When it comes to national flights in Colombia, several airlines offer affordable tickets, but prices can vary depending on the time of year, demand, and how far in advance you book. Here’s an overview of the most prominent airlines that offer domestic flights in Colombia, along with details on which ones generally offer the cheapest fares:
1. Low-Cost Airlines Offering National Flights in Colombia
1.1 Viva Air (this company is out of business)
- Overview: Viva Air is often considered one of the cheapest airlines for domestic flights in Colombia. It operates under a low-cost model, similar to other budget airlines worldwide, meaning the base fare can be very low, but you’ll pay for add-ons like checked luggage, seat selection, and food.
- Popular Routes: Bogotá to Medellín, Cartagena to Bogotá, Medellín to Santa Marta.
- Pricing: Basic fares can start as low as $20 to $50 USD for one-way domestic trips, depending on the route and time of booking. Be cautious of additional fees that can increase the total cost.
- Best for: Travelers looking for the cheapest possible fare and willing to pay extra for services like baggage or seat selection.
1.2 Wingo
- Overview: Wingo is another low-cost carrier that operates in Colombia, offering competitive prices on both domestic and international routes. Similar to Viva Air, Wingo follows a budget airline model where extras like luggage and meals are not included in the basic fare.
- Popular Routes: Bogotá to Cali, Medellín to Cartagena, Bogotá to San Andrés.
- Pricing: Domestic flights on Wingo can also start around $20 to $60 USD for one-way trips. However, if you’re booking close to the departure date, prices may increase.
- Best for: Travelers on a tight budget who are flexible with flight times and dates.
2. Traditional Airlines with Competitive Prices
2.1 Avianca
- Overview: Avianca is Colombia’s largest airline and offers a more traditional service compared to low-cost carriers. Though typically more expensive than Viva Air and Wingo, Avianca often runs promotions that make its fares competitive. Plus, many services like luggage and snacks are included in the ticket price.
- Popular Routes: Bogotá to Medellín, Cali to Cartagena, Bogotá to Barranquilla.
- Pricing: Fares can start around $50 to $100 USD for domestic flights. Avianca’s prices are generally higher than budget airlines but may offer more value, particularly if you need luggage, flexibility, or prefer a higher level of service.
- Best for: Travelers looking for a more comfortable experience with included services such as checked luggage and in-flight entertainment.
2.2 LATAM Colombia
- Overview: LATAM is another major airline in Colombia and operates both domestic and international routes. While not as cheap as the low-cost carriers, LATAM frequently offers deals and promotions that make it a competitive option.
- Popular Routes: Bogotá to Medellín, Cartagena to Bogotá, Bogotá to Cali.
- Pricing: Prices generally start around $50 to $90 USD for domestic flights, similar to Avianca. LATAM often provides better customer service and in-flight experiences compared to budget airlines.
- Best for: Travelers seeking a balance between cost and comfort, and those who prefer flying with a more established airline.
3. Regional Airlines
3.1 EasyFly
- Overview: EasyFly is a regional airline that focuses on connecting smaller cities in Colombia. It may not offer as many promotional fares as low-cost carriers, but its prices are often reasonable, especially for routes that larger airlines don’t serve.
- Popular Routes: Medellín to Manizales, Bucaramanga to Cúcuta, Bogotá to Yopal.
- Pricing: One-way tickets generally range from $30 to $80 USD, depending on the route.
- Best for: Travelers visiting smaller cities or looking for direct flights to regional destinations.
3.2 SATENA
- Overview: SATENA is a government-owned airline that primarily serves remote and underserved regions in Colombia. Its flights tend to be more expensive than budget airlines, but it’s often the only option for reaching certain areas.
- Popular Routes: Bogotá to Leticia, Medellín to Quibdó, Bogotá to San Vicente del Caguán.
- Pricing: Prices typically range from $50 to $150 USD, with some routes being more expensive due to their remote nature.
- Best for: Travelers looking to reach remote areas of Colombia that are not serviced by other airlines.
4. Tips to Find the Cheapest Flights in Colombia
4.1 Book in Advance
- For both low-cost and traditional airlines, booking your tickets well in advance (1-2 months) will usually give you the best prices. Last-minute bookings can lead to significantly higher costs.
4.2 Travel During Off-Peak Times
- Flights are generally cheaper during the middle of the week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) and outside of holiday seasons. Avoid booking flights during peak travel periods such as Christmas, Easter, and local holidays like La Feria de las Flores in Medellín.
4.3 Sign Up for Promotions
- Low-cost airlines like Viva Air and Wingo often have flash sales or promotional deals. Signing up for their newsletters or following them on social media can help you stay updated on these deals.
4.4 Use Flight Comparison Tools
- Websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak allow you to compare prices across all airlines and find the cheapest options for your dates.
4.5 Check Baggage Policies
- Budget airlines often charge extra for checked bags or even carry-on luggage. Be sure to factor these additional costs into your total price when comparing flights.
5. Conclusion
- Viva Air and Wingo are generally the cheapest airlines for domestic flights within Colombia, offering low base fares, but with additional fees for things like luggage and seat selection.
- Avianca and LATAM are more traditional airlines, offering more comfort and included services, and may be a better option for travelers looking for a fuller experience, though they can sometimes be competitive in pricing with promotions.
- For those traveling to regional or remote areas, EasyFly and SATENA are your best options, though prices may vary based on the routes.
By booking in advance, using comparison tools, and considering luggage policies, you can find affordable flights across Colombia that suit your budget and travel style.
