South American airline LATAM has confirmed the launch of non-stop flights between Melbourne and Santiago from October 5, 2017.
The route will will offer the only direct connection between Melbourne and Latin America and see three flights per week on a Boeing 787-9.
LATAM's flight LA804 will depart Melbourne at 7.55pm on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, arriving in Santiago at 7.00pm the same day.
There are scores of onwards flights from Santiago throughout Chile and the region – including direct services to major cities such as São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Lima, Bogota and Quito – although the 13 hour flight and 7pm arrival may well favour breaking your journey at Santiago.
The LA805 return leg will be wheels-up from Santiago at 12.55pm on Monday, Thursday and Saturday to reach Melbourne at 5.55pm the next day.
PREVIOUS [2 December 2016] | South American airline LATAM will begin non-stop flights between Melbourne and Santiago from October 2017, Australian Business Traveller can exclusively reveal.
Australian Business Traveller understands the flights – tipped to be announced this month by the Oneworld member and Qantas partner – will run three times each week on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
This sports the airline's latest business class seats, arranged in a 2-2-2 layout...
... which convert into a fully-flat bed for the overnight trek.
LATAM already runs a daily Dreamliner flight between Sydney and Santiago, albeit with a stop-over in Auckland (which has proven a popular trans-Tasman option for business travellers), however the new Melbourne service will soar straight through to the Chilean capital in around 12 hours.
Travellers from Melbourne will have access to Qantas' first class and business class lounges, with a split-level flagship LATAM lounge at Santiago ahead of the return journey...
... offering a well-stocked bar...
… and a dedicated sleeping room for weary travellers arriving early for their flight or riding out a long international transit.
Photos: new Santiago lounge for LAN, TAM, Qantas passengers
Approached for comment by Australian Business Traveller, a spokesperson for the airline said "LATAM Airlines Group continues to explore opportunities to expand its presence within the Oceania region to provide our passengers with more choice and more flexibility, however we cannot comment on any new routes at the current time."
Qantas also flies non-stop four days each week between Sydney and Santiago, while Air New Zealand offers four flights a week between Auckland and Buenos Aires with connecting flights from Australia.
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
18 May 2011
Total posts 233
One of those times Melbourne gets a superior (in this case, direct) service to Sydney.
However, I wouldn't be upset if it stopped at Easter Island, you know, just so you don't have to back track to an awesome tourist attraction.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
09 May 2011
Total posts 362
I think that would then defeat the purpose of a direct flight between MEL and SCL
Delta Air Lines - SkyMiles
26 Feb 2016
Total posts 1
You can fly from Melbourne or Sydney to Tahiti on Qantas and then connect to a LATAM flight from Tahiti to Easter Island... the same plane then goes onto Santiago. You can try this if you do not want to back track from Santiago the 5 hour flight to Easter Island. I took the Latam flight in business class roundtrip from Santiago to Easter Island and was impressed with the seat type and service. Full flat bed seats for the 5 hour flight. We had just flown into Santiago the night before from Los Angeles and had just a little rest at the hotel so the flat bed was very well-received and used. I highly recommend Easter Island... I stayed at the Noi Hotel which was highly rated and offered daily tours included in the room rate. Santiago is good for 2 nights and then go onto Argentina and Uruguay if you have time... Mendoza (wine region), Barriloche (mountains and lakes - beautiful), Buenos Aires (stay in the Palermo Viejo or Palermo SoHo neighbourhood - I quite liked the HOME Hotel) and then take the high speed ferry to Montevideo, Uruguay or fly directly to Punta del Este, Uruguay and stay at either Bahia Vik Hotel or Playa Vik Hotel in the Jose Ignacio area.... be sure not to miss La Huella Restaurant in Jose Ignacio. I spent over 3 weeks on this trip and absolutely loved it all. Then there is Brazil... Trancoso is purely amazing... Casa Uxua Hotel !! Enjoy!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
15 Mar 2016
Total posts 167
I thought there was a four engine policy with those flights which was the reason for the AKL stopover from SYD? Maybe I'm confusing it with Johannesburg.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
18 May 2011
Total posts 233
You're right, you need four engines to fly the most optimal route to J'burg.
14 Apr 2014
Total posts 46
But based on what I knew, you needed 4 engines to fly the most optimal route to Santiago as well right?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
18 May 2011
Total posts 233
Not sure...if their regulator carbon-copies FAA then they probably have 330 ETOPS. I was under the impression they had it.
