Affordable Airlines for North and South America Travel: Save Big on Flights
Are you dreaming of exploring South America but worried about expensive flights? You’re not alone. Many travelers assume that flying from North America to South America means spending over a thousand dollars per ticket. But here’s the good news: in 2025, budget airlines and smart booking strategies can cut your flight costs by 50% or more. This comprehensive guide reveals the cheapest airlines to South America from the US, plus insider hacks that seasoned travelers use to score incredible deals on flights between the two continents.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide: We’ll walk you through the best low-cost carriers operating in North and South America, teach you the hacker fare technique that can save hundreds of dollars, and show you which secondary hubs offer the best connections. Whether you’re planning a backpacking adventure through Patagonia or a business trip to São Paulo, this guide will help you fly to Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and beyond without breaking the bank.
The New Era of Pan-American Budget Travel
Gone are the days when international flights to South America were exclusively expensive. The travel landscape has transformed dramatically over the past decade. Ultra-low-cost carriers have revolutionized how people move between continents, making destinations like Buenos Aires, Lima, and Rio de Janeiro more accessible than ever before.
The secret to this transformation lies in understanding two key airline business models. Traditional carriers use a hub-and-spoke system, where flights funnel through major hubs like Atlanta or Dallas before heading to international destinations. This convenience comes at a premium price. Budget airlines, however, operate on a point-to-point model, flying direct routes between cities with high demand. They keep costs low by charging for extras like baggage and seat selection, passing the savings on to travelers who pack light and plan ahead.
In 2025, competition among budget airlines South America travelers can choose from has never been fiercer. New routes open regularly, and price wars between carriers mean better deals for smart shoppers. The key is knowing which airlines fly where, understanding their fee structures, and using strategic booking techniques to maximize savings.
Top Budget Airlines in North America: Your Launchpad
Before you can reach South America affordably, you need to get to a strategic hub city. Several low-cost carriers in North America excel at providing cheap flights to gateway cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, and Los Angeles. Let’s explore your best options for this crucial first leg of your journey.
Spirit Airlines: The Ultra-Budget Pioneer
Spirit Airlines has built its reputation on offering the absolute lowest base fares in North America. You’ll frequently find cross-country flights for under $100, and routes to Florida hubs for as little as $50 during sales. However, Spirit’s bare fare model means you pay extra for almost everything beyond your seat and a small personal item.
What You Get: A seat and one personal item that fits under the seat in front of you measuring 18x14x8 inches maximum.
The Gotcha: Carry-on bags cost between $41 and $65 depending on when you add them. Checked bags range from $36 to $55. Even printing your boarding pass at the airport costs $10. The trick with Spirit is booking early and adding extras during the initial purchase when fees are lowest.
Frontier Airlines: Spirit’s Close Competitor
Frontier Airlines operates similarly to Spirit with ultra-low base fares and fees for everything else. Their network covers over 100 destinations, with strong coverage of Sun Belt cities and key international gateways. Frontier often runs promotional sales where flights drop to $19 one-way.
Best For: Travelers heading to Florida, Texas, or western states who can pack everything into a personal item. Their Denver hub offers excellent connections throughout the western United States.
Southwest Airlines: The Bags Fly Free Advantage
Southwest Airlines stands out from other budget carriers with its generous baggage policy. While base fares are typically higher than Spirit or Frontier, you still get one free carry-on bag. This makes Southwest ideal for longer trips or travelers who cannot pack light.
Important 2025 Update: Southwest’s new Basic Economy fares no longer include a free checked bag, though you still get the free carry-on. Regular Wanna Get Away fares include both one carry-on and one checked bag at no extra charge.
Best For: Travelers with more luggage, families, or anyone who values flexibility since Southwest allows free flight changes.
JetBlue: The Comfort-Budget Hybrid
JetBlue Airways bridges the gap between ultra-budget carriers and traditional airlines. You’ll pay more than Spirit but get free Wi-Fi, complimentary snacks, more legroom than most competitors, and free live television. JetBlue’s network includes excellent coverage of Caribbean and Central American destinations that serve as stepping stones to South America.
Best For: Longer transcontinental flights where comfort matters, or routes to JetBlue’s Caribbean strongholds in San Juan and Barbados.
Pro Tip: Don’t overlook newer carriers like Breeze Airways and Avelo Airlines. These airlines specifically target underserved routes between smaller cities, often using secondary airports with lower landing fees. This translates to cheaper tickets for passengers willing to drive a bit further to the airport.
