Purchasing Flight Tickets: how it works in Brazil — first-hand

Ticket machines and check-in systems for airlines like Latam and GOL often lack English (or other foreign language) options. While some specific tourist areas might have multilingual menus (e.g., Russian in Copacabana), this is not standard. Salvador is noted as a destination where English support is particularly scarce due to low tourist numbers. Latam is perceived as more helpful with services like baggage tag printing, while GOL is compared to a budget airline like Russia's Pobeda, offering lower comfort for lower prices.

Passengers may be required to purchase a return ticket, ideally with the same airline and to Istanbul, to avoid denied boarding or additional fees. Airport security services in Turkey conduct these checks for all airlines flying to Latin America. Other airlines like Royal Air Maroc or Qatar Airways are generally reported to be less problematic regarding these requirements. It is advisable to have a verifiable return ticket to an accepted destination (often back to the origin country or Istanbul) to ensure smooth transit and entry.

These fluctuations are influenced by factors like the time of departure, the inclusion of layovers, and the specific airline. Sometimes, flights with a layover in a different city may be cheaper than direct flights. Additionally, be aware of the departure airport; Viracopos (VCP) is often used for Sao Paulo but is located some distance from the city center. Airlines like Azul, Gol, and Latam are common carriers. Comparing prices across multiple booking platforms and aggregators is recommended. Be cautious with some travel websites as their information may not always be accurate or up-to-date.

For example, a round-trip ticket with luggage in summer might cost around 16,000 RUB, while a one-way ticket for September could be as high as 18,000 RUB. A price of 10,000 RUB is considered very favorable. Some Brazilian airlines, like GOL, might not be listed on all aggregators (e.g., Trip.com, but available on Tinkoff). Purchasing directly from GOL may require a local tax ID (CPF/RUC). While CPF is useful for local services like Uber or 99, using a linked bank card can often bypass this requirement for rideshares. CPF can be obtained at the Brazilian embassy in Moscow.

A potential cost-saving strategy is 'skiplagging' – buying a ticket to a further destination with a layover at the desired stop and exiting there. However, this practice carries risks: potential blacklisting by the airline and complications with checked baggage (only viable with carry-on).

An example showed Turkish Airlines tickets from 122,000 to 164,000 RUB in one day. Prices for round trips during December have historically reached 400,000-500,000 RUB. Some airlines (e.g., Turkish Airlines) offer a price lock feature for a few days, which can be beneficial to avoid sharp price increases. Flights to São Paulo may be cheaper than to Rio.

For nationality, indicate your country of citizenship (e.g., Russia). If the airline's system does not accept the RNM or requires a passport, use your Russian international passport details and select 'Russia' as your nationality. Ensure all details are entered accurately, including any spaces in passport numbers.

2. Emirates (via Dubai) - fast, 15 hours total. 3. Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul) - often faster/cheaper, but high risk of being denied boarding due to airline policy regarding transit to the Americas. Always check visa and transit document requirements.

Popular airlines include Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, and Ethiopian Airlines. Prices can vary significantly based on dates, often falling below 130,000 RUB for a round trip.

A common solution is to use flight aggregators. These platforms can process purchases for the same airlines, often bypassing the direct website's complications and ensuring a smoother transaction.

If booking on the official website fails, tickets can be successfully purchased by calling the airline's customer service office.

For domestic flights within Brazil, booking 1.5-2 months in advance can potentially secure prices up to 50% cheaper than last-minute bookings. Prices for domestic flights can change significantly closer to the departure date.

Advise on airline policies regarding CPF for ticket purchase.

Advance booking is critical to avoid peak pricing, which can reach 250,000 RUB during high demand.