🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 79 (from laksa154)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa079.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/fly-cruise\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/fly-cruise\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/fly-cruise","crawl_time":1775966398,"first_indexed_time":1513756346,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,swoop-antarctica!www,\/cruises\/flights\/fly-cruise s443","src_root_hash":"6670304929850221879","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Fly & Cruise Expeditions to Antarctica | Swoop Antarctica","meta_descriptions":["Discover the benefits of a Fly & Cruise trip to find out if it's the right option for you. Well suited to anxious sailors and ‘time poor’ travellers."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"6 reasons to choose a Fly & Cruise trip\nCombine the\nclassic Antarctic Peninsula cruise experience\nwith the convenience of\nflying to Antarctica\nin just two short hours\nSkip the two day voyage\n to Antarctica across the Drake Passage: an ideal option for travellers short on time or who are worried about seasickness\nChoose from a\nwide selection of ships\n to explore Antarctica, from classic expedition cruise ships to luxury and boutique hotel-style vessels\nEnjoy all aspects of a traditional Antarctic cruise, including \nzodiac cruises\n,\n landings\nand \nadventure activities\n – plus lots of penguins!\nTravel at any time from\n November\nto\nlate March\n, with Fly & Cruise trips operating across the entire Antarctic visitor season\nExperience the best of both worlds by taking a\nFly-Sail cruise\n: flying to Antarctica and sailing back, or vice versa\nSwoop says\nThere's a great sense of adventure arriving in Antarctica by plane: from seeing your ship from the air like a tiny bath toy, to having it loom above you on the waterline when you meet it for the first time, on your zodiac transfer across an ice-fringed bay.\nMarta Laver\nAntarctica Specialist\nOur most popular Fly & Cruise trips\nPrice Match Promise\n- We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip\nOur April Featured Offers\nAt Swoop we proudly work with \nevery operator \nin the Antarctic industry.\nThis means we can find you\nthe latest deals\n and with our Price Match Promise you know you're getting the very best price. \nView Featured Offers\nFlying to Antarctica: what do I need to know?\nHow do Antarctica Fly & Cruise trips work?\nFly & Cruise trips consists of\nthree\nmain components: which we’ve mapped out below:\nTravel to the Antarctic gateway city of\nPunta Arenas\nA short\ntwo hour flight\nto and from\nAntarctica\nA classic Antarctic\ncruise\nof\n4-6 days\n, with plenty of excursions to explore the White Continent\n1. Arrive in Punta Arenas\nMost Antarctica Fly & Cruise trips depart from \nPunta Arenas\nin Chilean Patagonia, which is well served by flights from Chile's capital Santiago. A small number of Fly & Cruise trips depart from nearby \nPuerto Williams\n or \nPuerto Natales\n.\nOn arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your city centre hotel where everyone in the group will be staying. This is included in the price and ensures everyone is on site for the flight to Antarctica the next day. \nThe evening before flying to Antarctica, you’ll meet your fellow travellers for a mandatory briefing and gear check before enjoying a first dinner together. \nTravellers on the\nMagellan Explorer\nand\nOcean Nova\nships can also enjoy exclusive access to\nExplorers House\nwhile in Punta Arenas.\nHistoric waterfront in Punta Arenas\n2. Fly to Antarctica\nExpect an early start the next morning for your flight to Antarctica. You’ll be transferred back to the airport to check in and wait for your flight to be called, though the departure time itself is\nweather dependent\n.\nIt takes\ntwo hours\nto fly from Punta Arenas to the airstrip at Chile’s Eduardo Frei Station. This is on\nKing George Island\nin the South Shetland Islands: part of Antarctica but 55 miles (90km) across the Bransfield Strait from the mainland continent.