Originally Posted by
Kacee
I would think that if CM introduces its own program, it would not be be at all generous (unlike those fiscally irresponsible Colombians who run AV
). They have close to monopoly power in Panama and on many of their routes and exploit that ruthlessly with their fare structure. They don't need a strong FF program and it is not in their DNA to give pax something for nothing.
My most frequent intra-Latin American travel is between SJO and MDE/BOG. While I have plenty of M+ & LM miles to burn, I still compare before every trip, as one or the other will run a special fare ever so rarely. I have opted to buy the CM tickets at around the $550 mark, as I know I'll get the CPU as a 1K. AV doesn't have that lure with me. When I have paid for tickets with them, the LM program has proven to be very, very stingy. Only the 2x1 miles sales are a bargain. Perhaps the intra-Colombian flights, too, to a lesser degree.
When neither is running a sale, both are priced in outer space compared to trips of the same distance within North America. They don't always fill the planes, and apparently they don't care. Why would they?
Generally speaking, Latinos who can afford to fly for leisure can afford to pay whatever happens to be the going rate. There is far less middle class to attract with a fare sale that would merely result in the same number of seats being sold, only at lower margins.
In fairness, I don't know about the market farther into South America yet, as my move to Medellin keeps getting delayed. Once there and I begin exploring the region more, I'm sure I'll get a better handle on whether or not there is more middle class elective traffic taking place. For now, everyone I meet from the region is either traveling on company paid business or they simply have far more money than this Gringo will ever manage to earn or save.