Looking to travel from San Francisco to Barranquilla, Colombia? Copa Airlines is offering roundtrip flights for as low as $386 for Basic Economy and $506 for Regular Economy. These prices include all taxes. However, it’s important to note that the Basic Economy fare does not allow for advance seat assignment, checked bags, changes, or cancellations. On the other hand, the Regular Economy fare includes one checked bag and a normal size carry-on. Availability is limited, so make sure to purchase your tickets at least 7 days in advance of departure.
Visit The Best Flight School in Alaska!
Fare Details
Basic Economy vs Regular Economy
When it comes to booking airfare, it’s important to understand the difference between Basic Economy and Regular Economy fares. Basic Economy fares are typically cheaper, but they come with more restrictions and fewer amenities compared to Regular Economy fares. With Basic Economy, you may not be able to choose your seat in advance, and you won’t have the option to make changes or cancellations to your ticket. Regular Economy fares, on the other hand, offer more flexibility and benefits, such as the ability to select your seat and make changes to your reservation. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each fare type and choose the one that best fits your travel needs.
Restrictions of Basic Economy fare
If you choose to book a Basic Economy fare, it’s important to be aware of the restrictions that may apply. Basic Economy fares often come with limitations, such as no advance seat assignment, no checked bags included in the fare, and no changes or cancellations allowed after the 24-hour risk-free period. These restrictions can vary depending on the airline, so it’s important to read the fare rules carefully before making your purchase. If you value flexibility and prefer to have certain amenities included in your ticket, you may want to consider booking a Regular Economy fare instead.
Want to become an Alaskan Pilot and Live the outdoor dream? Click hear to read more!
Travel Dates
Sample Travel Date
To give you an idea of the availability and pricing for this fare, let’s consider a sample travel date. Let’s say you’re interested in traveling from San Francisco to Barranquilla, Colombia. A sample travel date for this route is September 19th to September 26th. Keep in mind that this is just one example, and availability and pricing can vary depending on the dates you choose.
Availability
When it comes to booking airfare, it’s important to book in advance to ensure availability and to secure the best price. For this particular fare, it is valid for travel in September or mid-January 2024 to May 2024. However, availability is limited, so it’s recommended to purchase your ticket at least 7 days in advance of your departure date. It’s important to note that fares can change quickly, so if this post is more than two days old, the fare may no longer be available. It’s always a good idea to check for the most up-to-date availability and pricing before making your purchase.
How to Search for Availability
Using Matrix Airfare Search by ITA Software
To search for availability and pricing for this fare, we recommend using the Matrix Airfare Search by ITA Software. It’s a powerful tool that allows you to search for flights based on specific criteria. To begin your search, enter your origin airport as SFO (San Francisco) and your destination airport as BAQ (Barranquilla).
Search criteria
To narrow down your search and find the specific fare you’re interested in, you can use the following search criteria:
- Origin Advanced Routing Code: pty
- Extension Codes: maxconnect 360
- Return Advanced Routing Code: pty
- Extension Codes: -overnight
By inputting these codes, you’ll be able to search for the Basic Economy fare. Once you’ve found the dates and pricing you’re looking for on Matrix Airfare Search by ITA Software, you can proceed to book your ticket through Copa Air.
Fare Class and Routing
Fare Class
The fare class for this particular route is A for Basic Economy and T for Regular Economy. The fare class is important to know as it affects the amenities and benefits included in your ticket, as well as the mileage you can earn for your journey. If you choose to upgrade from Basic Economy to Regular Economy, you’ll have access to additional benefits, such as one checked bag and a normal-sized carry-on.
Routing: SFO – PTY – BAQ – PTY – SFO
The routing for this fare is from San Francisco (SFO) to Panama City (PTY), then on to Barranquilla (BAQ), before returning to Panama City (PTY) and finally back to San Francisco (SFO). This routing allows for a stopover in Panama City, which can be a great opportunity to explore another destination during your trip.
Stopover
A stopover is a layover in a city that lasts longer than 24 hours. It’s a great way to add an extra destination to your trip without incurring additional costs. In this case, the routing SFO – PTY – BAQ – PTY – SFO allows for a stopover in Panama City. You can take advantage of this stopover by exploring Panama City and experiencing its unique culture and attractions before continuing on to your final destination.
