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How can I fly to Antarctica?
- There are no scheduled flights to Antarctica – visitors take charter flights that are only available as part of a package with an Antarctic trip from November to March
- Tourists fly to King George Island on the Antarctic Peninsula and join an expedition cruise ship there to explore the region
- The main airport for flights to Antarctica is Punta Arenas in Chile, with a handful of departures from nearby Puerto Natales or Puerto Williams
- Flights take around two hours in each direction as opposed to two days by sea, but it's also possible to fly one way and sail the other
- The vast majority of flights operate on schedule but the Antarctic weather means that travellers must be prepared to be flexible
- A small number of flight options unlock Antarctica's vast interior, by flying to the remotest camps imaginable – including the South Pole
Swoop says
Having both flown and sailed to Antarctica on, I've become a big fan of flying. With the time saved, it also allow the option of combining Antarctica with a few extra days exploring Patagonia, Santiago or beyond.
Ian Young Antarctic Sales Manager
Our most popular trips for flying to Antarctica
Price Match Promise - We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip
Three ways to fly to Antarctica
1. Fly & Cruise Antarctica
By far the most popular way to fly to Antarctica, Fly & Cruise trips combine the comfort and expediency of flying in and out of the region with all the benefits of the exploring the Antarctic Peninsula by small expedition ship.
- Flies to Antarctica in just two hours, avoiding the two day sea crossing of the Drake Passage
- Well suited to anxious sailors or travellers short on time
- Operates late November to early March
- Tried & tested operation over 20 years
- Typically 8 days from $11,500 per person (2025 cruise prices)
2. Fly to Antarctica & sail back
An adaptation of the ‘Fly & Cruise’ concept, these Fly/Sail trips fly in one direction and sail the other. These trips normally have a choice of which leg is by air and sea.
- Only one crossing of the Drake Passage
- You still experience the excitement of the open sea
- The expediency of flying in one direction makes for a more compact trip, time-wise
- Choice of itineraries from 6–25 days, from $6,495 per person (2025 cruise prices)
3. Fly to the South Pole & Antarctic Interior
It's possible to fly direct to the vast emptiness of the Antarctic interior, and even on to the South Pole. Fewer than a thousand visitors do this every year, making it one of the most exclusive adventures on Earth
- Staying in remote camps with a choice of adventures, from reaching the South Pole to camping with Emperor penguins
- Access by special flight from either Punta Arenas or Cape Town only
- Limited departure dates in December and January
- Prices from USD$62,895- USD$105,000 per person (2025 prices)
What is it like to fly to Antarctica?
How much does it cost to fly to Antarctica?
Charter flights have a higher per-person operating costs than expedition cruise ships, due to the number of passengers they carry, the need for specialist aircraft and pilots and the tough operating environment. As a result, while flying to Antarctica saves travel time, that convenience comes at a price.
A typical Fly & Cruise trip to Antarctica can cost up to 20% more than the equivalent trip that sails in both directions. Flying one way and sailing the other can be a good way to make savings, as the need for only one charter flight can make these trips particularly attractively priced.
The deeper you fly into Antarctica the more expensive it becomes, as logistical challenges grow. Trips to the Antarctic interior typically start at around $63,000 per person.
What our customers think of Flights to Antarctica
Flights to Antarctica trips scored 4.5/5 from 644 reviews
For ease and efficiency few things beat flying to Antarctica. If I'd have known it was that easy I would have gone years ago!
Travelled: December 2016
Agi - Hungary
Fly & cruise worked very well and was a great option. All excursions were well organised and conducted safely. We enjoyed them all, especially the snowshoeing treks.
Travelled: December 2016
John - UK
Review:
Antarctic weather & flight delays
How often are flights to Antarctica delayed?
Fly & Cruise trips in Antarctica have been operating for over 20 years, and in that time the main operator has an 83% success rate of flights arriving on or before the intended day, with a further 12% arriving the day after. Severe delays are rare and the majority of delays experienced are only a few hours.
However, it's crucial that all visitors flying to Antarctica are prepared for the possibility of weather delays and factor this into their onward travel plans.
