Looking for advice on whether we should book internal Argentina/Chile/Peru flights before we leave Ireland or whilst we are there?
Hi all
We are travelling to South America in March/April 2009 and found out today that 6 internal flights throughout Argentina/Chile/Peru will cost approx. 1200, a bit more expensive than we expected! We would love some advice on whether we should book flights in advance, here in Ireland, or is it more cost-effective to book them in SA itself and pretty much wing it? How difficult is it to book flights in SA? (very little spanish/travel agents accessibility/can you generally book a next day flight etc.)
Any advice much appreciated!!
Kate
Reply to this I think it´s better to leave it. We didn't book any flights till we got to SA as we weren't sure of our itinerary. There is less price fluctuation with the SA airlines in comparison to , say, Ryanair, so booking last minute you (usually) still get a fair deal. (An exception is Easter Island which is worth booking well in advance). Most airlines have offices or agencies in major cities, and many of them will speak English.
Reply to this Thanks Barry - yeah, would be fab to have the luxury of not being tied down to dates (and places) before we leave. Seems from your experience its pretty straightforward to book them as we travel. I must say - I can't wait! Thanks again.
Reply to this I agree with Barry. I'm a British expat living in Argentina and would definitely advise you to wait until you're here. The companies in SA are not nearly as organised as those in Europe and are always on strike or have some excuse not to fly that day. Which could mean more hassle for you to re-arrange pre-bought flights.
You'll probably notice when you're here that there are different tariffs for non residents and foreigners on flights. Another tip is that once you're here, get friendly with a local (hostal owner or the like) and see if you can shave off a few pesos on your flights by getting a local to buy them for you (with you present, of course). If you can do this in Chile & Peru too, it could save you a fair few euros.
There are loads of places to buy tickets, so don't worry about that. All you'll need to worry about is if the flight is flying that day. Honestly, you'll understand when you get here.
Good luck with your trip, you'll love it.
Reply to this You won't save anything getting someone else to buy your tickets in Chile as fares are not different for foreigners. I believe that in Argentina you will not be allowed to board a plane if you are non-resident and holding a 'local' ticket until you pay the difference. It used to be possible to get the local price through travel agents or buying once you were in Argentina. but I don't think that is true any more.
Reply to this I travelled three times from BA to Salta on a ticket that my mother in law bought for me at the local price and had no problems whatsoever with having to pay the difference. I guess systems may change over time. Good luck anyway!!
Reply to this Thanks so much for the advice Clare (and Fiona) it is greatly appreciated! Will def wait until we are in SA before we book any flights. Even if we don't save all that much by doing so, you can't pay for the freedom of staying longer (or shorter) in a given place than originally planned. I'm delighted it is all so easy! On another note - Clare - I've been told St Patrick's Day in Buenos Aires is an amazing experience. Is this the case? We will be in BA around that time and we're wondering if its worth hanging around for?
Reply to this I hear it is a big party in BA for St Patrick's day, however i don't live in BA, i live in salta. If you get time come and visit Salta it's beautiful and a starking contrast to the big city of BA.
Have fun x
Reply to this I am planning to go to Argentina during my xmas-new year break and am surprised to find how expensive it it turning out to be. I dont know if its the case since I am going during peak season. But is it better for me too to wait to buy the internal flights even with the peak season? So far my travel itinerary included the falls, glaciers, puerto valdez and barlioche, landing into Buenos Aires. thanks
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