Is it better to fly to Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas?

Puerto Natales is closer to the national park, but flights are less frequent and more expensive. Punta Arenas offers more flight volume and better car rental availability.

Should I book domestic flights on the same ticket as my international flight?

Only if they are on the same PNR (booking code). If you book them separately, ensure you have at least a 4-hour layover in Santiago to clear customs and drop your bags at the domestic terminal.

Booking Flights to Chilean Patagonia

Fly into Santiago (SCL) on an international carrier, then book a separate domestic flight to Puerto Natales (PNT) or Punta Arenas (PUQ). Book your domestic leg at least 3 months in advance to avoid price spikes during the high season of December through February.

Book your international arrival. Search for flights into Santiago (SCL). Aim to arrive before 10:00 AM if you plan to connect to the south on the same day, though booking a buffer night in Santiago is safer to account for potential international delays.
Choose your southern hub. Select Puerto Natales (PNT) if you are headed directly to Torres del Paine; it is only a 2-hour drive from the park entrance. Select Punta Arenas (PUQ) if you want cheaper flights or a wider range of rental car options, keeping in mind it is a 3-hour drive to Puerto Natales.
Book domestic segments separately. Use LATAM or Sky Airline websites directly rather than third-party aggregators. Aggregators often fail to sync baggage rules or connection delays for domestic Chile flights, and booking direct makes it easier to manage schedule changes.
Verify baggage allowances. Be aware that the cheapest 'Basic' or 'Light' fares on Chilean domestic carriers often exclude carry-on bags. Pay the extra $15–$25 for a 'Plus' fare to include a 23kg checked bag, as gear for Patagonia is bulky.

Is it better to fly to Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas?: Puerto Natales is closer to the national park, but flights are less frequent and more expensive. Punta Arenas offers more flight volume and better car rental availability.
Should I book domestic flights on the same ticket as my international flight?: Only if they are on the same PNR (booking code). If you book them separately, ensure you have at least a 4-hour layover in Santiago to clear customs and drop your bags at the domestic terminal.