If you’re traveling by air, you won’t have to think too long and hard about which airport to choose. Vina del Mar has just one – Arturo Merino Benitez Airport (SCL).

Travelers from all around the world go through Nuevo Pudahuel Airport every day. Get off the plane, grab your luggage and you’ll find yourself 80 kilometers from the central Vina del Mar streets.

There are 18 airlines that service Vina del Mar from 52 airports across the globe.

Vina del Mar receives most of its flights from LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline and JetSMART with LATAM Airlines being the preferred choice of airline. Calama is the most popular city for passengers to depart from.

Arranging an amazing Vina del Mar adventure is a cinch when there are 1,162 nonstop flights each week to select from.

Travelers often depart from Calama, Antofagasta and Iquique airports when going to Vina del Mar.

If it’s Calama you’re leaving behind, you’ll be in the air for around 2 hours and 2 minutes before you arrive in Vina del Mar. Terminal to terminal from Antofagasta takes about 1 hour and 51 minutes and from Buenos Aires, the flight time is 2 hours and 19 minutes.

We’ve all come across those fortunate jet-setters who manage to get wonderfully cheap airfares every time they fly. Want to know how to do it for your Vina del Mar vacation? Don’t leave it until the very last minute to lock in your flight. Another great way to nab an unbeatable deal is to shop around. If your destination has more than one airport, don’t forget to research the cost of flying into a less busy terminal. And finally, don’t forget that the early bird catches the worm. Familiarize yourself with airfare costs and be ready to grab your ticket as soon as you see an unbeatable bargain. The best deals don’t last long.

We’ve got the lowdown on how to make your flight as enjoyable as possible. Follow our tips and you’ll be breezing through the airport and seeing the best of Vina del Mar before you know it.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It’s simple — first, put in your passport, official ID, credit cards and medications. Next, you’ll want some extra in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling novel and a tablet filled with your favorite movies are good options. If you plan to catch a few z’s, a neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you step off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between airlines, the general rule of thumb is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, drills, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and items that could harm other people, such as firearms and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your prime concern when picking what to wear on board. Consider your footwear choice with care too, as swollen feet can be a side effect of flying. Slightly roomy, flat shoes are always a smart option.
• It’s likely you’ve heard about DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. There are numerous ways to minimize your risk. Don a pair of compression socks, drink lots of water and keep your legs and feet moving. Walk the aisles of the cabin or perform some stretches in your seat.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you reach security. That way, you’ll be stepping onto that plane to Vina del Mar in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• First things first. Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be presented to security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don’t hold up the line.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to beep. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They’ll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few moments, you’ll need to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronics must also go through the scanner.
• Want to bring along your favorite cologne or perfume? No problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it’s stored in a clear zip-close bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on bag.
• It’s also possible you’ll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Airlines won’t allow any sharp objects in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.