Welcome to my trip report from SCL to PMC!
Sky Airlines is one of the few airlines operates a full Airbus A320/A321 neo fleet.
If I had gone ahead with my original plan, I would have flown on this aircraft, CC-DEF (Below).
I was suppose to fly with this airline to Puerto Montt, however in the early morning of the departure, I decided to cancel the flight and rebook myself with LATAM. .
This was my check-in status with the airline.
This website is more user-friendly to use compared to Jetsmart as I was able to completed the booking and web check-in without issues. Later on, I did the flight cancellation, I was able to do so and received my refund after a few days. This is what I call reliable.
I was awake around 4 in the morning and was considering my options on whether to spend 5-6 hours waiting for my accommodation at Puerto Montt as my request for an early check-in was turned down (not their fault) and at that point of time, I didn't feel like waking up so early to catch the flight, only to wait at the airport or in the city with my luggage for many hours. My original flight was supposed to be departing at 1130 hrs but they cancelled the flight and transferred me to the 0837 hrs flight. The next flight for this airline was in the evening so that option is definitely out. Once I had a clear mind, my decision was made, I decided to go ahead and cancel this flight and book myself on LATAM's afternoon flight to Puerto Montt. With this arrangement, I could enjoy more sleep and only lose $60 for the last minute change. The refund for Sky Airlines was around S$50 while the LATAM ticket cost around S$110, so this didn't turn out too bad.
I won't recommend doing this unless you have no choice and also do check with the other airlines whether there are seat availability before you cancel the original flight!
This was my ride to Puerto Montt, LATAM's Chile Airbus A321ceo, CC-BEP.
Introduction
Although this flight was a last minute booking, the airfare was not too bad. I paid a reasonable price for the flexible fare which includes luggage allowance, carry-on luggage and seat selection. I was also fortunate to have window seats available when I saw the seat map. I had the chance to upgrade to premium economy class for just US$10 but I didn't take up this offer becaue only the aisle seat was left (right side) and since this was my first time flying into Puerto Montt, I had to take the window seat especially on the left side. Thanks goodness, because I spotted some beautiful snowy volcanoes along the route (check out the photos at the later part of the trip report). This airline has multiple flights a day on this route and I chose the most convenient timing for me, 1433 hrs because I would arrive there an hour later and can immediately head over to check in at my accommodation.
So without further ado, let's begin this trip report!
Booking with the airline
I was up around 0426 hours and I did both flight cancellation and rebooking with Sky and LATAM at an eleventh hour! Fortunately for me, I had no problem accessing both Sky and LATAM's websites and the website experience were much more pleasant than Jetsmart's .
I opted for the full fare which is the flexible option.
Selection of seat was free and I was able to complete the web check-in at the same time.
Was I fortunate to have the middle seat vacant? Read on to find out.
When you book with this airline, do make sure you check what is allowed for you to bring on board. On my return flight to Santiago, I encountered an issue but fortunately I managed to sort it out with the airline's staff. More on this in my next trip report.
Once the booking was completed, I went back to sleep and woke up a few hours later for my flight.
Later that day
I took Uber to the airport and the ride took about 20 minutes.
Here we are, at terminal 1 of Santiago SCL Airport.
Ths last time at this airport, I forgot to pay this terminal a visit so this time I get to depart from here.
Welcome to Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport Terminal 1 (SCL)!
This terminal may be smaller than terminal 2 but in terms of facilities, it is not bad at all. There are sufficent eateries and shops to check out.
Only 3 airlines operate from this terminal: Jetsmart, Sky Airlines and LATAM. These airlines operate only domestic flights from this temrinal, for international flights, they depart from terminal 2.
Complimentary Airport Wifi is available.
This is the LATAM check-in counters.
There are instructions on how the check-in process is done.
I used the self check-in kiosk to collect the luggage tag and boarding pass.
English language is available.
If only there is an option to print both baggage tag and boarding pass.
Luggage tag
Boarding pass was received. Seq number: 179 out of 224!
For the check-in luggage, I had to do a bit of sign language with the ground staff as she couldn't understand English. However, the check-in process was completed with smiles exchanged.
Once that's done, I decided to explore the terminal a bit.
I went out to check out the surrounding.
There is an airport hotel located in between terminal 1 and 2.
The structure of the building - doesn't look too shabby.
This is taken from the second level of the departure hall.
Airport staff's office located at the far end.
There are a few eateries at this 2nd level.
I settled for lunch at Dominos. This is one of the popular hot dogs in the menu and I ordered lemonade to wash down this delicious meal.
Back to the ground level.
There is also resturants at the far end of the terminal.
Walking past some more of the check-in desks.
This is the far end of the terminal (land side).
Overall, I like this terminal, it is not bad at all. Now let's check out the airside.
Thanks to Flighty, I already knew the assigned gate for my flight.
After security check was completed, I passed by this duty free shop.
There are also restaurants at the airside.
There are Concourse A and B in this terminal.
