Questions and Answers

We’re planning on flying to Santiago (SCL) from Miami (MIA) in the spring of 2019. We have to fly on a Sunday March 31st. AA hasn’t opened up that date yet, but putting in a Sunday earlier to get an idea shows 100m to 155m miles per person for business class.
I have the miles, but that’s stupid. This is my first time doing this.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated?

I’m guessing it’s because it’s summer in Chile and they’re charging a premium? It’s the same reason I’m seeing regular economy flights (at the best times) for over $1000 to Bozeman, MT during ski season next year. Supply and demand. I do expect my revenue flight prices to drop but even so AA is charging 30K miles each way for 1-stop flights and weekend travel.

[QUOTE=”MidSouth Skier, post: 55814, member: 184″]I’m guessing it’s because it’s summer in Chile and they’re charging a premium? It’s the same reason I’m seeing regular economy flights (at the best times) for over $1000 to Bozeman, MT during ski season next year. Supply and demand. I do expect my revenue flight prices to drop but even so AA is charging 30K miles each way for 1-stop flights and weekend travel.[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the feedback. Hopefully someone will have a solution.

Considering that availability is tough, can you be a little flexible with your travel date? Maybe a day or two before/after.

AA serves SCL from both MIA and DFW, so search for awards on both routes. If you end up finding awards from DFW, you’ll be able to add a MIA-DFW flight on the award, if there is space, even in economy. Worst case is you have to buy a paid flight to get to DFW.

LATAM is a oneworld partner of AA and from Miami, there are flights to many South American cities where you can then connect to. Specifically, you can connect in Buenos Aires, Rio, Sao Paulo and several other smaller Brazilian cities. To find award space on LATAM, serach using British Airways’ website, note the flight numbers and dates, then call AA to book.

Thank you very much David. That really give me some options.

Even though the calendar opens up 11 months in advance, the Saver award space doesn’t often appear until around six to eight months out in my recent experience with International award flights on AA metal the past two years. And like [USER=29]@David W[/USER] said, it’s wise to be flexible if possible. I travel mid-week on award flights normally – that is when I see the most Saver availability in Business Class.

[QUOTE=”Gia, post: 55830, member: 1566″]Even though the calendar opens up 11 months in advance, the Saver award space doesn’t often appear until around six to eight months out in my recent experience with International award flights on AA metal the past two years. And like [USER=29]@David W[/USER] said, it’s wise to be flexible if possible. I travel mid-week on award flights normally – that is when I see the tmost Saver availability in Business Class.[/QUOTE]

Thanks Gia, this really helps.

If you are on or join Expert Flyer you can set email alerts for when Saver availability opens up on your desired dates and flights. I would put in several dates, if you have any flexibility within a given time frame. Even if saver space never opens, the anytime awards will be generally available close in, although the mileage price can increase once the J seats for that route begin to sell.

[QUOTE=”Bob P., post: 55845, member: 2067″][/QUOTE]
Thanks again Gia. Hopefully when the dates open I’ll have some success.