S. America itinerary - maximizing BA miles
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: FL
Programs: AA
Posts: 207
S. America itinerary - maximizing BA miles
Ok, knowing that taxes/fees to S. America are better than Europe...But I'd like to know an itinerary that will maximize the use of miles while minimizing visa/reprocity fees...Because once the visa fees + BA's taxes reach a comparable price similar to those charged for Europe, I'd be more inclined to go to hit a multi-city European tour.
I realize this means flying LAN, which means I'll be flying out of MIA.
Ideally, I'd like to hit Macchu Picchu and Rio, but not sure what other places to consider.
I realize this means flying LAN, which means I'll be flying out of MIA.
Ideally, I'd like to hit Macchu Picchu and Rio, but not sure what other places to consider.
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: FL
Programs: AA
Posts: 207
But how much was the visas and entry fees on top of that? There are many countries in Europe that I'd also like to go to that don't charge reprocity fees.
#4
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: SLC / SCL
Programs: Delta - Plat
Posts: 38
But how much was the visas and entry fees on top of that? There are many countries in Europe that I'd also like to go to that don't charge reprocity fees.
Chile--~$140
Argentina-- ~$140 if you fly in to EZE. I know border crossings into AR do not require the fee and I believe no other airports charge it.
Brazil -- You need to get a visa before you leave the states. Also ~$140.
Peru -- Last I checked no visa or reciprocity
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: FL
Programs: AA
Posts: 207
I have to admit those fees are taking some of the shine away from S. America for me as they add up quick!
Anyway, that knocks out Buenos Aires since I'd prefer to go to Rio de Janeiro...And I'm not doing both.
Right now, I'm probably looking at MIA-LIM-GIG-MIA, and I'd be pretty happy with that actually. I'll just have to make other arrangements from LIM to Cusco.
That said, I'm having a tough time seeing anything for LIM-GIG or GIG-MIA by LAN on BA's site.
Anyway, that knocks out Buenos Aires since I'd prefer to go to Rio de Janeiro...And I'm not doing both.
Right now, I'm probably looking at MIA-LIM-GIG-MIA, and I'd be pretty happy with that actually. I'll just have to make other arrangements from LIM to Cusco.
That said, I'm having a tough time seeing anything for LIM-GIG or GIG-MIA by LAN on BA's site.
#6
Ambassador, LATAM
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Lima, Perú
Programs: LATAM, Lifemiles
Posts: 854
I think that LAN doesn't fly LIM-GIG without stops...
#7
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: RNO
Posts: 362
I'm not sure about availability, but if you're already getting the Brazilian visa, you could consider this:
MIA-LIM-IGU/IGR-AEP on LAN (stopping at each destination), then buy an AEP or EZE ticket to GIG, then use BA miles for AA GIG-MIA. This avoids the Argentina fee because your entry point is over land at Iguazu Falls, which is a very nice destination in itself. Another alternative would be to bag Buenos Aires and do MIA-LIM-IGU on LAN, then buy IGU to GIG, and miles for GIG-MIA as before.
I don't know that this final alternative would work, but it would be a true coup if it did:
MIA-LIM-IGU/IGR-AEP-MDZ-SCL-GIG all on LAN, with a stopover everywhere except SCL. Avoid all fees (except Brazil visa), but I think it severely violates "direct routing", and is predicated (as is the first itinerary) on IGU/IGR being considered co-terminals.
MIA-LIM-IGU/IGR-AEP on LAN (stopping at each destination), then buy an AEP or EZE ticket to GIG, then use BA miles for AA GIG-MIA. This avoids the Argentina fee because your entry point is over land at Iguazu Falls, which is a very nice destination in itself. Another alternative would be to bag Buenos Aires and do MIA-LIM-IGU on LAN, then buy IGU to GIG, and miles for GIG-MIA as before.
I don't know that this final alternative would work, but it would be a true coup if it did:
MIA-LIM-IGU/IGR-AEP-MDZ-SCL-GIG all on LAN, with a stopover everywhere except SCL. Avoid all fees (except Brazil visa), but I think it severely violates "direct routing", and is predicated (as is the first itinerary) on IGU/IGR being considered co-terminals.
#8
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: MCO
Posts: 867
For my itinerary, the only reciprocity fee I paid was for Argentina. I avoided the Chilean one by making Easter Island my first point of entry into Chile. Peru does not have a reciprocity fee. I did try to avoid Argentina's fee as well by routing IPC-SCL-MDZ-AEP. However, according to the phone agent that was not a valid routing. He tried other similar routings but the only ones that were allowed were direct SCL-EZE routings.
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: FL
Programs: AA
Posts: 207
You're right, it seems it goes from LIM-SCL-GIG.
So if I go MIA-LIM-IPC-SCL-GIG-MIA, I'd only have to pay extra for getting into Brazil.
The LIM-CUS leg will have to be purchased independently (Lan lists the price as $110).
Also, I'm avoiding having to use more miles aside from an economy redemption as I'll be saving the rest for N. American trips.
So if I go MIA-LIM-IPC-SCL-GIG-MIA, I'd only have to pay extra for getting into Brazil.
The LIM-CUS leg will have to be purchased independently (Lan lists the price as $110).
Also, I'm avoiding having to use more miles aside from an economy redemption as I'll be saving the rest for N. American trips.
#10
Ambassador, LATAM
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Lima, Perú
Programs: LATAM, Lifemiles
Posts: 854
Do check if the price that you are seeing for the LIM-CUZ flights is available for non-residents as LAN restricts sale fares (annoying, I know).