To connect to the international terminal after arrival from the domestic flight, you have to pick up your luggage at the arrival and then there will signboard leading you to terminal 2. The walk from this terminal to terminal 2 should not take longer than 15 minutes. I will be experiencing this on my Sky Airlines flight (CCP-SCL-GRU), arrival on a domestic flight to connect to an internationl flight, I will post the link of the trip report once it is completed.
There are a few shops along the way at both Concourse A and B.
This is how the gate area looks like at concourse A.
No prize for guessing who dominates this airport.
Signboards leading you to both concourse B and D but Concourse D is not opened for passengers from the domestic side.
Gate B01 is an isolated gate, located a floor above the others.
The other gates are located a floor before gate B01.
There are good spots for plane photography.
Some information of the history of the airport!
Pacific Club VIP lounge
The map layout of the terminal 1 - level 2
The airport layout of both terminals.
Signboards are clear so you shouldn't have any issues getting to your gate.
That's the terminal 2 gates, easily recognised by the wavey rooftop.
This is originally where my flight was assigned to.
However, the assigned gate was changed to B01.
This is the assigned gate for my flight.
This is the gate area for my flight.
Time to board!
Welcome on board CC-BEP!
This was my first time on LATAM's A321ceo.
(Photo: Alejandro Torres)
Airbus A321-211 (With winglets)
With Recicla tu Viaje Sticker
Configuration: Y224 including Premium Economy Cabin
Engines: 2 X CFM 56-5B3/3
Age: 9+ Years Old (Jan 2026)
MSN: 7379
Built in Hamburg (XFW)
Route: SCL-PMC
Miles: 915.7 km
Average Flight Time: 50 minutes
Airlines flying on this route: Jetsmart, LATAM and Sky Airlines
My seat: 22A (Aerolopa.com)
Date of departure: 10th December 2025
Airline: LATAM
Flight: LA63
Route: SCL-PMC
Aircraft type: Airbus A321ceo
Registration: CC-BEP
Class: Economy
Seat: 22A
Departure Terminal: 1
Gate: B7 change to B1
Load: 80%
Flight Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Actual Flight Time: 1 hour 19 minutes
Schedule Departure: 1433
Boarding: 1356
Push Back: 1428
Take Off: 1440
Schedule Arrival: 1617
Actual Arrival: 1559
Departure Runway: 17R
Departure Weather: Cloudy
Arrival Runway: 17
Arrival Weather: Partially Cloudy
My inflight experience
Boarding the aircraft was done in an orderly manner, by groups. Once on board, I almost mixed up my seat, thought I was sitting at the 2-seater in front of the emergency row. I saw a group of Japanese business men sitting at the emergency row. After standing around at the 2-seater seats, it took about a few seconds to realise that was not my seat and I moved over to the correct seat which is one row in front. Once the announcement was made that every passenger was on board, I was delighted that the seat besides mine remained vacant.
Today's flight-in-command is a female pilot and we pushed back about 5 minutes ahead of schedule. She made the announcement in both English and Spanish. As usual, our aircraft taxied with one engine and the second engine was started up not long before we reached the threshold. Our departure was smooth and it was certainly a great day for flying. The visiblity throughout the flight was excellent, clear skies with scattered clouds along the way. We were treated to some spectacular view of the volcanoes and for a short flight like this, I wished the flight was longer.
For the flight, we were given a choice of beverage and a packet of chips, not bad for this 50 minutes flight. The cabin crew were nice and the flight was mostly smooth with just a bit of turbulence during the cruise. With the middle seat vacant, I was able to stretch out my legs a bit more but for the seat itself, the legroom space is a bit tight, similar to the ones on the low cost carriers. Overall, I find the seat to be fairly comfortable and I count my blessing that the middle seat remain vacant.
For the return flight, I experienced the premium economy class seats. All I can say is it is certainly worth paying more for it.
Welcome on board!
The Airbus A321 cockpit
This aircraft is fitted with the Intelsat 2KU inflight wifi for online streaming and Wifi connection is available (chargable).
For the cabin seats on the A321ceo
This aircraft is fitted with 224 Recaro BL3520 slimline seat and they are configured in a 3-3 configuration with the exception of row 10 and 23.
Every seat has an adjustable headrest, comes with a USB-A socket and has a seat width of 17.7 inches.
All the seats can be reclined except for row 30, as for how far the seats can recline depends on where you sit but if you ask me, for the routes this aircraft deployed (no longer than 4 hours), reclining may not be necessary but of course it's up to you.
Premium Economy
The first 3 rows has more legroom space than the others, with a seat pitch of 34 inches except for the first row which is narrower due to the wall partition.
The LATAM + Sticker is labelled on the overhead compartment at the first 3 rows.
There is a divider in which the curtain will be used during inflight.
Look at the amount of legroom space!
More information of this premium economy class in my next trip report.
Economy
The seat pitch from row 7 and onwards is about 28 to 30 inches of legroom space and according to Aerolopa.com, rows 28 to 38 have very tight legroom space of 28 inches so avoid those rows, do take note.
