Should I book all flights with one airline?

When possible, yes. Single airline or alliance bookings provide connection protection, easier changes, and usually better prices. Only mix airlines if you find significant savings or need routes not served by major carriers.

How far in advance should I book?

2-3 months ahead gives best prices for most routes. Peak season (December-February) requires 3-4 months advance booking. Last-minute deals are rare except on budget carriers.

What if I want to change my dates later?

Multi-city tickets typically allow date changes for $50-150 per segment plus any fare difference. Some budget carriers don't allow changes. Consider flexible fare types if your plans might change.

Are layovers in Panama or Mexico worth it?

Copa (via Panama City) and Aeromexico often offer competitive prices and good connections. These routes work well for northern South America but add travel time for southern destinations.

Should I include domestic flights within countries?

Include domestic legs if they're part of your main routing (like Lima to Cusco). For side trips within countries, book separately with local carriers who offer better schedules and prices for domestic routes.

How to Book Multi-City Flights in South America

Book multi-city flights in South America through airline alliance tools, regional carriers like LATAM and Avianca, or specialized travel agents. Expect to pay 20-40% more than round-trip tickets but save significantly on individual legs. Book 2-3 months ahead for best prices.

Map your route and timing. List all cities you want to visit in logical order. South America's geography favors north-south routes (Lima-La Paz-Buenos Aires) over east-west jumps. Plan 3-7 days minimum per destination to justify flight costs.
Check LATAM and Avianca multi-city tools first. Both airlines dominate South American routes and offer competitive multi-city pricing. Use their websites' multi-city booking engines. LATAM covers Chile, Peru, Brazil, and Argentina well. Avianca excels in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru connections.
Try airline alliance multi-city booking. Star Alliance (includes Avianca and Copa) and oneworld (includes LATAM) offer multi-city tools that combine partner airlines. Often cheaper than booking separate tickets and includes connection protection.
Compare with Google Flights multi-city. Enter all your city pairs and dates in Google Flights' multi-city search. It will show combinations across different airlines. Useful for finding budget carriers like JetSmart or Viva Air for specific legs.
Consider hub strategies. Lima (Peru), Bogotá (Colombia), and São Paulo (Brazil) are major hubs. Sometimes flying hub-to-hub-to-destination costs less than direct routes. Check if breaking your journey at these cities saves money.
Book through a South America travel specialist if needed. Agencies like South America For Less or SayHueque specialize in complex South American routing. They charge fees ($50-100) but handle visa requirements, schedule changes, and can access wholesale fares unavailable to consumers.
Purchase and prepare for changes. Buy tickets with the same airline or alliance when possible for easier changes. Download airline apps and save confirmation numbers. Flight delays and cancellations are common in South America due to weather and infrastructure.

Should I book all flights with one airline?: When possible, yes. Single airline or alliance bookings provide connection protection, easier changes, and usually better prices. Only mix airlines if you find significant savings or need routes not served by major carriers.
How far in advance should I book?: 2-3 months ahead gives best prices for most routes. Peak season (December-February) requires 3-4 months advance booking. Last-minute deals are rare except on budget carriers.
What if I want to change my dates later?: Multi-city tickets typically allow date changes for $50-150 per segment plus any fare difference. Some budget carriers don't allow changes. Consider flexible fare types if your plans might change.
Are layovers in Panama or Mexico worth it?: Copa (via Panama City) and Aeromexico often offer competitive prices and good connections. These routes work well for northern South America but add travel time for southern destinations.
Should I include domestic flights within countries?: Include domestic legs if they're part of your main routing (like Lima to Cusco). For side trips within countries, book separately with local carriers who offer better schedules and prices for domestic routes.