I have my route laid out and have my first dates set but LAN does not list any direct flights Ushuaia to Santiago then (Feb '10). It's not a 12 month in the future issue exactly, they don't list any direct flights after March 15. The only flight currently listed would be 3 segments from USH-AEP-EZE-SCL which won't work for me. I called LAN and they said a direct flight would not be scheduled within the next 6 months but do operate in the high season ~Nov-Mar.

USH-SCL would ideally be my first flight. I am correct in my understanding that I am out of luck if I want to purchase this ticket during the 10% sale? The only options I can see are making my own way to PUQ and flying direct to SCL or making my own way to EZE and flying direct. Can anyone think of other options? Thanks.

The cheapest option I imagine would be to get a coach to PUQ then start it there .. iirc there are coaches that go all the way to SCL but it's fairly arduous, about 36 hours or something like that. Nary a drop in the water for a seasoned mileage-runner of course

Hi Simia,
Maybe it would be possible to book the direct USH-SCL flight if you made the rtw fare booking over the phone with Lan as whilst the flight might not appear on the current online timetable, they know that the flight will be scheduled for around your departure date.
Otherwise, the bus to PUQ seems the best option from what I can see.
Hope you can work something out!

Thank you both for the advice. I actually called LAN twice and the AA RTW desk twice before and they all said there is no flight currently listed, so no way to start the trip there. They also said it would be impossible to change my route later without reissuing the tickets at the latest fare and rule set since it would be my first flight.

I don't really have a problem with either of the options I listed. The bus from USH to PUQ is about 12 hours and a flight USH-AEP is only about $150 US. I just wanted to make sure I knew what all my options were before making the decision. Thanks again.