Antarctica Round Two: Takeaways from My Second Trip to the Seventh Continent

This was the second cruise I’ve taken that included a charter flight option, and it featured a unique route from Santiago directly to Ushuaia. My first experience with a charter flight made sense—it was to and from remote destinations in Greenland and northern Canada. For an Antarctic cruise, a charter flight can be convenient, but it also comes with some limitations.

First, these flights are usually quite expensive. They often include a hotel night, ground transportation, and sometimes even tours before or after the cruise. Still, the overall cost can be significantly higher compared to booking your own flights. While you won’t find commercial flights from Santiago to Ushuaia, most travelers fly into Buenos Aires and then catch a domestic flight to Ushuaia from there.

Second, charter flights are inflexible. They’re scheduled specifically for the cruise and don’t allow much room for customization. Many travelers going to Antarctica want to spend extra time in cities like Santiago or Buenos Aires, or explore popular destinations such as Iguazú Falls or Patagonia. While you might be able to plan something before or after the charter flight, it’s often better to leave time open and build your extensions around the cruise dates. Personally, I always recommend doing any extra travel before the cruise. Antarctica is such an awe-inspiring experience that everything else tends to feel underwhelming afterward. Plus, I’m usually exhausted after a cruise—each day is packed with excitement, stunning scenery, and nonstop activity from the expedition team. By the time I disembark, I’m ready to head home!

All in all, charter flights are a great option if you value convenience and want a stress-free transition between your flights and cruise. But if flexibility and exploring more of Chile or Argentina are priorities, booking your own flights may be the better choice. And of course, feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to help you plan this extension for you and make it all seamless!