Located in northeast Brazil, Salvador was founded in 1549 and served as the country’s first capital. It’s the third largest city in Brazil, and one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas. Salvador’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s renowned for its beautiful cobblestone streets, colonial architecture and numerous churches.
One of the main attractions of Salvador is its magnificent week-long carnival, which takes place in February. Salvador is also a center for Capoeira, a uniquely Brazilian cultural practice that combines martial arts and dance, particularly when performed in the streets of the city.
In Salvador you’ll also find daily drum performances and religious celebrations, where Catholicism mixes and coexists with pre-Christian African beliefs and ceremonies. If you are in search of history, fascinating religious practices, wild festivals, delicious African dishes and raw, unadorned beauty, a trip to Salvador won’t leave you disappointed.
There are several options to get to Salvador with an award ticket.
AAdvantage Miles and the Oneworld Alliance
The following oneworld alliance members fly to Salvador:
- American Airlines via Miami
- TAM via Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo
Round-trip tickets from the U.S. purchased with AAdvantage miles cost:
- 40,000 to 60,000 miles in economy
- 100,000 in business
- 125,000 in first
MileagePlus Miles and the Star Alliance
Avianca Brazil is the only Star Alliance member that flies to Salvador, but Azul Brazilian Airlines is a United partner that also flies there. Both airlines’ flights to Salvador are routed through Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo.
Round-trip tickets purchased with MileagePlus miles cost:
- 60,000 miles in economy
- 110,000 in business
- 140,000 in first
SkyMiles and the SkyTeam
The following SkyTeam members fly to Salvador:
- Aerolíneas Argentinas via Buenos Aires
- Gol Transportes Aéreos via Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo
Round-trip tickets purchased with SkyMiles cost:
- 60,000 miles in economy
- 125,000 in business
First class tickets cannot be purchased with SkyMiles.
Even though only a few airlines fly to Salvador, all three of the major U.S. alliances have good award availability throughout the year.
If you book a business class award on Delta, you won’t be seated in a business class cabin for your entire journey. Azul, Delta’s partner, doesn’t offer it, so you’ll be seated in economy comfort for the flight between São Paulo and Salvador. That flight is only two and a half hours, but you might be disappointed after spending 125,000 miles for a premium cabin.