their distribution, meaning they all still follow the old ways where the lowest fares were only sold through preferred travel agencies---meaning that many times you will not get these fares over the internet. (This also has to do with the low penetration rate of internet households in Latin America)

Therefore, just follow the basic rule of thumb when picking an airline, which is that airlines that DO NOT offer the best schedule generally compensate to get traffic in that route by offering a lower fare.

Example: If you are flying from Miami to Sao Paulo, you will find that the highest fare of the above airlines is on TAM, because they offer nonstop service. But if you check with LanChile with a connection over Santiago, you will get a lower fare. (Conversely, if you look for a low fare from Miami to Santiago, try TAM connecting via Sao Paulo rather than nonstop on LAN!)

Answer 2

A few are Taca, Copa, and Lan. There are very few region-wide airlines in South America, so the best way to determine is to find the specific airport in the specific city and either find its website or find it on Wikepedia (which lists the airlines flying in and out) and then look for a specific airline that is flying between those two points. Unfortunetly, most start-up airlines don't succeed in Latin America (unlike in Europe, where everyone travels) so you may be traveling with a chicken on each shoulder if you choose one of these options but all the more adventure!

Answer 3

I just got back from traveling through Bolivia and Peru and I believe that the best way to get around is by bus or train. It is cheaper by far, as flying between Latin American countries is expensive. No one who lives there flies really so the airlines chalk the prices up for tourists. It is more secure as well because there are stikes periodically. If you want to buy a ticket or two before you leave I recommend www.exitotravel.com. They can find you good deals. Buenas Suerte!

Answer 4

you need to be more specific. South America is a bunch of countries, not just one like America. Each country has its own deals and sales, so you have to check first where you are going to, and then find out which airlines flight over there from where you are leaving. The easiest way I have found, is going directly to their website instead of calling them, or calling a travel agent. Its always cheaper online

Answer 5

To stay safe, I truely recomend LAN.
Its a Chilean company with good planes, good pilots, no crahes(3 airplanes crahsed in the last year in south america), and it is flying all over Chile, Peru , has flights to the Usa, internal flights in many countries.
They cost a little bit more , but you arent flying Easyjet or in a cheap American company, its South America, your safety is on the line, I would go for LAN, or an Argentinian/Brazilian firm if Lan doesnt fly where you want to go.
Have fun.

Answer 6

being honest i couldnt give you a low cost airline but youre best bet is looking on internet sites such as www.ebooker.com or www.cheapflights.com you can get good deals and also the sites will search all possible airlines for your flight destinations

Answer 7

Try http://www.routehunter.com/airlines/america/low-cost-america.html

This website is very good in Europe and not so good in America....but it's worth a try!

Answer 8

TAM: brazilian
TACA: peruvian
LAN Perú: peruvian
LAN Chile: chilean
Air Madrir: spaniard
Aerolíneas Argentinas

Answer 9

Panama has one, Copa Airlines. AeroMexico ain't too bad either, but, they want to do drugs on board!

Answer 10

I've used LAN - it's pretty safe and cheap. I think you can book tickets through their website - but I've done it through a travel agent.