Airline carriers based in South America range from low-cost domestic carriers to international giants that specialize in services for business travelers. If you or other employees in your company find yourself traveling to and around South America, it might be wise to give your loyalty to one of the South America airlines. Sign up for the airline's frequent-flyer program, and watch the perks roll in!

When choosing among the many South American air carriers out there, ask yourself the following:

1. Which South American airlines fly to the areas in which you conduct business?

2. Which airlines in South America boast top frequent-flyer rewards?

3. Which of the airline carriers based in South America offers the most rewards to business travelers?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Select one of the South America airlines that get you where you need to go

Evaluate where you and your staff travel to the most, and then see which of the South America airline carriers has the most flights to and from these destinations. Explore international as well as domestic carriers.

I recommend: Aerolineas Argentinas provides commercial transportation throughout Argentina. Gol Intelligent Airlines is based in Brazil and has a growing international and domestic network.

Compare the frequent-flyer programs of several South American air carriers

From free trips to rewards at hotels and restaurants, frequent-flyer programs are a benefit that shouldn't be overlooked when choosing among South American airline carriers.

I recommend: TACA’s DISTANCIA program has partnered with United Airlines, Iberia and Avianca to provide frequent travelers on this South American airline with travel rewards. Copa Airline’s OnePass program allows travelers to use reward miles toward trips to 500 destinations. What’s more, the miles earned never expire.

Seek out one of the South American air carriers that offer special privileges for business travelers

Frequent-flyer programs are great, but they have become a bit rote. Many of the South American airline companies take customer service one step further with 'perk' programs just for frequent business travelers.

I recommend: LAN Airlines offers three types of service levels for business travelers—Business Class, Premium Business and Business Express Class—not to mention top-notch First Class service. Avianca’s Preferencia program has benefits specially designed for business travelers, including direct discounts on travel purchases.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Establishing loyalty with one of the airlines in South America makes good business sense, but that doesn't mean you should put the brakes on seeking out travel deals from other airlines on occasion. Online travel booking websites, like Expedia and Travelocity, let you search for best fares from a variety of carriers.