๐ข Terminal Information
Arturo Merino Benรญtez 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 Hรฉroes station every 10-15 minutes.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Santiagoโs Arturo Merino Benรญtez International Airport (SCL) requires an understanding of its two separate terminal buildings, which are located about 300 meters apart. For international arrivals connecting to a domestic destinationโsuch as flying from Madrid and connecting to San Pedro de Atacama or Patagoniaโthe process is mandatory: you must clear immigration, collect all checked baggage, and pass through a strict agricultural (SAG) inspection before walking to T1 to re-check your bags. For ground transportation to the Santiago city center, the 'Centropuerto' (blue) and 'TurBus' (green) shuttle buses provide frequent 24/7 service to the Los Hรฉroes and Pajaritos metro stations for approximately 2,000 CLP. Arriving at the airport three hours before international departures is standard, as the security and immigration checkpoints in the new T2 can be busy during peak evening banks.
Terminal 1 (T1) is dedicated to domestic flights within Chile, while the newer, expansive Terminal 2 (T2) handles all international traffic. A minimum connection time of at least three hours is strongly recommended for these transfers to account for potential processing delays. For connection planning, passport control, bags, and any customs step need slack, so the useful rhythm is the first solid recovery option rather than the terminal itself. The meaningful alternates are Lima, Pichoy Airport, La Araucanรญa Airport, which is why the backup plan matters more than the terminal amenities. Scheduled service is carried by LATAM, SKY Airline, JetSMART, so the first bank of the day is the one to watch. In practice, that means the airport works as Santiago's time-saving link to the rest of Chile.
A critical tip for travelers entering Chile: the nation is extremely strict regarding the import of organic materials. Official pre-paid taxis are available at the 'Vรญa Controlada' desks inside the arrivals hall; always avoid unofficial drivers in the lobby. Operationally, passport control, bags, and any customs step need slack, so the useful rhythm is the first solid recovery option rather than the terminal itself. The meaningful alternates are Lima, Pichoy Airport, La Araucanรญa Airport, which is why the backup plan matters more than the terminal amenities. Scheduled service is carried by LATAM, SKY Airline, JetSMART, so the first bank of the day is the one to watch. In practice, that means the airport works as Santiago's time-saving link to the rest of Chile.
The terminals are connected by a covered walkway, which takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to walk, or you can utilize the free shuttle bus. You must complete the digital SAG affidavit before landing and declare all food, seeds, or wood products to avoid immediate and heavy fines. Helpful amenities in the terminal include free Wi-Fi, several premium lounges like the LATAM Lounge in T2, and a variety of dining options.