Flights from Other Cities
Boston (BOS) to Santiago (SCL) in February from $363
From $363
Cancun (CUN) to Santiago (SCL) in February from $853
From $853
Cancun (CUN) to Santiago (SCL) in March from $461
From $461
Denver (DEN) to Santiago (SCL) in March from $643
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Guatemala City (GUA) to Santiago (SCL) in April from $238
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Chicago (ORD) to Santiago (SCL) in April from $585
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✈️ Flight Guide: Wellington (WLG) → Santiago (SCL)
Complete travel information for your December journey
In December, passengers departing Wellington International Airport (WLG) should expect summer conditions and holiday crowds; fly mid-week for better fares on Wellington to Santiago routes. Popular connection hubs are Auckland (AKL) and Sydney (SYD), with typical total travel times between 16–24 hours depending on layovers. Book flights 8–12 weeks in advance for best pricing, subscribe to fare alerts for WLG to SCL, and consider overnight connections to reduce daytime transit. If you're connecting through Auckland or Christchurch, allow at least 90–120 minutes for international transfers during busy holiday operations. Nearby destinations accessible from Wellington for multi-city trips include Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown and Nelson — use these hubs to expand your itinerary when flying to Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL).
Departing from Wellington (WLG) FAQs
There are no regular nonstop services between Wellington International Airport (WLG) and Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in December; most itineraries involve one or two connections via Auckland (AKL), Sydney (SYD) or Auckland+Santiago via LATAM or partner carriers. Popular routings combine Air New Zealand to a major hub and a long-haul carrier for the Pacific crossing. Book early for December holiday seats.
Total journey times from Wellington International Airport (WLG) to Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in December commonly range from about 16 to 28+ hours depending on layovers. Fastest itineraries often route via Auckland (AKL) and then a non-stop to Santiago, while multi-stop options via Sydney or Pacific hubs extend travel time. Factor in possible holiday delays and allow extra connection time in busy December.
Yes—December is peak travel season due to Southern Hemisphere summer and year-end holidays, so flights from Wellington International Airport (WLG) to Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) often see higher demand and higher fares. To find cheaper Wellington to Santiago flights, book 2–3 months ahead, set fare alerts, and be flexible with midweek departures. Compare carriers and consider nearby departure windows for savings.
Wellington International Airport (WLG) offers full passenger services year-round, including check-in counters, baggage drop, lounges, retail and expanded seasonal food options in December. Expect busier security lines and more staff during holidays; arrive at least 2.5–3 hours before international connections. Contact your airline for specific lounge access and baggage requirements for your WLG to SCL itinerary.
Baggage allowances themselves are determined by the operating airline rather than Wellington International Airport (WLG), but during December holiday travel carriers may be stricter about overweight fees due to high demand. Check the specific airline policy for each leg of your WLG to SCL journey, including partner carriers on codeshares. Packing light and checking allowances before the trip will help avoid surprise fees.
Common connection points when leaving Wellington International Airport (WLG) include Auckland (AKL), Christchurch (CHC), Queenstown (ZQN) and Sydney (SYD). From these hubs you’ll find long-haul services to Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL). If you plan multi-destination travel, consider Auckland or Christchurch as major gateways for cheaper and more frequent WLG to SCL options.
December is high season at Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL); travelers from Wellington International Airport (WLG) should expect warm temperatures in Santiago and increased traffic at customs and baggage claim. If you’re heading to Valparaíso or Viña del Mar, plan for 1.5–2 hour transfers and pre-book express buses or private shuttles. For domestic connections to Patagonia or the Atacama Desert, allow extra time to clear immigration and recheck baggage if switching carriers. Use official taxi stands and licensed shuttle services for safer transfers during the busy holiday month.
Arriving at Santiago (SCL) FAQs
Arrivals at Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in December experience warm summer weather and increased tourism traffic. Expect standard immigration checks, occasional queueing during peak holiday hours, and busy ground transportation options into Santiago and nearby coastal cities like Valparaíso. Have your passport and arrival documentation ready and consider pre-booking airport transfers during holiday periods.
From Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) you can take official airport taxis, ride-hail services, shuttle buses or a combination of bus + Metro to reach downtown Santiago; the SuperBus and TurBus services are common choices. To reach Valparaíso or Viña del Mar, take an express bus from SCL to the intercity bus terminal or arrange private transfers; travel time to Valparaíso is roughly 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic. Pre-book transfers during December to avoid long waits.
Visa requirements for entry at Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) depend on your nationality, not the departure airport. New Zealand passport holders typically do not require a tourist visa for short stays in Chile, but always check Chilean consulate guidance before travel. Ensure passports have sufficient validity and carry proof of onward travel or accommodation details.
Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) serves as the main gateway to destinations like Valparaíso/Viña del Mar, San Pedro de Atacama, Puerto Montt (gateway to Patagonia), Punta Arenas (Torres del Paine access) and even cross-border connections to Mendoza, Argentina. Domestic carriers operate frequent flights, so book internal segments in advance during December peak season. Consider multi-city tickets to streamline transfers from SCL.
As of December travel norms, Chile may have updated health entry requirements; travelers from Wellington International Airport (WLG) should check the latest government advisories before departure. While many COVID-19 restrictions have eased, vaccination proof or health forms could be required seasonally — confirm with airlines and official Chilean health ministry channels ahead of travel to Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL).
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December Events & Festivals — Wellington (WLG) Departures and Santiago (SCL) Arrivals
December brings summer festivals and holiday markets in both New Zealand and Chile. Wellington International Airport (WLG) departures coincide with local summer events and end-of-year tourist travel in New Zealand, increasing airport foot traffic. In Santiago and nearby destinations accessible from Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL), expect cultural concerts, outdoor summer festivities and regional wine-harvest events in the central valley. If you plan to attend major events in Santiago, Valparaíso or San Pedro de Atacama, book flights and accommodations early to secure the best prices and avoid sold-out transfers in December.
Best Time to Fly from Wellington International Airport (WLG) to Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL)
For December travel from Wellington International Airport (WLG) to Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL), the best time to book is typically 8–12 weeks before departure to secure reasonable fares and seat availability. Flying midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) can lower costs compared with weekend departures; early-morning departures from WLG that connect through Auckland or Christchurch often reduce the risk of missed connections. If you must travel over the Christmas/New Year holiday peak, book as early as possible and consider flexible or refundable fares to hedge against schedule changes.
Direct vs Connecting Flights for Wellington International Airport (WLG) to Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL)
There are effectively no direct non-stop services between Wellington International Airport (WLG) and Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in December; connecting flights via Auckland (AKL), Sydney (SYD) or Christchurch (CHC) are standard. While connecting flights add travel time, they often produce significant fare savings and more schedule options. For December travel, choose connections with 2–4 hour layovers to allow for holiday delays, and prefer single-ticket itineraries to ensure baggage through-check and protection in case of missed connections. If time is critical, select the shortest possible single-connection routing even if it costs more.
Airline Comparison for Wellington International Airport (WLG) to Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL)
Popular booking combinations for Wellington International Airport (WLG) to Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) include Air New Zealand (to hubs like Auckland or Christchurch) combined with LATAM or partner carriers for the long-haul sector. Air New Zealand offers strong regional connectivity from WLG and good on-time performance; LATAM offers extensive South American networks out of Santiago (SCL). For December travel compare total journey time, baggage allowances (especially on mixed-carrier itineraries), change fees and seat selection costs. If minimizing connections is a priority, look for codeshare options that consolidate both legs on one ticket for smoother transfers and through-checked luggage.
December Seasonal Travel Tips for Wellington (WLG) to Santiago (SCL)
Pack for warm summer conditions in Santiago and coastal Chile when traveling from Wellington International Airport (WLG) in December, and include light layers for coastal breezes around Valparaíso. Allow extra time at both WLG and SCL for holiday queues and potential service delays; arriving at the airport earlier than usual reduces stress. Bring printed or digital confirmations for interline connections and domestic flights, and verify baggage transfer rules for mixed-carrier itineraries. Finally, sign up for flight status alerts and use airline apps to receive real-time gate, delay and baggage information for your Wellington to Santiago trip.
Flight Time & Schedules — Wellington International Airport (WLG) to Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL)
There are no nonstop flights between Wellington International Airport (WLG) and Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL); expect total travel durations from roughly 16 to 28+ hours depending on connections. Common routing patterns in December include WLG→AKL→SCL (via Auckland) with a long-haul AKL→SCL sector lasting around 11–13 hours, or WLG→SYD→SCL with additional shorter hops. Plan for at least 90–120 minutes for international-to-international transfers at busy hubs in December, and verify schedule changes as airlines add capacity for holiday demand. Use the airline’s official schedule and real-time flight trackers to monitor gate and timing updates before departure.
How to Find Cheap Flights from Wellington International Airport (WLG) to Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in December
To find cheap flights from Wellington International Airport (WLG) to Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in December, start searching 8–12 weeks in advance and use fare alerts for Wellington to Santiago routes. Be flexible with departure days—midweek flights often cost less—and consider routing through Auckland (AKL) or Christchurch (CHC) to uncover lower-priced itineraries. Use multi-city searches (for example add a stopover in Valparaíso or Buenos Aires) to compare pricing and check nearby airports for outbound or inbound legs. Monitor sales from Air New Zealand, LATAM and partner carriers and consider bundling hotel+flight packages for savings. Always compare total travel time vs savings; sometimes a slightly longer connection yields a much better fare for December travel.