Melbourne to Santiago
Flights from Melbourne to Santiago
Melbourne (MEL) has its own nonstop flights to Santiago (SCL) on LATAM, so travellers from Victoria don't need to connect through Sydney. The flight leaves around midday and reaches Santiago the same calendar day, thanks to the date line.
- Flight time
- About 13 hours nonstop; the return is usually longer
- Airline
- LATAM nonstop, with frequency varying by season
- Airports
- Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL) to Santiago (SCL)
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When to book
Flights are busiest in the southern summer, from December to February, when LATAM usually adds frequency. Checking the days the nonstop operates before fixing hotels and tours avoids rearranging plans later.
Direct vs. one-stop
Nonstop is the natural choice from Melbourne. Connecting via Sydney makes sense mainly when the nonstop doesn't operate on your dates or a Qantas-operated flight suits you better.
When to call a travel expert
If this trip involves a stopover, a premium cabin, family seating, or anything urgent, a named expert can handle the whole itinerary in one conversation.
Flying nonstop from Melbourne instead of via Sydney
LATAM is the only airline flying nonstop from Melbourne to Santiago, on a Boeing 787. For Melbourne-based travellers, that avoids a domestic flight to Sydney and the extra connection that comes with it.
Frequency changes with the season, with more flights in the southern summer. When the nonstop doesn't operate on your preferred day, compare moving the date with connecting through Sydney.
The aircraft and seat can vary, so if you're considering Premium Business, check the scheduled cabin for your exact flight before paying.
Advice from Catchaflight travel experts for Melbourne to Santiago
A Melbourne nonstop may beat a small saving from Sydney
If you're based in Melbourne, a suitable nonstop from Melbourne may be worth more than a small saving that involves positioning to Sydney. We'd only suggest changing your departure city if the saving or better cabin justifies the extra flight, a possible hotel night and the added connection risk.
Price the trip through to your final destination
Where possible, we price the journey through to your final destination on one ticket, rather than the long flight and the onward flight separately.
Keep the first day light
Arrange an easy transfer, check when your hotel room will be available, and leave room to rest. Read every arrival and departure date in local time.
Build in a buffer before tours and cruises
If the onward flight is separately ticketed, the last service of the day, or connects to an expensive tour or cruise, we'd seriously consider an overnight buffer. One hotel night may be worthwhile if it reduces the risk of missing something important.
Joining a cruise or tour in South America? Call, and we'll plan a sensible buffer.
Call +61 2 7255 9388Common questions
Is there a nonstop flight from Melbourne to Santiago?
Yes. LATAM flies nonstop from Melbourne to Santiago, with frequency varying by season. Your expert confirms the days it operates for your dates.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Santiago?
About 13 hours nonstop. The return to Melbourne usually takes longer.
Should I fly from Sydney instead to save money?
Only if the saving or better cabin justifies the extra domestic flight, a possible hotel night and the added connection risk.
Can I earn Qantas Points on the Melbourne–Santiago flight?
Yes, on eligible fares. Qantas codeshare flights operated by LATAM connect Melbourne and Santiago; check the flight number and booking class for Status Credits.
Also see: Flights to Melbourne, Sydney to Santiago, Melbourne to Perth
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