SCL to MDZ $1000+ one-way
 

We will be in South America in Dec/Jan and were planning to book internal flights using the now discontinued Airpass. Looking at costs for individual segments all look reasonably priced with the exception of SCL to Mendoza - all dates I looked at are around $1000 pp one-way while MDZ-AEP, a much longer flight, is less than $200.

Any hints on how to get a cheaper fare - I looked at award flights using AA miles but it seems no awards are available for my required date. So we'll look into a bus option or just cancel the 4 days in Mendoza and go directly to Buenos Aires.

Can you just do it on a separate PNR? that way you check for SCL-MDZ-SCL

You just want a one-way ticket, correct? ie, SCL-MDZ? Book a round trip ticket, and throw away the return portion. Just with a quick random check of dates in January, I see it available as cheap as CLP 89,218 (USD$151).

Many thanks, yes the trick is to book a return flight and just not use the ticket from SCL-MDZ and "throw away" the return. Not suse why LAN prices this route like this as other one-way segments (e.g. MDZ-AEP and USH-AEP) are reasonably priced.

If you can spare the day to take the bus, the views along the way are some of the most incredible you will ever see!

^ Agreed. One of the most scenic bus rides I've ever done.

Thanks again, while in panic mode about the one-way airfare (before finding about the return fare trick) I also stumbled across a Mendoza company that does private van/driver transfers with a tour (i.e. stops) - we are now thinking this is the best option - hotel door to hotel door service for not that much more than the "return" airfare. We also considered the bus option - but the private tour is more our mojo.