Whether it’s seeing a blue-footed booby in the Galápagos Islands, taking *that* llama shot at Machu Picchu, or launching your once-in-a-lifetime Antarctica voyage, there’s one airline to get you from Melbourne to South America: LATAM Airlines. Discover how the region’s largest airline gives travellers access to all the continent’s wild, cultural, culinary, and natural richness.
It’s been six months since LATAM Airlines relaunched its daily direct Melbourne-to-Santiago route, making it the only airline to connect Victorians directly to South America.
The response? Strong demand that reveals Australia’s appetite for the continent’s richness. Whether travelling to hike the trails of the Andes, explore Rio de Janeiro’s sun-drenched beaches, or discover the mystery of Easter Island, Australians trust LATAM to get them there.
Your connection to South America
LATAM Airlines is the expert on all things South America; they know this part of the world like no other. It’s a region that’s always had a certain pull for Australian travellers, perhaps connected by our shared southern-hemisphere spirit where expansive landscapes, warm hospitality, and outdoor adventures hold great appeal.
South America has long been considered a complex destination to plan, especially for multi-city or multi-country itineraries. Thankfully, the ease and access of the entire continent has changed with LATAM’s daily direct service from Melbourne to Santiago, travelling aboard the airline’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
From Santiago, there are onward connections to more than 160 destinations across the region, more than any other airline.
For some, Santiago may be the final destination; for others, it is the launchpad for adventures in Argentina, Peru, Colombia, and beyond.
LATAM’s network is a major advantage, with easy connections helping travellers move from one extraordinary landscape to the next.
One traveller’s journey might begin with Chile’s cinematic Atacama Desert, continue through the wine regions of Mendoza, and end beneath the snow-capped peaks of Patagonia.
Another might pair Peru’s Sacred Valley with Lima’s world-class food scene or combine Colombia’s vibrant culture with the wildlife theatre of the Amazon.
There’s also Colombia’s coffee country, Uruguay’s pristine coastline, the Argentine northwest, or the dramatic fjords and glaciers at the end of the continent. No matter where you want to go in South America, LATAM makes it accessible on one ticket.
Business class reimagined
Flying LATAM brings South America’s cultural identity and diversity into the long-haul experience itself. Not only with personalised onboard service, but with a reimagined Premium Business cabin designed to feel refined, contemporary, and authentically Latin American.
Passengers flying Premium Business can expect personalised service, quality dining and beverages, and thoughtful design elements inspired by the blues of the Pacific, the greens of the Amazon, and the warm tones of the desert and Andes.
Premium Business suites are fully private, with sliding doors and seats that convert into lie-flat beds. Each suite offers direct aisle access, charging ports, shoe and storage compartments, and 18-inch high-definition entertainment.
Even the amenity kits reflect the region, featuring cosmetics by Costa Brazil, a brand known for its sustainable focus and Amazon-inspired ingredients.
For Australian travellers flying LATAM, the South American experience begins at boarding, not on arrival. From the service style to the Chilean-forward wine list, the cabin creates a sense of place that is especially appealing for premium holidaymakers, corporate travellers, and those celebrating the kind of milestone trip where every detail matters.
Long-haul economy comfort
For Economy travellers, LATAM’s Melbourne to Santiago service brings the long-haul advantages of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, with onboard dining, entertainment, and the ease of flying directly from Melbourne into one of South America’s most connected gateways.
Travellers who want a little more room can also choose LATAM+ seats, which offer extra legroom, increased recline, dedicated overhead storage, priority boarding, and a footrest available on the Boeing 787-9.
All Economy passengers enjoy a hot meal service with beverages, including wine and beer, USB ports for charging, and touch-screen entertainment on 12-inch screens.
New in 2027
For travellers who want something between Economy and Premium Business, LATAM recently announced Premium Comfort, its new Premium Economy cabin. Available on select long-haul routes from March 2027, including Melbourne to Santiago, the new class is part of the airline’s significant retrofitting upgrade. Wi-Fi is set to follow soon, too.
Premium Comfort cabin will offer wider seats, greater privacy, and elevated onboard amenities, creating a thoughtfully positioned middle ground for long-haul travellers who want more space and comfort without fully upgrading to Business Class.
Bookings are set to open soon in September 2026, so contact your favourite travel advisor so they know to secure your seat.
Learn more
Explore where you can fly with LATAM here, then contact your preferred travel advisor to book.
This article is brought to you by Melbourne Airport and LATAM.
