Should I book through connections or separately?

Always book separately. Through connections from Santiago to Patagonia cost 40-60% more and give you no flexibility if your international flight is delayed.

Which airline is better for domestic flights?

LATAM has more frequent flights and better on-time performance. Sky Airline is cheaper but has fewer daily options. Both are safe and reliable.

How far ahead should I book?

International flights: 2-4 months. Domestic flights: 2-3 months. Patagonia routes fill up during peak season (December-February) so book earlier then.

Can I fly directly to Argentina's Patagonia instead?

Yes, but Chilean Patagonia airports have better connections to major sights. If visiting both countries, consider flying into Santiago and out of Buenos Aires or vice versa.

How to book the best flights to Chilean Patagonia

Fly into Santiago (SCL) first, then book a domestic connection to Punta Arenas (PUQ) for southern Patagonia or Puerto Montt (PMC) for northern regions. Book domestic flights separately 2-3 months ahead for better prices, as international connections are often overpriced.

Choose your Patagonia entry point. Punta Arenas (PUQ) for Torres del Paine and southern fjords. Puerto Montt (PMC) for northern lakes region and Chiloé. Balmaceda (BBA) for marble caves and Carretera Austral access.
Book Santiago arrival first. All international flights go through Santiago (SCL). Book this leg 2-4 months ahead using flight comparison sites. LATAM and Sky Airline dominate domestic routes from Santiago.
Book domestic connection separately. Don't book through connections - they cost 40-60% more. Book Santiago to Patagonia directly on LATAM or Sky Airline websites. Tuesday/Wednesday departures cost $50-80 less than weekends.
Time your connections carefully. Leave 3+ hours between international arrival and domestic departure. Immigration and baggage can take 90 minutes. If arriving evening, book domestic flight next morning - last Patagonia flights leave around 8pm.
Consider multi-city options. Flying into Puerto Montt and out of Punta Arenas (or reverse) costs only $30-50 more than roundtrip and saves 1,000km of driving. Book as two separate one-way tickets.

Should I book through connections or separately?: Always book separately. Through connections from Santiago to Patagonia cost 40-60% more and give you no flexibility if your international flight is delayed.
Which airline is better for domestic flights?: LATAM has more frequent flights and better on-time performance. Sky Airline is cheaper but has fewer daily options. Both are safe and reliable.
How far ahead should I book?: International flights: 2-4 months. Domestic flights: 2-3 months. Patagonia routes fill up during peak season (December-February) so book earlier then.
Can I fly directly to Argentina's Patagonia instead?: Yes, but Chilean Patagonia airports have better connections to major sights. If visiting both countries, consider flying into Santiago and out of Buenos Aires or vice versa.