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Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport

Santiago, Chile
SCL SCEL

⏰ Minimum Connection Times

Domestic → Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic → International
80
minutes
International → Domestic
80
minutes
International → International
95
minutes
Interline Connections
125
minutes

🏢 Terminal Information

Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport operates through two distinct terminals handling over 26 million annual passengers as one of South America's busiest hubs. Terminal 1 (Domestic) serves LATAM, Sky, and JetSmart through a four-level structure: Level 1 for arrivals with baggage claim and customs, Level 2 for departures with check-in counters and security screening, Level 3 for additional passenger services and VIP lounges, plus Level 4 housing restaurants and LATAM VIP check-in facilities. Terminal 2 (International), opened in 2021, accommodates 40+ global carriers through a modern facility designed for international operations. Inter-terminal connections utilize free shuttle buses running every 10-15 minutes 24/7, supplemented by a 15-minute pedestrian walkway, though domestic-to-international transfers require 110-minute minimum connection times due to immigration, baggage claim, and re-security requirements. Security infrastructure includes standard checkpoints plus VIP Fast Track services for expedited security, immigration, and customs clearance, while international arrivals must complete SAG affidavit declarations for food products. Premium facilities encompass multiple lounges including LATAM VIP Lounge (Level 4, Gates 14-15), 24-hour Salones VIP Pacific Club near Gate 20A, and The Lounge opposite Gate 20A, all featuring buffet dining, showers, work areas, and children's play zones. Dining spans both terminals with 24-hour options including Bakery & Co., Burger Truck, Cerveceria del Norte, and Dunkin' Donuts internationally, plus Starbucks, McDonald's, and Briciole Bar domestically. Family amenities include mother's rooms, kids' play areas, chapels, medical services, and pharmacies, complemented by free Wi-Fi (30-minute reconnection intervals), charging stations at every gate, duty-free shopping featuring international and local products, plus comprehensive ground transportation including official taxis, TransVip shuttles, and Centropuerto buses connecting to Santiago Metro's Los Héroes station every 10-15 minutes.

🔄 Connection Tips

Peak in evening long‑haul bank; allow buffer.

📍 Location

Chacalluta Airport

Arica, Chile
ARI SCAR

⏰ Minimum Connection Times

Domestic → Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic → International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes

🏢 Terminal Information

Chacalluta International Airport (ARI) is Chile's northernmost aviation gateway, serving the city of Arica and the surrounding Arica and Parinacota Region. Situated in the heart of the Atacama Desert, just a few kilometers from the Peruvian border, the airport is a critical piece of infrastructure for both national integration and cross-border commerce. The facility has recently undergone a massive US$85 million transformation, with a state-of-the-art passenger terminal officially commencing operations in late 2024. The 2024 expansion more than doubled the terminal's size to over 12,000 square meters, significantly increasing its capacity to handle more than one million passengers annually. This modernization project introduced five new jet bridges, a new cargo terminal, and a sophisticated seven-story control tower. These upgrades are a centerpiece of Chile's 'Airport Plan 2025-2030,' designed to bolster regional connectivity and provide a world-class travel experience for those visiting the country's northern frontier. A standout feature of the modernized airport is its commitment to environmental sustainability. Capitalizing on the region's intense year-round sunshine, the facility now includes an on-site solar power plant that provides a substantial portion of the airport's electricity. This initiative makes Chacalluta a leader in green aviation infrastructure in South America, demonstrating how major transport hubs can successfully integrate renewable energy in extreme desert environments. Inside the new terminal, travelers have access to a wealth of modern amenities, including expanded boarding lounges with increased seating, high-end duty-free outlets, and diverse dining options. The airfield infrastructure was also enhanced with a runway extension to 2,800 meters, allowing the airport to accommodate larger and heavier aircraft. Passengers traveling south to the rest of Chile should be prepared for mandatory SAG (Agricultural and Livestock Service) and customs inspections, which are part of the strict protocols to maintain the region's unique sanitary status and manage the local tax-free zone.

🔄 Connection Tips

Chacalluta International Airport (ARI) serves as Chile's strategic northernmost gateway, located just a few kilometers from the Peruvian border. Following a massive US$85 million expansion completed in late 2024, the airport features a state-of-the-art terminal that has doubled in size to accommodate over one million passengers annually. For travelers, 'connecting' at ARI often involves transitioning between a domestic flight from Santiago and a cross-border land transfer to Tacna, Peru. It is highly recommended to allow at least 2.5 to 3 hours for any connection involving an international border crossing, as the Chacalluta-Santa Rosa complex can experience significant queues.\n\nGround transportation is well-suited for these international links. While taxis and the affordable Line 103 public bus serve the city of Arica (18km away), specialized 'colectivos' (shared taxis) and private shuttle vans frequently wait outside the arrivals hall to transport passengers directly across the border to the Tacna international bus terminal. Travelers should carry their original passport and be prepared for exit formalities in Chile followed by entry inspection in Peru. Additionally, all passengers arriving at ARI must clear a mandatory Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) inspection. Chile maintains extremely strict biosecurity laws; you must declare all organic materials and are strongly advised against carrying any fresh fruit, vegetables, or animal products, as these will be confiscated and can result in significant fines.\n\nThe modernized terminal offers a streamlined experience with five new jet bridges and expanded lounges. The facility is pioneering sustainable aviation in the region, powered largely by an on-site solar plant that capitalizes on the intense Atacama sunshine. Always carry some cash in both Chilean Pesos (CLP) and Peruvian Soles (PEN) for transport fees, as card acceptance among cross-border drivers is limited.

📍 Location

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Data sourced from IATA and airline official guidelines