As for row 5 to 7, the legroom space is better with a legroom space of 33 inches, highly recommended if you are flying in this class cabin.
The seats are blocked off.
I wonder why were they blocked off, perhaps there are issues with them.
This is my seat, 22A.
The front view from my seat
Legroom space is around 30 inches.
The seats across my row.
These seats are fairly comfortable.
Overview of the cabin
The row behind my seat (row 23) is a 2-seater.
Each seatback comes with a safety card and a wifi connection guide sticker.
The seat number indicator at the underside of the overhead compartment makes it easier for passengers to identify their seats.
One last look of the cabin
More photos of the seat
Tight legroom space
Literature holder
The seat has certainly seen better days.
30 inches of legroom space but it was bearable.
Luckily, I had the middle seat space to stretch out.
USB-A port near my seat is in a dire condition.
While this is in a better condition.
Recline button
View from my seat
The red cover headrest
Sitting in this row enables a good window view due to the placement of the window to the seat.
What's provided for each passenger?
Safety Card
Inflight snack and beverage
For the snack, there is no option but you get to choose your beverage with limited choices available.
Inflight Entertainment
The connection to the airline's entertainment system is good.
For the high tier members, WiFi is complimentary.
These are the programmes available on my flight.
The programmes and movie selection are similar to the ones on my LATAM's 787 flight.
The flight map
Messenging should be complimentary, do you agree?
The price for the WiFi is not expensive.
I decided to watch a bit of this movie.
Window view photos
We pushed back ahead of schedule.
Taxiing past a trio of LATAM's aircraft.
For today's departure, we were to depart from runway 17R.
On the runway
Off we go.
Sitting on the left side allows airport view provided runway 17R or 35R in used.
It didn't take long for our aircraft to rotate as our load was quite light.
A good view of the airport.
It was certainly a great day for flying.
We continued to travel straight as Puerto Montt was located at the southern part of Chile.
Flying over the southern part of the city.
We were greeted by mountains from this point onwards.
Enjoying the smooth ride towards Puerto Montt.
Spot the Volcano?
This is Volcano Osorno, located at Puerto Varas.
This makes up for the disappointment of missing out the sight of Mount Fuji whenever I fly in and out of Tokyo.
At this point, we have started our descent with the speedbrakes deployed.
One last look at the volcano.
Descending into Puerto Montt with more clouds spotted along the way.
This countryside view reminds me of my landing and approach into Bogota (Colombia).
Flaps are extended further.
We are on final approach into PMC airport.
We touched down smoothly onto runway 17.
Spoilers and reverse thrust are deployed to slow the aircraft down.
We taxied to our assigned and that took around 6 minutes.
Here we are, a Sky Airlines A320neo in sight.
Later on I realised that this is the Sky Airlines A320neo that operated on my original flight to this airport.
If I had arrived with Sky Airlines, I would have been loitering around somewhere with my luggage.
My flight summary
Thanks to Flighty for this information.
Welcome to Aeropuerto El Tepual!
It took less than 5 minutes of waiting for my luggage to come out.
This is the arrival hall
The terminal is not bad at all.
There are a few shops and restaurants to check out.
Airport WiFi is available.
Once I finished exploring, I called for a ride on the Uber app to take me to my accommodation.
Thanks for reading!
My ratings
Airline Website/Mobile App: 3/5
Airport Experience (Santiago Terminal 1): 3/5
Inflight Service: 4/5
Seat Comfort: 3/5
Inflight Entertainment: 4/5
Cabin Ambiance: 5/5
Cabin Condition: 5/5
Cleanliness: 5/5
Inflight Meal/Beverage: 3/5 (Considering the flight duration)
Punctuality: 5/5
Overall Rating: 40/50
Percentage: 80%
Conclusion
I am glad I booked this flight although I have to incur some losses to make things more convenient for me. I was able to rest a bit more and not having the need to stay somewhere at the airport or city with the luggage before heading over to my accommodation. I am glad that the websites of both airlines are user-friendly and because I bought the more expensive ticket for Sky Airlines, I was able to seek a refund at the last minute and thankfully there were seats left for the LATAM's flight. Things could not have gone better as also the afternoon flight's weather was great and the sight of the volcanoes is definitely the highlight of this flight. What makes this trip even better is the middle seat remained vacant that means more legroom space for both the seat mate at the aisle seat and myself , but will I do this again? I prefer not.
For flights like this, I would opted for the higher tier fare so that I can make changes if I have to. So overall, this goes into the list of one of my most memorable travelling experience for the last minute changes to ensure that I could get what I want and also used this chance to test out the airline's websites. Both websites pass with flying colours and after this flight, I was looking forward to flying with Sky Airlines coming up after my return flight to Santiago.
On my return flight to Santiago with LATAM, I would fly on the airline's premium economy class, coming up soon.
Hope you enjoy this trip report!
Have a good one!
Charles
For the previous trip report (LATAM Boeing 787-8 EZE-SCL trip report), click here
No comments:
Post a Comment