Top Budget Airlines in South America: The Regional Kings
Once you reach South America, an entirely different set of budget airlines takes over. These carriers dominate regional travel and offer incredibly cheap flights between countries. Understanding the South American low-cost carrier landscape is essential for how to fly to Brazil for cheap or reach other destinations affordably.
JetSmart: The Powerhouse of the Southern Cone
JetSmart has become the dominant ultra-low-cost carrier across Chile, Peru, and Argentina. Founded in 2017, they operate one of the newest fleets in South America with modern Airbus A320neo aircraft that are fuel-efficient and comfortable. JetSmart’s extensive network connects major cities and secondary airports throughout the Andes region.
The Numbers: Base fares regularly drop below $30 for regional flights. Lima to Santiago flights during sales can cost as little as $50, making multi-country trips remarkably affordable.
The Gotcha: JetSmart enforces strict baggage weight limits. Your carry-on cannot exceed 10 kilograms, and they do weigh bags at the gate. Pack strategically or face fees of $12 to $40 per bag depending on the route.
Flybondi: Argentina’s First True Ultra-Low-Cost Carrier
Flybondi launched in 2018 and revolutionized domestic air travel in Argentina. Previously, flying within Argentina was prohibitively expensive for most locals. Flybondi changed everything by offering $20 flights between major cities. They primarily operate from El Palomar Airport near Buenos Aires rather than the main Ezeiza International Airport.
Best Routes: Buenos Aires to Mendoza, Córdoba, Bariloche, and Iguazu. These routes traditionally cost over $200 on legacy carriers but now regularly price under $60 on Flybondi.
Important Note: El Palomar (EPA) sits about 18 kilometers from downtown Buenos Aires. Factor in ground transportation costs when comparing to flights from Aeroparque (AEP), which is much closer to the city center.
GOL and Azul: Navigating Brazil’s Massive Domestic Market
Brazil’s size demands efficient domestic air travel, and two budget carriers dominate the market. GOL Linhas Aéreas operates the largest low-cost network in South America with over 60 destinations across Brazil and South America. Azul Brazilian Airlines focuses on connecting smaller cities that larger carriers ignore, making it invaluable for exploring beyond Rio and São Paulo.
Why They Matter: Both airlines offer competitive fares on routes from Fort Lauderdale and Orlando to Brazilian cities. This connection makes them crucial for the hacker fare strategy we’ll discuss later. Azul, in particular, has positioned itself as the bridge between North America and Brazil with its US routes.
Pricing: Within Brazil, flights between major cities regularly cost $50 to $100. International flights from Florida to São Paulo or Rio start around $250 during sales.
Sky Airline: The Sustainable Choice for the Andes
Sky Airline, based in Chile, offers an alternative to JetSmart on many routes. They’ve made sustainability a key focus, operating newer aircraft and implementing environmental programs. Sky connects Chile with Peru, Argentina, and Brazil with competitive fares that often match or beat JetSmart.
Advantage: Slightly more generous baggage allowances than JetSmart while maintaining similar low fares. Their customer service also receives higher ratings from travelers.
The Bridge Carriers: Connecting the Hemispheres
Between North American budget carriers and South American low-cost airlines lies a gap. Traditional legacy carriers like American, United, and Delta dominate direct routes between the continents, charging premium prices. However, three carriers bridge this gap with reasonable fares and strategic hub locations that make connections easier and cheaper.
Copa Airlines: The Hub of the Americas
Copa Airlines has transformed Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport into the most important hub connecting North and South America. Flying Copa often costs significantly less than booking direct flights on US carriers, even though you’re adding a stop. Panama City’s geographic position makes it a natural connection point, and Copa’s efficient operation keeps connection times reasonable.
Why Copa Wins: While not technically a budget airline, Copa’s fares regularly undercut legacy carriers by 30 to 40 percent. A New York to Lima flight might cost $800 on American Airlines direct but only $500 on Copa with a Panama City layover. Plus, Copa’s Star Alliance membership means you can earn miles on United, Avianca, and other partners.
The Trade-off: Entertainment systems on Copa’s fleet lag behind competitors, and seat pitch is tight on their older aircraft. However, most flights within the Americas are short enough that this matters less.
