All day layover at Santiago airport

[nat000]

Our flights are as follows
SXM-MIA Sun 1608-1929 on AA
MIA - SCL Sun 2250-0812(mon) on AA
SCL - AKL Tues 0110-0505 on Latam
So we have a 17hr layover at Santiago (SCL) from 0812-0110
My question is are we going to be able to check our bags all the way through from SXM - AKL, or will we be forced to collect them at SCL, as we arrive at 0812 Tues and depart 0110 Wed?
If we do have to collect them in SCL, will we be able to re-check them at 0812 for the 1am flight, or will we be forced to hang on to them all day ? Which would result in leaving the airport for the day, and therefore having to pay the reciprocity fee ?
Are there any airport hotels that are before immigration which would save paying the reciprocity fee ?

Any help is appreciated !

 

[Denali]

No airport before immigration, Holiday Inn just across the road and I was happy with it but yeah, reciprocity fee.

Edit, Opps, no airside hotel!

 

[RooFlyer]

I'm pretty sure AA will check your bags all the way through. As Denali mentions, pay the reciprocity fee, go landside and you could use the Holiday Inn 50m away from the terminal door exit for day use.

But 8am arrival would be prefect for spending the day in Santiago. You can buy an 'official' taxi fare from desks on the right just before you exit customs, but I'm not sure how it would work taking the actual taxi a bit later, if you did want to check into the HI for a shower etc before heading into town.

Lots of Santiago experiences reported on AFF under 'Chile' here.

Are you in J or have OneWorld Plat status? If yes, you'll be able to use the LATAM lounge at SCL - its really good. Then, I would try to store my carry-one at the airport, then go into the city, come back in the evening and shower etc at the lounge, avoiding the cost of the HI altogether.

@juddles can probably give good advice too.

 

[RooFlyer]

No airport before immigration, <snip>.

I know many airports are now just shopping malls with an airstrip attached, but I think SCL has managed to hang onto the airport part. <ducks>

 

[nat000]

Yes we are flying in J class. I've read the new business lounge there is great.
I hope AA will book our bag the whole way through.

 

[RooFlyer]

In that case, then even if AA don't check through, I'd try to find luggage storage landside and go into town. You might get there too late for this free walking tour, (there's a link in the text) but there may be a pm version.

The food in the Latam lounge isn't as good as it might be, so eat in the city if you go there. I'm not sure if you can use the Holiday Inn if not a guest (security doors immediately after reception).

You can check out LATAM's J product here (AAs too, for that matter).

 

[Silvia]

They should check your bags all the way through. The LATAM lounge is nice; however, not sure if it would be good for 17 hours. The food offerings are quite limited, although the wine is superb. They have a sleep section in the lounge that is a nice touch. The airport itself is pretty isolated from everything as it's near the industrial area.

 

[bsb]

Go outside, pay the reciprocity fee and see a bit of Santiago. The lounge is quite good, the food is average but 17 hrs there would be quite some effort. You’ll be able to check bags through

 

[Mattg]

The reciprocity fee is a pain. But in this case I feel it's worth paying. Lots to see in Santiago for a few hours, or alternatively, you'd have enough time for a day trip to the wonderful Valparaiso. There are regular buses from Santiago to Valparaiso.

As nice as the LATAM lounge is (and it is pretty nice!), I would much rather take the opportunity to experience some of Chile.

 

[nat000]

I'll check out how to spend the day in Santiago, either the city or a hotel.
It's a pain that it's going to cost about $400 to do so (if we have to leave the airport)

 

[Mattg]

It's a pain that it's going to cost about $400 to do so (if we have to leave the airport)

That is true.

If you happen to have another passport (other than Australian, say UK or NZ for example) then you shouldn't have to pay the reciprocity fee. This is specifically charged to Australian citizens and is equivalent to what the Australian government charges Chilean tourists to come to Australia.

 

[tgh]

A dissenting view….
Chile is a lovely country, but I wouldn't waste my recip fee on a day in SCL city.

 

[Mattg]

A dissenting view….
Chile is a lovely country, but I wouldn't waste my recip fee on a day in SCL city.

What about to visit Valparaiso?

 

[tgh]

What about to visit Valparaiso?

Good idea but far too tight time wise for these old bones , a lot of bussing about to manage.
A private car for the day allows plenty of choice though, and probably ensures timely arrival back.
I have hung about in scl city for a day a few times and find it amazingly dull … others mmv.
I guess it depends on the op's budget…..

 

[nat000]

Getting a car and heading to Valparaiso sounds like it might be a good way to spend the day

 

[juddles]

if you are arriving from similar time zone (and thus enthusiastic) I think that the 17 hours in the lounge may be too much - so favour escaping. The cost of the reciprocity fee is a personal thing - you must balance that against being trapped in an airport. A taxi ride into the city will cost you maybe about $40 each way, so that is yet another additional cost. You mention recip fee of $400 - do you mean three people? That is big, along with whatever cost of touring. Maybe best to have a long day in the lounge instead? The sights you will see in a day trip are not exactly
spectacular.....

 

[nat000]

2 people. So 2 reciprocity fees and either a hotel room or car or taxi etc would be about $400.
We are fine to spend 17hrs in the airport lounge. Just don't know if AA will check our bags all the way through from sxm-mia-scl-akl, with the flight arriving at SCL at 0800 and departing 0110.

 

[RobJamesau]

2 people. So 2 reciprocity fees and either a hotel room or car or taxi etc would be about $400.
We are fine to spend 17hrs in the airport lounge. Just don't know if AA will check our bags all the way through from sxm-mia-scl-akl, with the flight arriving at SCL at 0800 and departing 0110.

If you happen to hold an APEC Card you can avoid the reciprocity fee.

 

[nat000]

If you happen to hold an APEC Card you can avoid the reciprocity fee.

Unfortunately not!