\nOn arrival, an\nelectric minibus\ntransfers you to the beach. Here you’ll board a\nzodiac\nand transfer directly to your expedition cruise ship, ready for your Antarctic adventure to begin.\nAntarctic Airways flight\n3. Explore Antarctica\nOnce onboard your ship, your experience is exactly the same as if you had sailed to Antarctica, as you set off to explore the Peninsula.\nTypically, you’ll leave the ship twice a day on excursions led by expert polar guides. These include landing on islands and the Seventh Continent itself, visiting penguin colonies and taking zodiac cruises through iceberg-filled bays. Most ships also offer\noptional adventure activities\nsuch as kayaking.\nExpedition cruises offer a packed daily schedule tailored to ensuring you get the very most from your precious few\ndays in Antarctica. At the end of the cruise, you'll return to King George Island for your flight back to Chile. \nZodiac cruising in Antarctica\nSwoop says\nDue to the higher operating costs of running charter flights to such remote areas, Fly & Cruise trips tend to cost around 20% more than traditional sailing cruises to Antarctica.\nWhat our customers think of Fly & Cruise Antarctica\nFly & Cruise Antarctica trips scored 4.5\/5 from 590 reviews\nIf you’re prone to seasickness, don’t risk it. I was ok on a cruise going through a rough storm in the North Sea so I thought I’d be fine. I loved my time with the ship’s crew and passengers while in the Peninsula, but I swear never to go through the Drake or similar again even if one pays me to do it. If I could turn back time, I’d fly the Drake.\nTravelled: March 2025\nMaria  Lucinskas -\nUK\nA very practical way to see Antarctica, avoiding sailing across the notorious Drake Passage. However, this also entailed flight delays due to bad weather. But once we boarded our ship, we saw Antarctica and its wildlife in all its glory.\nRead the full review\nTravelled: January 2025\nMehernosh Manekshaw -\nIndia\n10\/10 - I was reluctant to take a trip to Antarctica out of fear of crossing the Drake Passage. Once I learned that you could fly to Antarctica and start your cruise, I was hooked and it was well worth it.\nRead the full review\nTravelled: January 2025\nTom Kennedy -\nUSA\nWe were so pleased that we picked a long itinerary with 6 or 7 solid days touring Antarctica. I recommend flying back from Antarctica. You get the Drake Passage over with on the way there and then you don't have to think about it during your time in Antarctica.\nRead the full review\nTravelled: January 2025\nEllie Carleton -\nUSA\n10\/10 - Everything was well organized and expertly implemented. The team were all friendly, knowledgeable and optimistic.\nRead the full review\nTravelled: January 2025\nMark Orgren -\nUSA\nMost memorable moment? I cannot name just ONE! I'm still, just two weeks out from the trip, processing the ADVENTURE.\nRead the full review\nTravelled: December 2024\nKenneth Gay  -\nUSA\nIt was fantastic having such a small number of guests on board as we got to know them really well by the end of the trip! Definitely new friends we will keep in touch with.\nRead the full review\nTravelled: March 2024\nAlysha Vazirally -\nIndia\n10\/10 - You guys added a lot of value without adding to the rather large cost of this trip. From helping me decide on the right air-cruise for us to all of the advice and consultations to get fully ready for the trip. Excellent all around.\nRead the full review\nTravelled: February 2024\nDavid DeMaria -\nUSA\n10\/10 - I am prone to getting seasick so flying to the Antarctica Peninsula solved my problems. The flying also saved me 4 days of vacation days! Crossing the circle made our trip much more memorable!!\nRead the full review\nTravelled: January 2024\nJanice Lo -\nUSA\n10\/10 - It was amazing! I didn't want to cruise through the Drake so this was perfect for me! The staff on the boat was wonderful; they were so helpful and knowledgeable. They really made sure we had a great time and every time we had to change plans it felt like we got to see something even better.\nRead the full review\nTravelled: January 2024\nSabrina McCarthy -\nUSA\n10\/10 - Small ship experience permitting a more intimate experience with the southern continent and our fellow explorers. The staff was very knowledgeable, and their enthusiasm was very contagious.