Avianca: Understanding the Size System
Avianca, Colombia’s flagship carrier, has adopted a unique fare structure called the Size system with tiers ranging from XS to XL. This allows budget-conscious travelers to pay only for what they need. XS fares compete with ultra-low-cost carriers on price but include almost nothing. M fares and above include checked baggage and seat selection.
Strategic Routes: Avianca excels on routes through Bogotá and Medellín. Their network covers more South American destinations than any competitor, making them invaluable for reaching secondary cities. Medellín’s airport serves as an excellent alternative hub to Bogotá with lower fees and often cheaper fares.
Book Smart: Always compare the XS fare plus baggage fees against the M fare. Sometimes paying $20 more for M fare saves you money compared to XS plus add-ons.
LATAM: The Gold Standard for Reliability
LATAM Airlines results from the merger between Chilean LAN and Brazilian TAM. While not the cheapest option, LATAM offers the most reliable service with the best on-time performance among carriers connecting North and South America. Their extensive network covers every major South American city plus connections throughout North America.
When to Choose LATAM: Important trips where reliability matters most, or routes where they’re competitively priced. LATAM runs regular sales that bring their fares down to mid-tier budget carrier levels. Their light fares compete with budget airlines while including better service.
What Do You Actually Get? Facilities Comparison
Understanding what each airline offers helps you make smart choices based on your priorities. Not all budget airlines are created equal. Some cut costs on seat comfort, others on baggage allowances, and some eliminate all frills to achieve the lowest possible base fares.
| Airline | Seat Pitch | Wi-Fi | Personal Item | Entertainment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JetBlue | 32-34 inches (Most legroom) | Free on all flights | 17x13x8 inches | Free live TV and movies |
| Southwest | 31-33 inches | $8 per flight | Generous sizing | Free live TV, $8 movies |
| Spirit | 28 inches (Least legroom) | $3 to $6 per flight | 18x14x8 inches | None (not even in-flight magazines) |
| Copa | 31 inches | Available for purchase | Included in most fares | Personal device streaming |
| JetSmart | 29-30 inches | Not available | Free (strict 10kg limit) | None |
| Avianca | 30-31 inches | $10 to $15 | XS fares: 1 item, Size M+: includes bags | Streaming on personal devices |
| LATAM | 31-32 inches | $10 to $15 | Included on most fares | Full entertainment system |
What These Numbers Mean
Seat pitch measures the distance from one point on a seat to the same point on the seat in front. More pitch equals more legroom. The difference between JetBlue’s 34 inches and Spirit’s 28 inches is significant over a five-hour flight. Travelers over six feet tall should seriously consider paying extra for more legroom or choosing airlines with better pitch.
Personal item dimensions matter enormously for budget carriers. A bag that fits Spirit’s 18x14x8-inch limit might not work on JetBlue’s slightly smaller 17x13x8-inch requirement. Many budget travelers swear by bags specifically designed for airline personal item dimensions. Popular options include the 28-liter Cotopaxi Allpa and the Amazon Basics Underseat Pro, both designed to maximize the free personal item allowance.
Pro Hack: The Brazil Hacker Fare Tutorial
Now we arrive at the most valuable section of this guide. The Brazil hacker fare strategy can cut your flight costs in half. Direct flights from major US cities to São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro on legacy carriers typically cost between $800 and $1,200. Using the step-stone method, you can make the same journey for $400 to $500.
What is a Hacker Fare?
A hacker fare means booking two separate one-way tickets on different airlines instead of purchasing one round-trip ticket from a single carrier. This exploits pricing algorithms and competition between airlines. Airlines price their tickets based on supply, demand, and competition on specific routes. By splitting your journey, you access pricing from multiple carriers rather than being locked into one airline’s pricing structure.
The Step-Stone Method Explained
Let’s walk through a real example. You want to travel from Chicago to São Paulo in March 2025. A direct flight on United or American Airlines costs around $950 for economy class. Here’s how to cut that cost dramatically.
Step One: Find the Cheapest Route to Florida or a Latin American Hub
Search Spirit, Frontier, or Southwest for flights from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, or even Panama City. Spirit frequently offers Chicago to Fort Lauderdale for $89 to $149. Let’s say you find a $120 flight on Spirit. Book this as your first separate ticket.
Step Two: Book the Southward Connection
Now search for flights from your hub city to Brazil. Check Azul Airlines from Fort Lauderdale to São Paulo or Avianca from Medellín if you chose Panama City as your hub. These routes regularly price between $250 and $350. Let’s say you find an Azul flight for $290.