12 Dec 2012
Total posts 1031
MEL-DFW, MEL-SCL, SYD-SCL and SYD-AKL-SCL all cross into areas where beyond ETOPS 180 is needed for optimal route (discounting winds).
240 would cover MEL-DFW. 330 is needed for the others.
https://www.gcmap.com/mapui?P=mel-dfw%2Cmel-scl%2Cscl-akl-syd%2Cscl-syd&MS=wls&DU=mi&E=180&E=240&EV=410&EU=kts (Great Circle routes with ETOPS 180 and 240 areas highlighted)
CASA has no say in ETOPS ratings given to LATAM. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (Chile) and National Civil Aviation Agency (Brazil) do.
31 Mar 2016
Total posts 619
@Himeno:
14 Apr 2014
Total posts 46
So if that means LATAM can fly direct B787-9 on CASA ETOPS certification so can Qantas right?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
18 May 2011
Total posts 233
I reckon you're right. I wouldn't be surprised if this is one of the earlier routes that Qantas deploys 787s to.
30 Jul 2015
Total posts 135
Qantas is under the jurisdiction of CASA, while LATAM is not, and i have not heard of CASA extending ETOPS for Australian owned aircraft.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
02 Jul 2011
Total posts 1374
Puts a lot of pressure on CASA though to extend ETOPS for QF.. After-all LA has been successfully operating 788 and 789s on SCL-AKL for some time.
31 Mar 2016
Total posts 619
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 May 2012
Total posts 134
I've never been to South America; or Chile specifically. I do a lot of business flying - Asia, US and Europe. And tend to do family holidays with wife and 2 young teens (girls) to those places also. So, here's the Question. Anyone have experience of a family type 2-3 week holiday in Santiago and wider Chile? Is there stuff to do and decent hotels or resorts. Any recommendations?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
11 Oct 2014
Total posts 688
Actually, SCL is quite a cosmopolitan city - although unlike Buenos Aires, where English is spoken by about a quarter of the population - a smattering of Spanish will definitely come in handy. The area around the CBD and University Catolica is primarily the centre. This city is relatively flat and nestled at the base of the Andes. Great shopping and architectural sightseeing around Huerfanos. Nightclub life is a walk across the river, as is the Funicular and the Santiago Zoo. Interesting markets (ferriea) around the train station and University.
The city is somewhat conservative - and quite safe for wandering around at most times of the day. Chileans - I guess because of their isolation during the Pinochet rule - are fascinated with international visitors and are keen to hear about your living / life experiences. Very friendly.
Hotels range from 2 star up to 5 star (Neruda and Sheraton are both excellent), are generally quite affordable and are very clean. Day trips outside Santiago are a delight - skiing in the mountains, wine trips, estancias to see guachos. Also well worthwhile are day trips to Valparaiso (home of Pablo Neruda) and the beach resorts of Vina del Mar. To the north, the Atacama Desert is fascinating but requires 2 days.
Two things to remember :
1. Reciprocal Entry Fee on landing for Australians.
2. Don't photograph military installations (even the gorgeous army, airforce, navy headquarters in the city) as it is forbidden under Chilean law. You'll see 'No Photo' streetsigns where appropriate.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
03 Dec 2016
Total posts 1
I mainly concur with kimshep and dravid74 but would add the following, based on having lived in Chile for three years back in the late 70
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 May 2012
Total posts 134
Thank you. Very nice of you.
13 May 2016
Total posts 13
Agree with everything kimshep has said
QFF
19 Sep 2013
Total posts 209
Once there, you're only a few short flights away from other awesome places such as Machu Picchu, Cuzco, Lake Titicaca, Nazca Lines, Gal
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
11 Oct 2014
Total posts 688
Or .. a two hour flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina or a 3.5 hour flight to Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
26 May 2013
Total posts 33
Great looking lounge in Santiago
20 May 2015
Total posts 579
Good work, LATAM!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
15 Mar 2016
Total posts 167
Ignoring the product differentiation, most people I know would choose QF even now and go via Sydney. I'd imagine their market share will come from cheaper fares rather than added convenience of MEL departure for locals. QF has the better safety record and more trusted name so I'd imagine little transition from business and wealthy customers who'd rather stick with the flying kangaroo.
07 Oct 2012
Total posts 1250
Agree that its great work by LATAM and good for MEL... but why don't we just wait and see what LATAM does, what QF does and CASA does? So much speculation, that doesn't really achieve much at all.
