Here’s a great deal to Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo, Brazil, from 6 US cities!
The Flight Deal reports you can fly from at least 6 US cities (possibly more!) on American Airlines starting at ~$444 round-trip in coach. Dates are NOT available for Brazil’s Carnival Festival.
Don’t forget, Citi Prestige cardholders can use Citi ThankYou points to purchase tickets at a rate of 1.6 cents per point on American Airlines. Or 1.33 cents per point on other airlines. So check if this same deal is available in the Citi Travel Center!
You can search for this fare using ITA Matrix or Google Flights, then book it on the airline websites.
But hurry if you’re interested, because fares are selling out fast!
How To Book It
Link: ITA Matrix
Link: Google Flights
Here’s how to use Google Flights or ITA Matrix to find sale dates.
What’s the Deal?
I’ve written about great fares to Brazil, but this 1 is the cheapest I’ve seen!
You can fly American Airlines to Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo, Brazil, starting at ~$444 round-trip from these cities (and possibly others):
- Chicago
- Cleveland
- Denver
- Houston
- New York (Newark)
- San Francisco
Travel dates are now until early December 2015, or late February to early June 2016. There’s a 1-day advance purchase requirement, and you must depart between Monday and Thursday.
Because of the travel dates, this deal isn’t available around Carnival time in Rio in early February.
Availability is limited depending on the city, and cities other than the ones listed above may be available, so it’s worth checking!
I found flights from Cleveland round-trip to Rio for ~$471 using Google Flights and was able to book them on American Airlines website!
What If You’re Not in an Included City?
Southwest – If you need more Southwest points, Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to Southwest. Plus, if you have the Southwest Companion Pass, a friend can fly with you for (almost) free!
British Airways – If you’re a short flight away from 1 of the sale cities, you can save miles by using British Airways Avios points to book an award flight on American Airlines. Chase Ultimate Rewards points , American Express Membership Rewards points, and Starwood Preferred Guest points transfer to British Airways.
Note: The price for short-haul (under 650 miles) flights in North America using British Airways Avios points will increase to 7,500 points 1-way in coach (from 4,500 British Airways Avios points) on February 3, 2016.
Pay With the Right Credit Card!
Remember to use a card that will earn you bonus points:
- Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express – 3X American Express Membership Rewards points for booking directly with airline
- The Business Gold Rewards Card from American Express OPEN – 3X American Express Membership Rewards points for booking directly with airlines when you choose this as your 3X category
- Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite Mastercard – 2.1% back
when you redeem for $100+ travel purchases - Chase Sapphire Preferred – 2X Chase Ultimate Rewards points on travel
- Citi Prestige – 3X Citi ThankYou points on travel
- Citi ThankYou Premier Card – 3X Citi ThankYou points on travel
Get Free Hotel Nights With These Cards
Link: Hot Deals – Hotel Credit Cards
If you book a cheap flight, remember there are lots of ways to get cheap or free hotel rooms with points from credit card bonuses and spending!
To find hotels that can be booked with points, I use Hotel Hustle (which even shows you if rooms are actually available!) or AwardMapper.
Remember, you can transfer flexible points like Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards to different hotel programs.
Check out my posts on all the ways to earn Hilton and Hyatt points!
Note: Folks who want to book paid stays could check out discount sites like Orbitz, Expedia, or TravelPony for deals. But remember you won’t get stay credits or points (and might not have your elite status recognized).
And Airbnb is a great way to save money on accommodations, especially for longer stays. Here’s how to mix-and-match award and paid stays for a more interesting experience!
Bottom Line
~$444 for a round-trip ticket from the US to Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo, Brazil, is a fantastic deal!
Travel through early December 2015, or late February to early June 2016. You must depart from Monday to Thursday, and remember to purchase your ticket at least 1 day in advance.
If you book a ticket, leave me a comment and let me know about your plans!
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