Step Three: Calculate Your Total Savings
Your two tickets cost $120 plus $290 equals $410 total. You’ve saved $540 compared to the direct flight. Even after adding baggage fees (remember, Spirit charges for everything), you’re still saving several hundred dollars.
⚠️ The Golden Rule of Hacker Fares
Always leave at least six hours between separate tickets, or book an overnight stay. This is absolutely critical. When you book separate tickets, the airlines have no obligation to help you if your first flight delays. If your Spirit flight from Chicago arrives late and you miss your Azul flight to Brazil, you’ve lost that entire ticket. Azul won’t rebook you for free because they don’t know you were even trying to connect from Spirit.
Many experienced travelers actually prefer overnight connections. Spend one night in Fort Lauderdale between flights. This eliminates connection anxiety, gives you a place to stay that might be needed anyway, and lets you explore a new city. Budget hotels near FLL cost $60 to $80 per night, still keeping your total savings substantial.
Alternative Hacker Fare Routes
The Brazil example is just one application. This strategy works for reaching any South American destination. Here are other effective hacker fare combinations:
- To Argentina: Spirit/Frontier to Miami, then LATAM or Aerolineas Argentinas to Buenos Aires
- To Colombia: Budget carrier to Fort Lauderdale, then JetBlue or Avianca to Bogotá or Medellín
- To Chile: Any budget carrier to Los Angeles or Miami, then LATAM or JetSmart to Santiago
- To Peru: Fly budget to Houston or Miami, then Copa through Panama City to Lima
The True Cost Comparison: Baggage and Fees
The biggest mistake budget travelers make is focusing only on the base fare. Airlines excel at advertising incredibly low prices, but the final cost after fees can shock unprepared travelers. Let’s examine the complete fee structure for major carriers so you can accurately compare costs.
| Airline | Personal Item | Carry-On | First Checked Bag | Hidden Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spirit | Free (18x14x8″) | $41 to $65 | $36 to $55 | $10 to print boarding pass at airport |
| Frontier | Free (18x14x8″) | $40 to $60 | $35 to $55 | $15 for airport check-in |
| JetBlue | Free (17x13x8″) | $35 to $60* | $35 to $50 | Peak pricing during holidays adds $5 to $10 |
| Southwest | Free | FREE | $35 (not free on Basic fares) | None |
| Copa | Free | Usually included | $30 to $50 | Basic fare changes cost $100 plus fare difference |
| Avianca | Free | $18 to $40 (free on M fares and above) | $30 to $100 | XS fares include almost nothing |
| JetSmart | Free | $12 to $35 | $12 to $40 | Extremely strict 10kg weight limits |
| LATAM | Free | $25 to $45 | $30 to $70 | Light fares very restrictive |
The Personal Item Masterclass
Mastering the personal item is the number one way to keep budget flights truly budget. Every airline allows one personal item that fits under the seat in front of you at no charge. The key is maximizing those allowed dimensions.
Spirit and Frontier allow the largest personal items at 18x14x8 inches. JetBlue’s 17x13x8-inch restriction is slightly smaller. Some travelers successfully push these limits by a couple inches, but gate agents do sometimes check dimensions, especially on full flights. Getting caught means either checking the bag (paying the highest fee rate) or leaving items behind.
Recommended bags designed specifically for these dimensions include the Cotopaxi Allpa 28L, Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L (in personal item mode), and the Amazon Basics Underseat Carry-On. These bags maximize every inch while staying within size restrictions.
Packing strategy matters as much as bag choice. Roll clothes instead of folding to save space. Use packing cubes to compress items. Wear your bulkiest shoes and jacket on the plane. These simple tricks can help you travel for a week with just a personal item, saving $50 to $100 in baggage fees each direction.
Ten Pro Hacks to Score the Absolute Lowest Price
Beyond choosing the right airlines and understanding fee structures, several advanced strategies can save you even more money. These insider tips come from experienced budget travelers and frequent flyers who have mastered the art of cheap travel.
1. The Hacker Fare Strategy (Booking Two One-Way Tickets)
We’ve covered this for international travel, but it works domestically too. Sometimes booking two one-way tickets on different airlines costs less than a round-trip on one carrier. Google Flights makes this easy by automatically showing you when mixing airlines saves money. Always compare round-trip prices to the sum of two separate one-ways.