To be able to confidently depart from and return to Chile, pilots need a minimum 5 hour clear weather window. Low clouds, fog and heavy winds around King George Island are the main culprits. With weather often changing rapidly, this can be a challenge, but Antarctic pilots are experts at operating safely in such conditions, with years of experience.
What happens if weather delays my flight to Antarctica?
Should your flight from Chile to Antarctica be delayed, the operator's local representatives will keep you regularly updated. Typically it's only a wait of a few hours, but in the unlikely event that it's longer there will be detailed contingency plans in place. Unfortunately you won’t be able to ‘make up’ any time lost once you get to Antarctica and your trip will still end on the day you were scheduled to.
Those delayed leaving Antarctica benefit from staying on at no extra cost. If you are on a Fly & Cruise trip, you continue to use the ship as your floating hotel and landings will be arranged while you wait for the weather to clear.
Will I receive a refund for delays or cancellation?
If you are very unfortunate to have your trip cancelled altogether due to weather, operators have a clear refund policy in place or will offer you the choice to re-book on an alternative date. We can advise you of the full details when booking.
For shorter delays, compensation isn’t typically offered as weather is beyond anyone’s control and must be accepted as one of the risks of opting to fly. If you are uncomfortable with this, perhaps sailing to Antarctica, which is less prone to delays through adverse weather, may be a better option. We strongly recommend also checking the details of your travel insurance policy after booking to check how you are covered for delays and cancellations.
Antarctic airports
Airports with flights to Antarctica
The majority of flights for visitors to Antarctica depart from Punta Arenas (airport code PUQ) in the heart of southern Chilean Patagonia, which has excellent connections to the capital Santiago for international flights. A small number of Antarctic flights also depart from nearby Puerto Williams (WPU) or Puerto Natales (PNT).
Punta Arenas is also the departure airport for flights to Antarctic interior (Union Glacier). Cape Town (CPT) has also has flights to the interior, to Wolf's Fang.
There are no flights to Antarctica from Argentina: Ushuaia is a departure point for sailing voyages only.
Airports in Antarctica
There is only one airport in Antarctica open to commercial flights: King George Island in the South Shetland Islands, just off the tip of the Antarctica. The flight time is two hours from Punta Arenas and other Chilean airports. The airport's full name is Teniente Rodolfo Marsh Martin Airport (airport code TNM), though it is commonly referred to as simply KGI)
In the interior there are two airstrips operated by specialist charters for trips deeper into Antarctica. Union Glacier is accessed from Punta Arenas (4½ hours), and Wolf's Fang from Cape Town (5 hours). These have ‘blue ice' runways and only specially modified planes are able to land here.
There are other airfields and strips scattered across Antarctica which service field research or governmental traffic only.
From One to One Hundred
Swoop has catered for travellers of every group size. Whether you’re adventuring solo or bringing a group of over 100. We can help.
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Solos
- Working with over 30 different ships to find you the most solo-friendly ships, with the lowest single supplements, and the best solo deals available. Discover More
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2 - 5 people
- With over 100 collective years of Polar experience our team will help you find your perfect trip, so you’re on the right ship, in the right cabin, and at the right point of the season. Discover More
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6 - 80 people
- We’ve worked with all sizes of groups, from large families to small schools. Travelling with Swoop means you’ll be the best prepared customers on the voyage and you pay nothing extra for this service. Discover More
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Large Groups
- We are experienced charter consultants that can build tailored experiences for both part and full charters of vessels. Discover More
Antarctic Planes
BAE 146
These planes are the most commonly used for the two hour flight from the tip of Chile to King George Island.
- Build: British-designed
- Capacity: 80 people
- Seating configuration: 3+3
- Renowned for its relatively quiet operation
- Its four turbofan engine configuration provides important redundancy
- Superior takeoff performance from short runways
- Toughened undercarriage and positioning of the landing gear for maximum stability makes it ideal for the non-tarmac airstrip on King George Island
De Haviland DHC-6 Twin Otter
Deployed throughout the interior of Antarctica, these twin engined Twin Otters are the continent’s workhorse providing both vital passenger and cargo transportation.
