Sydney to Santiago
Flights from Sydney to Santiago
Sydney (SYD) has nonstop flights to Santiago (SCL) on both LATAM and Qantas, making it the main Australian gateway to South America. Because the flight crosses the date line, you land in Santiago on the same calendar day you leave Sydney, usually in the morning.
- Flight time
- About 12.5 to 13 hours nonstop; the return is usually longer
- Airlines
- LATAM daily nonstop; Qantas nonstop several times a week
- Airports
- Sydney (SYD) to Santiago Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL)
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When to book
Demand rises around the Australian summer holidays and the South American summer from December to February, which is also peak season for Patagonia. Booking the long flight and any onward flights together helps when dates are fixed around a tour or cruise.
Direct vs. one-stop
Nonstop is the standard choice from Sydney. Routing via Auckland or another hub adds time and is worth considering only for a specific fare, cabin or stopover reason.
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.
Comparing LATAM and Qantas from Sydney
Sydney is the only Australian city with two airlines flying nonstop to Santiago, so the comparison is usually LATAM against Qantas on your dates: the total price with bags and seats, the cabin on the aircraft, departure and arrival times, and how the flight fits your onward plans.
If Qantas Points or Status Credits matter, the flight number matters too. Qantas says Status Credits on LATAM-operated flights need a Qantas (QF) flight number, so two similar-looking tickets can earn differently.
Most travellers continue beyond Santiago, to Patagonia, Easter Island, Peru or Brazil. Pricing the whole journey on one ticket usually makes the connection and baggage simpler than booking the long flight and the onward flight separately.
Advice from Catchaflight travel experts for Sydney to Santiago
Compare LATAM and Qantas on your actual dates
From Sydney, we compare LATAM and Qantas on your dates: total price with bags and seats, the actual cabin, departure and arrival times, and the onward connection. If Qantas Points or status matter, we check the flight number and fare eligibility rather than assume both tickets earn the same benefits.
Keep the first day in Santiago light
Don't plan a major excursion or a long drive straight after landing. Arrange an easy transfer, check when your hotel room will be available, and leave room to rest.
Read every date in local time
Crossing the date line makes it easy to book a hotel or connecting flight for the wrong day. Check each arrival and departure date in local time.
Give the onward flight a comfortable connection
For a domestic flight from Santiago, allow time for immigration, collecting bags, customs, rechecking and reaching the domestic terminal. If the onward flight is separately ticketed or connects to a tour or cruise, consider an overnight buffer.
Continuing to Patagonia or Easter Island? Call, and we'll build the connection around your plans.
Call +61 2 7255 9388Common questions
How long is the flight from Sydney to Santiago?
About 12.5 to 13 hours nonstop. The return to Sydney usually takes longer because of the winds.
Which airlines fly nonstop from Sydney to Santiago?
LATAM flies the route daily and Qantas flies it several times a week. Schedules vary by season, so your expert confirms what operates on your dates.
Can I earn Qantas Points on LATAM from Sydney?
Yes, on eligible LATAM flights. Qantas says Status Credits need a LATAM flight booked on a Qantas (QF) flight number.
Do I need to collect my bags in Santiago before a domestic flight?
Usually, yes. Plan to collect your bags, clear customs and recheck them, even if the tag shows your final destination.
Also see: Flights to Sydney, Melbourne to Santiago, Sydney to Los Angeles
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