2. The Tuesday and Wednesday Booking Myth
You’ve probably heard that Tuesday at 3 PM is the best time to book flights. This was true years ago but is mostly myth today. Airlines constantly adjust prices based on demand, and deals can appear any day. Instead of focusing on booking time, use Google Flights’ “Track Prices” feature. This monitors your desired route and emails you when prices drop. Combined with flexible dates, this finds the best deals automatically.
3. Secondary Hubs Save Big Money
Major hubs like Bogotá (BOG) and Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE) often have higher fares than nearby secondary airports. Medellín (MDE) regularly offers flights $100 to $200 cheaper than Bogotá on the same route. In Buenos Aires, domestic flights from Aeroparque (AEP) cost significantly less than international gateway Ezeiza. Cartagena (CTG) beats Bogotá for Caribbean connections.
Research ground transportation costs before committing. Sometimes the taxi from a distant secondary airport negates your flight savings. But when the secondary airport sits just 30 minutes from your destination, you can save substantially.
4. Currency Arbitrage on Airline Websites
This advanced hack exploits exchange rate differences. When booking JetSmart or Flybondi, try accessing the Chilean (.cl) or Argentine (.ar) version of their website. Paying in local currency using a credit card with no foreign transaction fees sometimes saves $20 to $40 per ticket compared to the US site. The airline’s internal conversion rate may be more favorable than the rate your bank uses.
A VPN can help access regional versions of airline websites, though this exists in a gray area of terms of service. The savings are real, but airlines theoretically could cancel tickets if they detect location manipulation. Most travelers report no issues, but understand the small risk.
5. Use Multiple Airports in Your Search
Don’t just search your home airport. If you live equidistant from multiple airports, search them all. Someone in New Jersey should check Newark (EWR), JFK, and LaGuardia (LGA). Chicago travelers should compare O’Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW). Prices can vary by hundreds of dollars for the same destination on the same day.
6. Book Positioning Flights Separately
Sometimes the cheapest international flight leaves from a city other than yours. If you live in Seattle but find an amazing $400 fare from Los Angeles to Buenos Aires, book a separate budget flight to LA first. Your total cost might still beat a $800 direct flight from Seattle. This takes the hacker fare concept even further.
7. Sign Up for Airline Error Fare Alerts
Occasionally airlines make pricing mistakes that result in absurdly cheap fares. Websites like Secret Flying and Scott’s Cheap Flights (now Going) alert subscribers to these error fares. While airlines sometimes cancel mistake tickets, they often honor them. This strategy requires flexibility and quick action when alerts arrive.
8. Use Airline Points Strategically
Don’t ignore loyalty programs just because you fly budget carriers. Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program is excellent for frequent domestic travelers. Copa’s Star Alliance membership means you earn United miles. LATAM partners with Delta. Even if you primarily fly budget, accumulating points on bridge carriers adds up over time and can score you free flights eventually.
9. Book Refundable Fares When Hunting Deals
When you spot a good fare but think it might drop further, book a refundable ticket. Keep searching for better prices. If you find a cheaper flight, cancel the refundable ticket for a full refund and rebook the better deal. Southwest excels here since all their fares are changeable without fees, effectively making them refundable into credit.
10. Follow Airlines on Social Media
Budget airlines announce flash sales on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook before anywhere else. LATAM, Copa, and JetSmart regularly post time-sensitive promo codes exclusively for social media followers. These sales typically last just 24 to 48 hours, so following your preferred airlines ensures you catch these deals.
Bonus Hack: Check the Spanish or Portuguese version of South American airline websites. Domestic fares within South America often show cheaper prices for local residents. While airlines technically restrict these fares to residents, enforcement varies. The savings can reach 30 to 40 percent on routes within South America.
Safety and Comfort: Is Budget Travel Worth It?
A common concern about budget airlines is safety. Are you sacrificing security for savings? The short answer is no. Budget airlines must meet the same safety regulations as legacy carriers. In the United States, the FAA holds Spirit and Frontier to identical standards as American and United. In South America, aviation authorities maintain strict oversight of all carriers regardless of pricing.
Fleet Age and Safety
Interestingly, many budget airlines operate newer fleets than traditional carriers. JetSmart flies Airbus A320neo aircraft manufactured in the last five years. Newer planes not only mean better safety but also improved fuel efficiency, which helps keep fares low. Southwest operates one of the youngest fleets among US carriers.