31 Mar 2016
Total posts 619
15 Sep 2012
Total posts 93
LATAM will have this route to themselves. Qantas aren't interested as it doesn' serve Sydney!Qantas won't even have enough 787s for years so will probably code share and then boast about how they are providing a new service from Melbourne! LATAM has developed a great reputation over last few years for service. Good luck to them
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
22 Jan 2015
Total posts 71
Having flown both LA and QF between SYD/SCL in J, I must say I prefer LA's 789 over the QF 747.. whilst neither have direct aisle access the Dreamliner felt more spacious and comfortable. I guess you don't get the 'private jet' feeling as you do on the 747 upper deck though..
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
15 Mar 2016
Total posts 167
I also prefer the 787 comfort wise in J but again reputation plays a big role in choosing a carrier so whilst they'll gain some pax through cheap pricing, safety and other considerations will limit that.
31 Mar 2016
Total posts 619
@ajstubss:
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
16 Nov 2016
Total posts 23
I have just noticed on Flightradar24 that VN now uses B789 on MEL and SYD routes to/from Vietnam. Googled and found no updates on the aforementioned, very quiet "inaugural" indeed!
10 Aug 2015
Total posts 113
VN have used the 787 for sometime down to Australia. It can be combined with the A350 equipment for a great value fare to Europe. AusBT has articles.
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
02 Dec 2016
Total posts 47
Has anyone managed to redeem a LATAM award J ticket by using AA Miles ?
07 Dec 2016
Total posts 1
Yep booked a J ticket SCL - SYD for May 2017. I actually rang them about a QF J that was showing on their website but wouldn't ticket and they suggested the LA flight instead. I think the LA availability did show on the BA site but can't remember 100%.
10 Aug 2015
Total posts 113
In addition to the new direct flight from Melbourne, Santiago airport has the benefit of being relatively compact. Making it easy to disembark and then make your onward connection with almost no chance of getting lost. SCL is a great hub, with new BA services giving the option of using it as a non typical route to get from Oz to London.
Food and drink options are basic in the public areas - just below that of a shopping centre foodcourt - chains / processed foods / little to no fresh food.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
17 May 2015
Total posts 80
This is great news for Melbournians.
I
12 Feb 2015
Total posts 89
Thank you AlexTravAddict for the very helpful warning about travelling with the TAM part of LATAM!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
17 May 2015
Total posts 80
I've just noticed these flights are already on sale, and unfortunately it is not good news for people connecting to other South American cities. The outbound flight leaves Melb 19:55 and arrives in Santiago 19:00. My experience is many people fly to Santiago to connect onto other South American cities. This means a 01:15 arrival into Sao Paulo (and presumably a early morning arrival into most South American cities). Sao Paulo is not exactly the most welcoming city to arrive into during the early hours of the morning. This is a big fail as far as I am concerned and my preference would still be to fly Melb-Syd-Santiago with Qantas. The alternative is to stay the night in Santiago but the $117US entry fee is a complete turn off. Times that by two passengers and add the cost of an airport hotel and a stopover in Santiago will add $500 to your trip. Also, the connection time to Sao Paulo is quite tight. What if the flight is one hour late and you miss the connection? The next flight isn't until the next morning. Does that mean you have to stay the night in Santiago and pay the $117US entry fee?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
07 Jul 2015
Total posts 41
Hi Alex - where did you see this? Unfortunately your photo below isn't loading.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
17 May 2015
Total posts 80
Hi Newbie. I did a search on the LATAM website Melb-SP (set your country to Australia). Departing Melb 20 October. Returning 26 October.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
07 Jul 2015
Total posts 41
Thank you, I can also see a banner on their website officially announcing the pricing.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
17 May 2015
Total posts 54
Do we think that Qantas will fill in the Gaps and do 4 Flights a week, so there is a 7 day coverage between Melbourne and Santiago? Are they Codesharing?
10 Aug 2015
Total posts 122
BNE next for LATAM hopefully
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
18 May 2017
Total posts 37
Perhaps I am old fashioned, but on this type of long-haul route being so far SOUTH across the Pacific, I personally feel much more assured of flying in a 4 engine aircraft, such as a 747 or A380, or even on the A340. No amount of convincing me otherwise will change my inner gut feeling. I don't mind twin engine if the distances weren't so great, or more places to actually land if the unexpected happens. But the southern Pacific between Australia/New Zealand to South America, is a very VERY lonely place.
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on LATAM to fly Melbourne-Santiago from October 2017