TAM Airlines First Class award space is available in TAM's new 777-300ER, per Ben. I recommend booking *now* if you want this space, as it may not last long.
TAM first class award space is great news whether:
- You're going to the World Cup and still need tickets (or want to cancel your existing ticket in favor of TAM first class)
- You have a trip to South America sometime this year and can fly via Sao Paulo
- You want to take advantage of Brazil's law against fuel surcharges to fly British Airways with no fuel surcharges (note that you can't use your British Airways Visa companion ticket, however, as the 2 for 1 tickets must depart from the U.S.)
- You want to fly a Fifth Freedom flight from Brazil, such as Qatar to Buenos Aires
- You simply want to try out TAM's new first class
Here's TAM First Class award space for 1 person during the World Cup (note that Rio de Janeiro is just a 1 hour flight from Sao Paulo):
While TAM first class award space is more scarce for 2 passengers, there still is a decent amount of award space, especially considering that TAM only has 4 first class seats on the 777-300ER:
And here's TAM first class award space for two in early April, which could be a nice, less hectic time to go since it's well before the World Cup and also after the biggest winter crowds have left (remember that the seasons are reversed, so Brazil's summer is our winter and vice versa).
The above flights, JJ8081 and JJ8083 JFK-GRU and JJ8080 and JJ8082 GRU-JFK are great for those who are NYC based or can connect in NYC, but depending on where you are, you may prefer the nonstop Miami to Sao Paulo flight. I only recommend this if you're traveling solo, as on the dates I spot checked, there wasn't any availability for two into or out of Miami. Not to say there aren't any dates, but I didn't see for the dates I checked.
Here's TAM first class award space for one person in late April and early May. As you can see, only the daytime flight shows award availability:
Booking TAM First Class Award Space
You can search award space using the ANA Tool, but you'll need to call the individual frequent flyer programs below to actually book your award, so count on a phone booking fee.
US Airways: 125,000 Dividend Miles Roundtrip
If you're booking a roundtrip award, you can use 125,000 US Airways miles. Just be aware of the pitfalls of US Airways awards (roundtrip only, no changes or redeposits after travel has started).
American Airlines: 62,500 AAdvantage Miles One Way
If you only want a one way award, 62,500 AA miles is a good bet. Plus, since TAM will be joining oneworld, should you need to change your award, you're better off with AA than with United or a Star Alliance frequent flyer program.
United Miles: 70,000 MileagePlus Miles One Way
If you still have a huge stash of United miles and missed redeeming them before the United Award Chart Devaluation, a TAM first class award could be a good bet, since South American partner awards are priced the same as United.
AMEX Membership Rewards: Transfer to Aeroplan for 67,500 Miles One Way
Many of my Award Booking clients have mostly, or only, AMEX Membership Rewards points. Their best bet is to transfer to Air Canada Aeroplan. Just note that, as with United awards, this could be problematic once TAM leaves Star Alliance at the end of March. You'll could need to redeposit miles in that scenario.
Do you plan to book a TAM First Class award to Brazil or beyond?
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