Legacy airlines often fly aircraft 15 to 25 years old. While properly maintained aircraft remain safe regardless of age, newer planes incorporate the latest safety technology and materials. From a safety perspective, budget airlines perform as well or better than traditional carriers.
The Real Trade-offs
Where budget airlines differ is comfort and reliability, not safety. Seat pitch is tighter, causing discomfort on long flights. Fewer amenities mean no free snacks, entertainment, or Wi-Fi. Most significantly, budget carriers have less schedule cushion. When delays occur, they ripple through the entire day. Ultra-low-cost carriers also fly with fuller flights and have limited backup aircraft, so cancellations can strand you for a day.
Legacy carriers operate large reserve fleets and maintain more aggressive rebooking policies. If American Airlines cancels your flight, they rebook you on the next available flight at no charge, even on partner airlines. Spirit might strand you until the next day unless you pay to rebook.
When to Choose Legacy Over Budget
Sometimes paying more makes sense. Important business meetings, connecting to cruise departures, or trips where you absolutely cannot face delays justify spending extra for reliability. Travelers with mobility issues should consider legacy carriers with better seats and assistance. Families with lots of luggage often find legacy carrier fees competitive once you factor in bags for everyone.
However, for leisure travelers with flexibility, budget airlines offer tremendous value. The money saved can extend your trip, upgrade accommodations, or fund activities. A $500 savings on flights pays for several nights in nice hotels or numerous excursions. For many travelers, this trade-off is absolutely worthwhile.
Quick Reference: Best Budget Airlines by Route
| Route | Best Budget Airline | Average Price | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| US East Coast to Brazil | Spirit/Frontier to FLL, then Azul | $400 to $550 | Book during Azul’s monthly sales |
| US to Colombia | JetBlue or Spirit to FLL, then Avianca | $350 to $500 | Medellín often $100 cheaper than Bogotá |
| US to Chile | Budget to MIA, then LATAM | $500 to $700 | LATAM runs big sales in March and October |
| US to Argentina | Copa through Panama City | $550 to $750 | Free stopover in Panama City up to 48 hours |
| US to Peru | Copa through Panama City or LATAM | $450 to $650 | Lima is major South American hub with many connections |
| Within Brazil | GOL or Azul | $50 to $150 | Book domestic flights after arriving in Brazil for local prices |
| Within Argentina | Flybondi | $30 to $80 | Use El Palomar airport when possible for lowest fares |
| Chile/Peru/Argentina | JetSmart | $40 to $100 | Watch for 48-hour flash sales on social media |
Planning Your Pan-American Journey
With all this information, how do you actually plan a trip? Start by determining your flexibility. If you have fixed dates for work or vacation, your options narrow. But if you can shift dates by even a few days, dramatic savings appear.
Use Google Flights’ date grid or calendar view to see prices across an entire month. Often flying three days earlier or later saves hundreds of dollars. Midweek flights almost always cost less than weekend departures. January through early March and September through early November are shoulder seasons with the lowest fares to South America.
If you’re planning a multi-city South American trip, consider which order of cities offers the cheapest flights. Flying into Lima and out of Buenos Aires might cost less than the reverse. Research visa requirements too, since some countries require visas for US citizens while others allow entry with just a passport. For more comprehensive safety information by country, check the US State Department travel advisories.
Solo female travelers should research safety considerations for each destination. Our guide to the safest South American countries for solo female travelers provides detailed information about which destinations offer the best combination of affordability and safety.
If you’re planning an extended stay in one place, consider the slow travel approach. Our slow travel guide to Mexico demonstrates how spending more time in fewer places not only reduces transportation costs but also provides a deeper cultural experience.
Common Questions About Budget Airlines
The cheapest option typically involves using a hacker fare strategy. Fly Spirit or Frontier to Florida or Panama City for under $150, then connect to South America using Avianca, Copa, or Azul. This can cost $400 to $500 total versus $900 plus for direct legacy flights. The exact cheapest airline depends on your specific origin city and destination, but this two-ticket approach almost always beats direct flights.
Yes, budget airlines like JetSmart, Flybondi, and GOL are safe. Many operate newer fleets than legacy carriers. JetSmart flies modern Airbus A320neo aircraft, and all carriers must meet the same safety regulations as full-service airlines. Aviation authorities in South America maintain strict oversight. The trade-offs with budget airlines involve comfort and reliability, not safety. You’ll get less legroom and fewer amenities, but the flights themselves meet identical safety standards.