Mileage and Rewards
Mileage earning with United
If you’re a member of the United MileagePlus program, you can earn mileage for your flights on Copa. For this particular fare, the mileage earning with United is as follows:
- Miles Flown: 7,312 miles or 5.3 cents per mile (Basic Economy) / 6.9 cents per mile (Regular Economy)
- Redeemable Miles: 3,656 miles
It’s important to note that mileage earning can vary depending on the fare class and airline, so it’s always a good idea to check the specific mileage earning rules for your ticket.
How to Take Advantage of a Stopover
As mentioned earlier, the routing for this fare allows for a stopover in Panama City. To take advantage of this stopover, you can plan your itinerary to spend a few days in Panama City before continuing on to Barranquilla. This gives you the opportunity to explore two destinations for the price of one. You can use the stopover to visit popular attractions in Panama City, such as the Panama Canal, Casco Viejo, or the Biomuseo. Make sure to plan your itinerary carefully to make the most of your stopover.
How to Buy
Booking on Copa Air
To purchase your ticket for this fare, you can book directly through Copa Air. Once you’ve found the dates and pricing you’re looking for on Matrix Airfare Search by ITA Software, you can proceed to Copa Air’s website or contact their customer service to complete your booking. It’s important to have your travel details, such as passport information and payment method, ready when making your purchase.
Accommodations and Car Rentals
When planning your trip, don’t forget to consider accommodations and car rentals. You can use popular travel websites such as TripAdvisor or rental car agencies like Rental Cars to find the best deals on hotels and car rentals for your trip. These websites allow you to compare prices from different providers and choose the option that best fits your budget and preferences. It’s always a good idea to book accommodations and car rentals in advance to ensure availability and secure the best rates.
Background Information
Visa requirements
For US citizens, a visa is not required to travel to Barranquilla, Colombia. However, it’s important to check the TIMATIC Visa Database for visa requirements if you’re a citizen of another country. Visa requirements can vary depending on your nationality, so it’s always a good idea to research and understand the entry requirements for your destination before you travel.
Currency exchange
The currency used in Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP). The exchange rate is approximately $1 USD = 4,131 COP. It’s recommended to exchange currency at authorized exchange offices or banks to ensure you receive a fair exchange rate. You can also use credit cards for purchases, but it’s important to notify your bank beforehand to avoid any issues with international transactions.
Tips for using credit cards abroad
When using credit cards abroad, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and secure transaction. First, consider using credit cards that have no foreign transaction fees to save on international purchases. Additionally, be aware of dynamic currency conversion, which is when merchants offer to charge your card in your home currency instead of the local currency. This can result in additional fees and a less favorable exchange rate, so it’s best to decline this option. Finally, if you’re planning to make significant purchases, such as luxury items or high-value souvenirs, you may be eligible for tax refunds. Make sure to research the requirements and process for getting your taxes refunded before you travel.
Stay Informed on the Latest Deals
Sign up for The Flight Deal Daily DealsLetter
To stay informed on the latest flight deals, including economy class deals for your city, you can sign up for The Flight Deal Daily DealsLetter. This newsletter provides subscribers with real-time updates on the best flight deals available, allowing you to save money on your travels. With a nominal subscription fee, you’ll receive timely alerts about discounted fares, exclusive offers, and travel tips delivered to your inbox.
Disclaimer
Financial relationships with merchants
It’s important to note that this article contains affiliate links, and the website may receive compensation for directing traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. This compensation may influence the placement and visibility of links on the website. It’s important to be aware that not all financial companies or offers are included on the website, and the information provided is not comprehensive.
Opinions and general nature of content
The content provided in this article is of an opinion and general nature. The information presented is based on the author’s understanding and experience at the time of writing. It’s important to conduct thorough research and seek professional advice when making financial or investment decisions.
Not an investment or financial advisor
The author of this article is not an investment or financial advisor. The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or investment advice. It’s always recommended to consult with a qualified professional for personalized advice tailored to your specific situation.
In conclusion, understanding the fare details, travel dates, search methods, and other important factors can help you make informed decisions when booking airfare. By considering all aspects of the journey, including fare class, routing, mileage earning, and additional amenities, you can maximize your travel experience and make the most of your trip. Remember to research visa requirements, currency exchange rates, and credit card tips to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. Stay informed on the latest deals by signing up for newsletters and continue to explore the world with confidence and financial prudence.