Best plan PHL-SCL?
May 18, 2011, 4:07 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Philadelphia
Programs: AA, UA
Posts: 77
Best plan PHL-SCL?
Trying to jump down to Santiago from Philadelphia in October for a long weekend. Any suggestions on cheapest fare and which airline? I have about 100K Starwood points that I could transfer to several airlines for upgrades, if the paid fare is low enough. Would rather not use points on purchasing tickets.
May 21, 2011, 3:10 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,423
Trying to jump down to Santiago from Philadelphia in October for a long weekend. Any suggestions on cheapest fare and which airline? I have about 100K Starwood points that I could transfer to several airlines for upgrades, if the paid fare is low enough. Would rather not use points on purchasing tickets.
I would recommend taking the nonstops from JFK, but if you don't have a way of doing that, there are the obvious connections (although probably not to JFK flights).
Oh, and it's crazy to do this for a "long weekend." I once went to EZE for 4 days, but it's stupid, unless you really have no vacation time (like you should take a week unless you will lose your job). At least the jetlag is modest!
May 21, 2011, 6:39 pm
#3
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Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,638
Not crazy. That was my first trip to SCL (a long weekend, after years of wanting to go) and it gave me enough taste to start exploring Chile at length. And now, the rest is history.
May 21, 2011, 7:03 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,423
It's something like 5000 miles, right?As somebody who's taken "weekend" trips all over the world (although, mericifully, never to Asia) I can attest to its absolute stupidity.
Unless, of course, that's the only way you can do it.
May 23, 2011, 1:24 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Philadelphia
Programs: AA, UA
Posts: 77
I know a long weekend is stupid, but we have a 2 week trip to Africa in early November, and the October visit to Santiago is more or less obligatory -- just need to make an appearance. It's going to be tiring, but it may just whet my appetite for longer stays in the future.
I like the idea of AA's nonstop from JFK. JFK is an easy drive from home.
I like the idea of AA's nonstop from JFK. JFK is an easy drive from home.
May 23, 2011, 8:58 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,423
I know a long weekend is stupid, but we have a 2 week trip to Africa in early November, and the October visit to Santiago is more or less obligatory -- just need to make an appearance. It's going to be tiring, but it may just whet my appetite for longer stays in the future.
I like the idea of AA's nonstop from JFK. JFK is an easy drive from home.
I like the idea of AA's nonstop from JFK. JFK is an easy drive from home.
Don't forget to look for LAN flights, too, if you're redeeming an award.
If you're brave, you can even park for free in Howard Beach. Search for the thread. Enjoy.
May 25, 2011, 12:47 pm
#7
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: NYC
Posts: 9,124
If redeeming check BA for LAN flights from JFK (flat bed seats in C). Using BA miles is 10k less in miles per one way (40 vs 50 on AA). If using AA miles on the return you can add a leg from JFK to most places AA flies in the US for the same mileage (e.g. to LAX in a good business class seat).
You can also check aeroplan if you want to fly direct from PHL - or use UA if you need a one way (and combine this with a BA one way if needed).
You can also check aeroplan if you want to fly direct from PHL - or use UA if you need a one way (and combine this with a BA one way if needed).