Hacker fares involve booking two separate one-way tickets on different airlines instead of one round-trip ticket. This exploits pricing differences between carriers and routes, often saving 40 to 60 percent compared to booking a single ticket through one airline. Airlines price routes based on their competition and demand. By splitting your journey and using different carriers for each leg, you access competitive pricing on each segment rather than being locked into one airline’s international fare structure.
Southwest Airlines offers the best baggage policy among budget carriers, allowing one free carry-on bag. However, note that starting in 2025, their new Basic fares no longer include a free checked bag. All airlines allow a free personal item that fits under the seat. For international travel, Copa Airlines often includes a carry-on in their fares. Among ultra-low-cost carriers, all charge for carry-ons except the personal item. The key is packing strategically to maximize your free personal item allowance.
Panama City Tocumen International Airport via Copa Airlines is the best hub, literally marketed as the Hub of the Americas. Its geographic location makes connections efficient, and Copa offers competitive prices. Other excellent options include Medellín (cheaper than Bogotá), Fort Lauderdale (extensive Azul and LATAM connections), and Miami (largest gateway but often pricier). The best hub for you depends on your origin and final destination, but Panama City consistently offers the most competitive pricing and efficient connections.
Travelers regularly save 40 to 60 percent compared to legacy carriers. A typical direct flight from New York to Lima on a legacy airline costs $800 to $1,000. Using budget carriers and hub connections, the same trip costs $450 to $600. To Argentina, direct legacy flights cost $900 to $1,200 while the budget approach costs $500 to $700. The exact savings depend on your flexibility with dates, ability to pack light, and willingness to accept connections and basic service.
This is the biggest risk with hacker fares. If you book two separate tickets and your first flight delays, causing you to miss the second flight, the second airline has no obligation to rebook you for free. They are separate transactions, and the airlines don’t know you are connecting. This is why you must leave at least six hours between separate tickets, or preferably book an overnight stay. Travel insurance that covers missed connections can provide some protection, but the best defense is building in substantial connection time.
It depends on the airline. Ultra-low-cost carriers like Spirit, Frontier, JetSmart, and Flybondi typically do not participate in traditional frequent flyer programs. However, bridge carriers like Copa (Star Alliance), Avianca (Star Alliance), and LATAM (partners with Delta) do offer mileage earning. Southwest has an excellent rewards program called Rapid Rewards. If accumulating miles matters to you, focus on these carriers for international legs while using ultra-low-cost carriers only for short domestic positioning flights.
Final Thoughts: Making Budget Airlines Work for You
Flying between North and South America on a budget requires research, planning, and realistic expectations. You won’t get luxury service, spacious seats, or free champagne. What you will get is the ability to explore incredible destinations for less money, allowing you to travel more frequently or for longer periods.
The strategies outlined in this guide work for all types of travelers. Solo adventurers can pack everything into a personal item and hop between cities for pennies. Families can use Southwest’s generous baggage policy. Digital nomads can leverage long layovers to explore hub cities. Retirees with flexible schedules can wait for the perfect sale fares.
Start small if this approach feels overwhelming. Book one simple hacker fare on a route you’re comfortable with. Experience how the process works firsthand. Once you’ve successfully saved $300 on your first trip using these techniques, you’ll have the confidence to plan more complex itineraries.
Remember that the goal isn’t just cheap flights but meaningful travel experiences. Every dollar saved on transportation is a dollar available for incredible meals, unique accommodations, once-in-a-lifetime excursions, or simply extending your adventure. Budget airlines are tools that make these experiences accessible to more people.
South America offers incredible diversity, from Patagonia’s glaciers to the Amazon rainforest, from Buenos Aires’ tango halls to Rio’s beaches. Budget airlines have made this entire continent accessible to travelers who previously thought it was out of reach. With the information in this guide, you now have everything needed to explore both Americas affordably in 2025 and beyond.
Ready to Start Planning? Begin by setting up Google Flights alerts for your desired routes. Follow JetSmart, Copa, Avianca, and your preferred airlines on social media. Join budget travel communities online where members share mistake fares and flash sales. The more you immerse yourself in this world, the better deals you’ll find. Happy travels, and may your flights always be cheap and your adventures always be rich!