- Build: Canadian-designed
- Capacity: 5-6 people
- Ski equipped
- Their rugged landing gear and STOL (short takeoff and landing) capabilities allow them to go where most aircraft can’t
Basler BT-67
The modified version of the original Douglas DC-3, the Basler is only used within Antarctica’s interior for getting larger groups than the Twin Otter can handle into remote areas.
- Build: US-designed
- Capacity: 12-15 people
- Seating configuration: 2+2
- STOL (short takeoff and landing) capabilities
- Versatile & tough
- Simple & spacious
Beechcraft King Air 300
The King Air is the world’s most popular business turboprop aircraft. In Antarctica it's exclusively used for the 1 & 2 day trips to The White Continent only. Comfortably accommodating up to 6 passengers, it's also ideal for chartering.
- Capacity: 6 passengers
- Seating configuration: 1+1
- Twin turboprops driving four blade propellers
- Max cruising speed 583km/h
- Range of up to 3,630km (1,960nm)
Our Favourite Fly & Cruise Trips
Price Match Promise - We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip
Flights to Antarctica: FAQs
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When is the best time to fly to Antarctica?
Flights to the Antarctic Peninsula operate from November to March, to match the visitor season. Flights to the Antarctic interior operator in January and February, as they rely on a much smaller weather window due to the more extreme conditions in the interior.
Within these periods, there is no 'best' time to visit Antarctica, though your experience will vary from month month. For more, see our page When to go to Antarctica.
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When do I need to book?
Due to the combination of the short flying season, limited flights and their huge popularity, these trips are in increasingly high demand and planning ahead is crucial. You should be booking your place 10-18 months in advance of your departure date, but the general rule of thumb is the earlier the better, particularly for the prime dates around Christmas and New Year.
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Why should I fly to Antarctica rather than sail?
Flying to Antarctica takes two hours, instead of the two days it takes to sail.
As well as being faster, flying also avoids the Drake Passage, the stretch of water that lies between the tip of South America and the Antarctic Peninsula. This carries a reputation for being a stormy sea, though in truth far more crossings experience a smooth 'Drake Lake' rather than a rougher 'Drake Shake.' Still, those worried about seasickness or who are pressed for time often prefer to fly.
For more information, see our page about the Drake Passage.
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What’s the baggage allowance?
Travelling to Antarctica by plane definitely requires light packing! The luggage allowance is generally only 15 kg (33 pounds) per passenger, including hand luggage. You do have the option to leave items in Punta Arenas, and when joining your ship in Antarctica there will be a laundry service on board.
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Will I get to see Antarctica from the plane?
If you are flying to King George Island in the South Shetlands you won’t fly over the Antarctic mainland, as you will be largely flying over water and then landing in the South Shetland Islands, which are located 90km/ 55 miles northwest of the Antarctic continent. Nevertheless, the island still look impressive from the air, especially when surrounded by icebergs. The section of the flight over the mountains of Tierra del Fuego en route is equally spectacular.
For those select few flying into the interior, and perhaps all the way to the South Pole, you will certainly get some grand views of The White Continent from above.
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can I book a window seat on my flight to Antarctica
No. It is not possible to pre-book any seats on the flights to and from Antarctica.
How to Fly to Antarctica
Fly & Cruise Antarctica
Fly & Cruise trips offer the best of Antarctica in one simple package: flying to the Peninsula in two hours to join an expedition cruise ship for a classic polar adventure.
Discover MoreFly To Antarctica & Cruise Back
These trips cruise one way and fly the other. They’re a hybrid between a traditional Antarctica cruise and a Fly & Cruise trip which either fly or sail in both directions. In…
Discover MoreSouth Pole & Antarctic Interior expeditions
The Antarctic Interior offers the chance to visit the fabled South Pole, camp with emperor penguins, climb remote mountain peaks and see our planet at its rawest and most …
Discover MoreReady to plan your Antarctic adventure?
1
Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
2
Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
3
Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
With over 100 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.
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