Star Alliance member United Airlines continues to offer numerous open-jaw flights to South America at affordable prices. From just €455, you can visit destinations such as Colombia, Brazil, Peru, Chile, or Argentina. The only requirement is that the departure airport and the final airport of the trip must be in different countries.
Checked baggage (at least 23 kg, often even 2×23 kg) and seat selection are included. However, please note that travel times are often very long—partly due to the detour via North America, and partly because there is often a 10- to 17-hour layover in the USA on the return trip (during the day).
Even though these flights are no longer useful as status runs for United MileagePlus, the detour via the USA at least yields a decent mileage credit in many frequent flyer programs.
For example, we found the following combinations:
- Brussels – São Paulo
– Frankfurt at €455 - Mallorca – Bogotá
– Munich at €474 - Brussels – Port of Spain
– Munich at €477 (with 22h in Washington) - Mallorca – Quito
– Berlin at €486 (with 17h in New York) - Brussels – Lima
– Frankfurt at €487 - Brussels – Santiago de Chile
– Munich at €490 - Milan – Aruba
– Frankfurt at €491 (with 17h in New York) - Zurich – Bogotá
– Munich at €497 - Brussels – Bogotá
– Frankfurt at €499 - Vienna – Bogotá
– Frankfurt at €505 - Brussels – Buenos Aires
– Frankfurt at €535
Double open-jaw flights are also possible, for example:
- Brussels – Santiago de Chile | São Paulo – Munich for €460
- Venice – São Paulo | Cartagena – Frankfurt for €500
- Brussels – Buenos Aires | Bogotá – Frankfurt for €516
The best way to search is via Google Flights. Direct entry via the United website does not display all options (though you should still compare both). You can also try using our form below, but you will likely need to play around with the dates to find a cheap connection. We found availability primarily for September to November 2026 and January to April 2027:
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Flights typically include one or two layovers per direction. Due to the detour via the USA, the total travel time is very long, at about 20 to 30 hours each way. Options with two layovers are often slightly cheaper than those with just one. However, if you are able to sleep on planes, a 10- to 16-hour layover in places like Chicago might be more appealing than taking an additional domestic flight.
By default, connections with United are primarily shown. However, segments operated by Lufthansa or Swiss can also be found. Some short- and medium-haul flights are also operated by Avianca.
Mini-Stopovers in the USA
Stopovers in the USA are theoretically possible, but they incur a hefty €300 surcharge. However, if you are interested in a whirlwind visit to the US, you can take advantage of a mini-stopover (< 24h) in places like New York, Chicago, and/or Washington D.C. This is particularly useful on the return leg, as you would otherwise have to endure two consecutive night flights (with a long layover in between).
Here is an example with 24 hours in Washington D.C., 9 hours in Chicago, and 20 hours in New York for €464:

Search & Book
According to the fare rules, the following travel periods are permitted:
- September 1 to December 9, 2026
- January 21 to May 14, 2027
Tickets can be rebooked without a change fee, meaning you would only have to pay the fare difference. However, this can still amount to several hundred euros.
The minimum stay is one night from Saturday to Sunday, and a maximum stay of 12 months is possible.
We recommend using Google Flights to find available travel dates. You often have to play around with the departure airports or travel dates to find a cheap connection. Afterwards, Google can redirect you to book directly with United.
Sometimes there are options available directly on United’s website that Google does not show (e.g., with longer layovers). The search becomes a bit easier if you use our form Go2 (instructions) instead of searching directly on United.com.

Miles & Points
The tickets are issued in booking class K. Using the example route BRU - ORD - GRU - IAD - FRA, you can expect the following mileage credits:
- 9,105 Miles on Asiana Club
- 9,105 Miles on Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles
- 9,105 Miles on Thai Royal Orchid Plus
- 9,105 Award Miles + 1,821 Tier Miles on Azul TodoAzul
- 9,105 Miles on Copa ConnectMiles
- 9,105 Miles on Ethiopian ShebaMiles
- 9,105 Miles on EVA Infinity MileageLands
- 9,105 Award Miles + 4,552 Tier Miles on Avianca LifeMiles
- 9,105 Miles on Aegean Miles+Bonus
- 9,105 Miles on Egyptair Plus
- 9,105 Miles on Air India Maharaja Club
- 7,326 Miles on Air China PhoenixMiles
- 5,462 Miles on ANA Mileage Club
- 4,552 Award Miles + 240 Points on Miles&More
- 4,552 Miles on Singapore KrisFlyer
- 4,552 Miles on TAP Miles&Go
- 4,552 Avios on Aer Lingus AerClub
- 4,552 Award Miles on Emirates Skywards
- 4,552 Points + 9,105 SQC on Air Canada Aeroplan 2026
- 2,072 Points + 41 Tiles on JetBlue TrueBlue
- 1,244 Award Miles + 414 PQP on United MileagePlus
- Customize Calculation
With an existing frequent flyer status, it might become even more attractive; for example, the Executive Bonus at Miles&More doubles the credited award miles. The following calculator takes this into account:
Destination
Information & Tips for Argentina
Argentina offers a wide range of travel experiences, from the dramatic peaks of Patagonia and the glaciers of El Calafate to the thundering Iguazú Falls in the subtropical north and the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires. The local currency is the Argentine peso (ARS), though U.S. dollars are sometimes accepted in tourist areas. Prices can vary widely—Buenos Aires tends to be more affordable than many Western cities, though inflation and exchange rate fluctuations can impact costs. Weather varies by region: the north is hot and humid, the south cool and windy, and the capital has mild winters and warm summers.
