For those who decide to live abroad, airfare is a constant item to have in the budget, with possible trips to Brazil, in other cases work trips, and even getaways to other neighboring countries. In times when, contrary to what was expected a few years ago, tickets are becoming increasingly more expensive, the good news is that you can reduce this bill with organization and a few simple tricks.
In yet another Immigrant Guide, the DN Brazil has put together ten tips for you, Brazilians who live in Portugal and want to save on air tickets.
1) Play in favor of advance (and low season)
Buying (well) in advance helps, especially for high demand dates (European summer, Christmas/New Year, Easter and holidays). If you can, travel in March, May, September or November and escape from Fridays and Sundays. Tuesday and Wednesday generally yield better rates.
2) Have a date plan A, B and C
Flexibility is the biggest “discount”. Test ±3 days on the search engine and see how the price changes. Sometimes, leaving early in the morning the day before or returning a day later lowers the price.
3) Use comparators (and price alert)
Tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner e Kayak they show trends and combine different companies. Activate alerts on the routes you use most (Lisbon–São Paulo, Porto–Rio, Lisbon–Recife, etc.).
4) Look at alternative airports
In Portugal, compare Lisbon, Porto and, when it makes sense, Faro. For long flights, evaluate Madrid/Barajas (it may be worth going by train/bus). In Brazil, checking secondary airports is sometimes cheaper, as long as the extra travel doesn’t eat into the economy.
5) Marry the rate, not the company
Direct flights are comfortable, but well-chosen connections make it cheaper. Combine different companies on the return trip if it cuts costs/time. Read the rules: minimum stay, rescheduling and baggage make a difference.
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6) Use (really) mileage programs
LATAM Pass, Smiles, Azul and international partners help those traveling to and from Brazil. Accumulate with credit cardeveryday shopping and subsidized transfers. Sometimes it’s a boring task, but it can pay off.
7) Low-cost in Europe, with calculator
For flights within the continent, Ryanair, easyJet, Vueling, Wizz They work if you travel light. Add everything up: checked bag, seat, priority. Low-cost pays off when the final price remains lower. Please note that they are increasingly strict with luggage…
8) Take advantage of the stopover
Some companies allow stopover (extended stop) free or cheap in the connecting city, that is, it makes “two trips in one”. Check rules and visa/insurance requirement in the country of connection.
9) Good promo has regulations
Big discounts often come with hand luggage only, restricted refund e paid rebooking. Save consciously and without impulse so you don’t end up at a loss.
10) Other Little tricks that help
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Incognito mode or another device in searches (important!!!)
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Avoid installments with fees hidden.
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Consider separate round trip if the combination lowers the price.
Bon voyage!