Book Flights to Antarctica

The Drake Passage marks the sea between the tip of South America and the icy shores of the Antarctic. Cruise ships must navigate its temperamental waters over two days, but there are flights to Antarctica that only take a couple of hours. With Polar Holidays, you can book your flight to Antarctica and spend your holiday exploring the beautiful landscapes and wildlife of our planet’s southernmost continent.

We also offer fly-cruise hybrid packages for those interested in the best of both worlds. You can read through our different flight packages below!

Can You Fly To Antarctica?

Yes. There are flights to Antarctica from Punto Arenas, Chile, to the Antarctic peninsula. They provide travelers with a fast and comfortable journey to the snow-covered seventh continent.

Many travelers take cruises from South America to Antarctica.
However, the Drake Passage is notorious for causing motion sickness during the four-day journey there and back.
Many people looking for an alternative ask – “are there commercial flights to Antarctica?” Yes!
Flying provides a smooth, faster journey over the Drake Passage.
For those wondering how long the flight to Antarctica is – you’ll arrive in two to three hours, letting you focus on exploring the Antarctic, and you will save the 2-day cruise there and back!

Once landed, we have a few different itineraries available for you to explore.

You will take a cruise ship around the Antarctic waters and enjoy the teeming wildlife and spectacular landscapes.
You can explore the continent through activities, including hiking/snowshoeing, kayaking, camping, and taking a polar plunge.
You can go on a longer cruise and take advantage of one of Polar Holidays fly-cruise packages and sail aboard a ship to the Antarctic Circle!

So, if you want to plan a trip down to the frozen continent where you can focus on the adventures that await without worrying about the long voyage there and back, you can inquire about a flight or fly-cruise trip.

We offer flights to Antarctica and many different trip options from there – send us an email or give us a call!

Why Fly To Antarctica?

Antarctica is one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth. From its vast, barren landscapes to its abundance of unique wildlife, it is truly an extraordinary destination.

Foremost among its virtues, Antarctica is a place of unparalleled beauty. Whether you’re admiring its majestic icebergs or the teeming wildlife, the continent’s natural wonders never cease to inspire awe in its viewers.
Antarctica is a great place to learn about our planet’s history. Antarctica offers a unique window into our planet's past from the fossils of ancient creatures to the evidence of past climates in the rock strata.
Antarctica is a serene place of peace and quiet. It is the most undisturbed continent on Earth, with almost no roads or buildings. Yet, for generations, it has inspired those of us wanting to explore the very ends of our pale blue planet.

What Flight Options Are Available To Antarctica?

We offer 3 travel options:

First, fly from Chile in South America to the Antarctic Peninsula and back.
Second, fly to the Antarctic Peninsula and take a cruise ship back to South America.
Third, take a cruise ship to Antarctica and fly back to South America.

Fly To Antarctica & Fly Back!

Flying both ways to and from Antarctica saves you the 2-days of rough sailing through the Drake Passage each way.

Why Fly Both Ways?

1. Travelers reach the 7th continent faster.
2. Skip the rough waters of the Drake Passage.
3. Spend more time exploring the Antarctic continent.

Fly To Antarctica & Cruise Back

Opting for this fly-cruise experience lets you enjoy a quick arrival to the
continent with a scenic sailing experience for the departure.

Why Fly To Antarctica And Cruise Back?

1. Quick arrival to the continent, allowing for more time to explore.
2. Only sail the Drake Passage once.
3. Guests still experience the adventure of sailing on their journey back.

Cruise To Antarctica & Fly Back

For those who enjoy getting to know their fellow adventurers beforehand,
consider getting a cruise to Antarctica and then flying back to South America!

Why Cruise To Antarctica And Fly Back?

1. Socialize aboard the boat and learn about the continent from experts on board.
2. Only cruise the Drake Passage once.
3. Enjoy the full sailing experience with a quick return.

What To Expect When Flying To Antarctica

We’ve answered the question “are there any flights to Antarctica?,” but now we turn to what you can expect on the flights.

The most popular option among travelers visiting Antarctica is a fly-cruise trip, allowing passengers to save up to 4 travel days by flying the Drake Passage instead of sailing across.

Depending on your route, it also provides time aboard a cruise ship on the way there or back depending on your preference.

The standard flight takes you to King George Island, just 2 hours instead of 2 days journey. You’ll be set down right in the heart of the Antarctic Peninsula, with your first cold chill of the air coming off the iceberg swells.

Some 50,000+ visitors embark on the journey to the Antarctic each year, including 50 expedition vessels.

Once fly-cruise travelers reach Antarctica they trade the plane for a cruise ship. Guests enjoy sailing down the peninsula with other shipmates, and enjoying the calm waters.

Many activities are available for adventurers once landed.