Getting around Argentina can be mixed: within major cities like Buenos Aires, public transport is extensive and cheap, with buses, trains, and a subway system, though they can be crowded and delays are common. Taxis and rideshare apps like Uber are widely available. Traveling between cities often requires long-distance buses, which are reliable but slow, or domestic flights, which are faster but can be pricey and sometimes delayed. Train service between cities is limited.
→ All Dealz for Argentina
Information & Tips for Brazil
Brazil is famous for attractions like the Amazon rainforest, the vibrant cities of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, and natural landmarks like Iguazu Falls and Pantanal. The currency is the Brazilian real (BRL), and credit cards are commonly accepted in most places. The price level can vary—major cities and tourist spots can be expensive, but other areas offer more affordable options. Brazil’s weather is tropical, with hot, humid summers, especially in coastal regions, while southern areas experience milder winters. The best time to visit is generally during the dry season, from May to October.
Brazil’s transport infrastructure varies across the country. In major cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, public transport includes buses, metros, and taxis, though traffic congestion can make getting around slow at times. Ride-hailing apps are widely used and convenient. For intercity travel, long-distance buses are a common, affordable option, but they can be slow. Domestic flights are popular for longer distances, offering quick access to destinations like the Amazon or coastal areas. However, outside major cities, transportation options may be less frequent or reliable, requiring more planning.
We’ve compared various eSIM providers, such as Airalo and Maya Mobile. To see which plan is best for your travel needs, and which network offers the best coverage, feel free to read our detailed guide:
The Best eSIM Plans for Brazil
Compared
→ All Dealz for Brazil
Information & Tips for Chile
Chile offers diverse landscapes, from the arid Atacama Desert in the north to glaciers and mountains in Patagonia in the south, with popular spots like Santiago, Valparaíso, and Torres del Paine National Park. The currency is the Chilean peso (CLP), and credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas. Prices are moderate—more expensive than some Latin American countries but generally cheaper than Western Europe. Weather varies sharply by region: the north is dry and hot, the central region has a Mediterranean climate, and the south is cool and rainy, especially in winter.
Chile’s transport infrastructure is generally functional, though not always convenient. In cities like Santiago, public transport is fairly efficient, with a modern metro and bus network, but traffic congestion is common. Smaller cities have fewer options and often rely on colectivos (shared taxis) or buses. For intercity travel, long-distance buses are the main option and are generally comfortable and punctual. Domestic flights are useful for covering the country’s long north-south distance, especially when heading to remote areas like Patagonia or the Atacama Desert.
→ All Dealz for Chile
Information & Tips for Colombia
Colombia has a mix of attractions, from colonial towns like Cartagena and mountain cities like Bogotá and Medellín to natural spots like Tayrona National Park and the Coffee Region. The local currency is the Colombian peso (COP), and while cards are accepted in most cities, cash is often needed in smaller towns. Prices are generally low, especially for food and transport, though tourist hotspots can be more expensive. Weather depends heavily on altitude—coastal areas are hot and humid year-round, while cities in the Andes tend to be spring-like, with mild days and cool nights.
Transport in Colombia varies by region. Within cities, options include buses, taxis, and rideshare apps, though traffic can be heavy, especially in Bogotá. Medellín stands out with its clean and efficient metro system. Intercity travel is mostly by bus, which can be slow due to mountainous terrain, but services are frequent and affordable. Domestic flights are common and often necessary for longer distances, given the country’s geography and limited rail infrastructure.
→ All Dealz for Colombia
Information & Tips for Peru
Peru is best known for Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, but also draws visitors to Cusco, Lake Titicaca, the Amazon, and coastal Lima. The local currency is the Peruvian sol (PEN), and while cards are accepted in cities, cash is often needed in rural areas. Prices are moderate—cheaper than many Western countries but higher in tourist zones. Weather varies: the coast is dry and mild, the Andes have cool temperatures and a distinct rainy season (Nov–Mar), and the Amazon is hot, humid, and rainy most of the year.
Peru’s transport infrastructure is basic but workable. In cities like Lima, public buses and informal minibuses are common but can be chaotic and confusing for visitors. Taxis and rideshare apps are widely used, though traffic congestion is a regular issue. Between cities, long-distance buses are the main option—generally affordable and comfortable, but travel times can be long due to mountainous roads. Domestic flights are often the fastest way to reach places like Cusco or the Amazon, as train routes are limited and mostly serve tourist areas.
→ All Dealz for Peru