\nRead the full review\nTravelled: December 2023\nStephen Rathbun -\nUSA\nThe vastness and wildness that is Antarctica is the only thing that can dwarf the experience and memories I hold.\nRead the full review\nTravelled: February 2023\nCarolyn Ferraro -\nUSA\nThe golden light was breaking through the clouds and spotlighting the peaks. As the zodiac slowly navigated through the ice field our expedition guide spotted a leopard seal lackadaisically bobbing on an iceberg bed. This zodiac cruise is when it sunk in that I finally had made it to Antarctica!\nRead the full review\nTravelled: February 2023\nLinda Buckley -\nUSA\nThe whole trip was a huge memory. Being able to go to an untouched environment and leaving it as you found it was the memory also. Seeing the many different species living and thriving together brings a smile to my face as I am writing this review.\nRead the full review\nTravelled: January 2023\nLawrence Hudson -\nUSA\nOur overall experience was outstanding. We learned a lot from the interesting lectures, exploring out in the field, and getting to experience such vast beauty. Such a knowledgeable and positive team worked beautifully together and took great care of us.\nRead the full review\nTravelled: January 2023\nLeah Rumbough -\nUSA\nYou can't put words to the feeling you get in Antarctica. Just being there is a life changing experience that one needs to have for themselves to appreciate the Antarctic. My most memorable moment was seeing all the wildlife in their natural environment and how they live. Walking so close and feeling as a part of the environment was something we just don't experience in the \"real world\".\nRead the full review\nTravelled: January 2023\nRobert Wenze -\nUSA\nThe colours in icebergs, the complete lack of fear of penguins (they have to be the only animal on the planet that doesn't run and hide from humans), the active volcano, the whales and their incredible curiosity and playfulness, the moment I set foot on Antarctica it was one memorable moment after another.\nRead the full review\nTravelled: December 2022\nMarg Macleod -\nCanada\nThe orcas appearing during the whale talk, the baby humpback breaching off the bow of the zodiacs, the polar plunge, watching from the outriggers as the the boat cut through the ice, drinking Macallan with ice fresh from a berg, having an impromptu dance party with my husband on top of a volcanic cinder cone. It was just a super trip from beginning to end.\nRead the full review\nTravelled: January 2022\nStephanie Krolick -\nUSA\nMost memorable moment: clear blue skies, zero wind, flat ocean with icebergs floating around everywhere, in a zodiac with penguins popping up all over us, and a seal belly-flopping up on an iceberg 20ft from us\nRead the full review\nTravelled: January 2022\nTodd Mackey -\nUSA\nThe service was top-notch professional from Punta Arenas to the ship.\nRead the full review\nTravelled: February 2019\nDennis Roy -\nUnited States Of America\nTo fly the Drake Passage gave us a particular advantage - more time where we wanted to be.\nRead the full review\nTravelled: January 2019\nAlison Murdoch -\nUnited Kingdom\nVery closely met our expectations. Flying was the perfect option. Yes I would recommend.\nTravelled: February 2018\nDave & Lisa -\nAustralia\nAntarctica is beautiful and amazing, and it exceeded my expectations. We flew over the Drake Passage rather than sailing it. The whole experience was wonderful.\nTravelled: February 2018\nLinda -\nNew York\nIt exceeded our expectations and I would recommend it to everyone wanting to go visit Antarctica. We had a really wonderful time. So glad we flew!\nTravelled: December 2017\nLori -\nTexas\nFly & 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.\nTravelled: December 2016\nJohn -\nUK\nPlanning your Fly & Cruise trip to Antarctica\nWhen to do an Antarctic Fly & Cruise trip\nFly & Cruise trips operate across the entire Antarctic visitor season  from \nNovember \nthrough to \nMarch\n. High summer in the middle of December brings nearly \n24 hours of daylight\n.