Other cruise routes and cruise destinations are available. Availability is limited, so please reach out to our team to book your fly-cruise trip!

When To Book Your Antarctica Fly-Cruise Trip

Regular Antarctic flight departures are available from early December through to February. However, it is important to plan and book your flight ahead of time.

We recommend booking your flight and cruise adventure around 12-18 months in advance. The earlier, the better.

For a complete list of cabins and departure dates, contact us to start planning your adventure today!

Top Recommended Antarctic Fly-Cruise Trips

$ 4,995

$ 14,595

$ 15,995

What To Do If Your Flight Is Delayed

The unpredictable Antarctic weather is a common reason for delays. If a
flight is delayed due to weather concerns, the wait is usually only a few hours. There are contingency plans in place.

If the flight is delayed upon departure from Antarctica, guests can stay on the ships at no additional cost until new flights are arranged.

Weather is an uncontrollable factor when planning any trip, but we do our best to smooth over any bumps in the experience for our guests.

Which Planes Fly To Antarctica?

BAE 146 200, Avro RJ 85 & 100 – British Designed, 80 Passengers, 6 Seats in a Row (w/ 1 aisle)

British-made aircraft
Used for the majority of flights
Large airbrake, full-width wing spoilers, and relatively quiet operation
Their large airbrakes allow the crafts to descent at steep rates if necessary
The full-width wing spoilers are deployed immediately upon landing, thus resulting in a smooth arrival
These aircrafts have proven to be useful on “high-density” regional and short-haul routes

De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter – Canadian Designed, 5-6 Passengers

Canadian-made aircraft
Features twin turboprop engines, tricycle undercarriage, and STOL (short takeoff and landing) capabilities, making it possible to go where most aircrafts cannot
Offers high climb rates, making it a successful commuter passenger airliner, along with its uses as a cargo and medical evacuation aircraft
Fun fact! It is a popular choice for commercial skydiving operations.

Ilyushin IL-76TD – Soviet Designed, 60 Passengers, 6 Seats in a Row (w/ 1 aisle)

Ilyushin-made aircraft
Multi-purpose four-engine turbofan strategic airlifter
First developed to be a commercial freighter in the late 60’s to deliver heavy machinery to remote areas
Has the ability to operate from unpaved runways in underdeveloped areas – making it a useful form of transportation for emergency response scenarios as well

Basler BT-67 – US Designed, 12-15 Passengers, 4 Seats in a Row (w/ 1 aisle)

American-made aircraft
Offers a simple and spacious travel option for Antarctic travelers
A modified version of the original Douglas DC-3
Only used within Antarctica’s interior for groups larger than the De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter can carry
Much like the Twin Otter, the Basler is adaptable and tough which makes for smooth travel to and from remote locations

Beechcraft King Air 300

The world’s most popular business turbo aircraft
Used for fly-in adventures in Antarctica
Provides a comfortably accommodating option for a smaller group of passengers
Ideal for chartering, with twin turboprops powering four blade propellers and a max speed of 583km/h (362mph)

See What Our Customers Are Saying

This is an exciting experience enhanced by the enthusiasm and skill which Polar Holidays devotes to their clients. They are not only knowledgeable but kind and patient when helping select the right cruise – there are so many of them! They treat their clients with respect and care to detail. I would have no reservations about joining him on another trip after Antarctica and South Georgia.

We are home safe and sound. Got back to LA yesterday. It was an AMAZING, WONDERFUL, FABULOUS, FANTASTIC adventure. LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lots and Lots of photos to go through. All went well!!! Ship was GREAT, Polar Holidays Team was GREAT, weather was mixed, but GREAT, had Drake Lake for the crossing!!!!!!!!! Ready to go again!!!!! Thanks Polar Holidays!!

I have been fortunate to have booked through Polar Holidays for 2 tours, one to the polar bears in Spitzbergen and another to Antarctica. They are knowledgeable, kind and thoughtful, not only in the country in which you are traveling but also with their photographic knowledge. They go beyond the regular help and made both of these trips memorable. The photo they sent me after the cruise rocks!

I have travelled with Polar Holidays to see the baby penguins and polar bears, both fantastic trips. I plan to go with them again this year to South Georgia. Thomas has travelled to all his destinations many times, so he is very knowledgeable about the area, people, etc. He knows the ships and knows exactly which trip is best. Thomas helped me book, and he has a great sense of humor and is a lot of fun. He is patient about answering all the questions when preparing for the trip-the ins and outs of what to take, wear, etc. You can’t go wrong by using Polar Holidays to book one of these exciting journeys. The free print is great!

Ready to Fly to Antarctica?

Have some questions? Or, are you ready to find your dream trip? Contact Polar Holidays to schedule a free consultation with one of our booking specialists today!

Book Incredible Cruises to Antarctica and the Arctic