New pricing systems for Colombia’s domestic airlines mean that Colombians must plan their Easter vacations well in advance this year in order to get a good deal, reported La Republica on Tuesday.
Communications director of Colombian airline Aires, Alfredo Riaño, said that the new pricing system – in which the cost of a flight increases closer to the departure date – means that more Colombians are booking their flights for for public holiday far in advance.
Raiño said that those planning last-minute trips would have to pay significantly more than people who buy their flights early.
The Aires official also said that the airline is scheduling more flights, both domestic and international, in response to increased demand.
Aires will increase its number of flights to Santa Marta, Armenia, Cartagena, Leticia and San Andres. The budget airline will also begin new flight routes from Cali, Medellin and Barranquilla to Fort Lauderdale in the U.S.
During this year’s Easter break, Colombian carrier Aero Republica will offer 75 additional flights to popular national and international destinations.
Aero Republica flights to Santa Marta, Leticia, Cartagena, San Andres, Panama, Punta Cana and Havana will be among those included in the additional itineraries. The airline will also offer $7 flight specials (plus taxes) to destinations including Medellin, Cali, Bucaramanga, Cucuta and Monteria.
A report by Colombian travel agent Aviatur found that Colombia’s most frequented destinations are still Cartagena, Santa Marta and San Andres, but also that emerging tourist destinations Amazonas, Bogota and the Coffee Region are becoming increasingly popular.
Semana Santa this year is from March 25 to April 6.