Transit in SCL

[Mrmaxwell]

I am soon flying to AEP (Buenos Aires) via SCL on QF and LATAM, does anyone know the transit process in SCL once I arrive via QF27? Is there a transit process so I don't have to go through customs/immigration? Can I get my luggage checked through to my final destination? I have spoken to QF but they have no idea which is strange seeing as they have 3 x 747 flights flying there weekly.

 

[canberran85]

I did this flight last October; yes bags are checked through to the final destination and you transit without leaving the terminal.

The transit times can be really long here; and other than the quite decent LATAM lounge, there is very little to do here.

This is important as Australians have to pay a $US90 reciprocity tax to enter Chilie. Do not forget to pay your Argentina reciprocity tax in advance too as this cannot be done on arrival in AEP.

If you plan on doing any side trips, you can get caught out with international tourists paying quite high airfares compared to locals. It is possibly worth contacting Qantas or a travel agent by phone to add South American explorer fares to your return international ticket.

Enjoy the trip.

 

[eric2011]

This is important as Australians have to pay a $US90 reciprocity tax to enter Chilie. Do not forget to pay your Argentina reciprocity tax in advance too as this cannot be done on arrival in AEP.

Unless you hold a NZ passport as well, then its free.

 

[bPeteb]

I am soon flying to AEP (Buenos Aires) via SCL on QF and LATAM, does anyone know the transit process in SCL once I arrive via QF27? Is there a transit process so I don't have to go through customs/immigration? Can I get my luggage checked through to my final destination? I have spoken to QF but they have no idea which is strange seeing as they have 3 x 747 flights flying there weekly.

We flew QF27 a few weeks ago with connection on LATAM through to Sao Paulo (GRU). We were checked right through from BNE. International transfer is well signed at SCL. You just go through security again. We travel on NZ and EU passports so no reciprocity fees for us.

 

[RooFlyer]

Confirming what others have said about transits. Both times I've done it at SCL, however the route to transit was badly signed - a side door opened next to the stairs leading down to immigration with a guy standing next to it. But the transit itself is pretty much the same process as in most countries; bags checked through, go to lounge airside on arrival, board next flight.

Enjoy the LATAM lounge at SCLi during your transit. One of the better ones in Sth America.

 

[eric2011]

I did a couple of reports in this thread about lounges in SCL. There is some other helpful items as well
Santiago Lounges

 

[astrosly]

This is important as Australians have to pay a $US90 reciprocity tax to enter Chilie.

Not quite, the reciprocity tax is only applicable when entering Chile through SCL. Any other airport (such as IPC on Easter Island) or overland is free. And the tax is currently US$117.

 

[astrosly]

Confirming what others have said about transits. Both times I've done it at SCL, however the route to transit was badly signed - a side door opened next to the stairs leading down to immigration with a guy standing next to it. But the transit itself is pretty much the same process as in most countries; bags checked through, go to lounge airside on arrival, board next flight.

Enjoy the LATAM lounge at SCLi during your transit. One of the better ones in Sth America.

Agreed. For the OP, there are two sections to the LATAM lounge when you are facing the lounge entry desk: on the left is a smaller section with a bar and food area, but on the right is the main section of the lounge over two floors so remember to turn right when you go into the lounge.

 

[Mrmaxwell]

Thanks for the info everyone.

What was advised here is correct; bags were checked through by QF and transit option available in SCL. QF was not able to issue my LATAM BP in SYD as they said the LATAM flight was being blocked - I had the get my BP from the LATAM transit desk in SCL. Also my QF check in staff member at SYD only tagged one of my suitcases with FIRST tags so my other bag took forever once arriving in AEP...oh well. I am surprised that the QFF hotline gave me several different answers with regards to checking my bags through, issuing LATAM BP at the commencement of my trip and whether or not I needed to clear customs/immigration in SC - certainly a 'development opportunity' to be had for the Hobart call centre staff.

The worst part of my trip was arrival at SYD....school holidays starting and SAC deciding to do some road work during this peak time has caused chaos....took me 25 mins to move about 150m all roads were stand still. I've never seen a line out and around the corner for QF F check in, and QF whY line was out the door of the terminal! While lining up at F a short lady brushed past me saying excuse me; Julie Bishop with AFP guards