\nNovember has the most \npristine snow\n and penguins coming ashore to mate. \nPenguin chicks\n typically arrive in Christmas – the peak season for visitors. From the new year onwards, \nwhales\n are in their greatest abundance, and as the days shorten, chicks get ready to fledge and take to the sea. The \nshoulder season\n at the very beginning and end of summer has amazing\nsunsets\nand\nsunrises\n.\nGentoo penguins in early season snow\nWhat to expect when flying to Antarctica\nWhile Fly & Cruise trips offer the chance to skip the Drake Passage crossing and get quickly to the Antarctic Peninsula, it's important to understand the role that\nMother Nature\nplays in setting flight schedules.\nWhile every departure has a target flying window,\nweather\nmay mean you\nfly earlier\nor\nlater\nthan planned. To account for this, the night in Punta Arenas is included at the start and end of every trip. It's also why it's essential you arrive early on day one.\nThis\nflexible weather scheduling\nis central to all Fly & Cruise trips. The vast majority of flights operate according to schedule, but if an absence of exact timings doesn't sit comfortably, it's possible that sailing to Antarctica may suit you better.\nBoarding at King George Island\nSwoop says\nI never felt like I missed out on the two days at sea crossing the Drake Passage. In just two short hours I was breathing in the cold clean Antarctic air and ready to see my first penguin.\nIan Young\nAntarctic Sales Manager\nWhich Antarctic Fly & Cruise trip to choose\nMost Antarctica Fly & Cruise trips fly in both directions, but it's also possible to take a \nFly-Sail cruises\n, flying one way and sailing the other.\nUnlike Fly & Cruise trips that are tied to the airport on King George Island, Fly-Sail trips can cover a wider range of destinations, including\nSouth Georgia\n, the\nWeddell Sea\nand the\nAntarctic Circle\n.\nIt's worth noting that Fly-Sail cruises start and finish in different locations:\nPunta Arenas\nin Chile for flying to\/from Antarctica and\nUshuaia\nin Argentina for sailing to\/from Antarctica.\nWalking to a viewpoint on the Antarctic Peninsula\nAntarctic Fly & Cruise planes\nThe standard plane used for the charter flights between Punta Arenas (or Puerto Natales) and King George Island is a British-designed\nBAE146\nwhich has capacity for up to 80 people in a 3+3 seating configuration.\nThese planes are more workhorse than luxury, but are more than comfortable for the short two hour flight to the White Continent. \nThe  four turbofan engine configuration of the BAE146 provides important redundancy and superior takeoff performance for short runways, while its wide wheel base and strengthened undercarriage ensures stability landing on the non-tarmac landing strip on King George Island.\nBAE146 at King George Island\nSwoop says\nFly & Cruise trips have been operating to the Antarctic Peninsula since 2002. Despite the challenges of sometimes unpredictable weather, the long polar experience of the airplane and ground crews means than more than 80% of flights operate completely on schedule.\nAntarctic Fly & Cruise trips: FAQs\nHow far in advance should you book an Antarctic Fly & Cruise trip?\nWe recommend booking your Antarctic trip at least\n12 months\nin advance of travel to be confident of securing your first choice of ship, voyage date and cabin.\nLimited capacity\nin the polar fleet means that cabins and ships often become booked far in advance, especially for travel around\npeak season dates\n, including Christmas, New Year and school holidays. Although late availability deals can sometimes be had, to guarantee your preferred ship and travel dates, booking early is always the best option.\nSwoop is happy to\nprovisionally hold a cabin\non your behalf for a few days while you make your final planning decisions.\nHow do I get to Punta Arenas?\nPunta Arenas (airport code PUQ) is a 3½ hour flight from Chile’s capital\nSantiago\n(airport code SCL). There are multiple daily direct flights between the two with either\nLATAM\nor\nSky Airlines\n. Some luxury Fly & Cruise trips include these flights, to look after you from the moment you arrive in Chile.\nFlying into Punta Arenas, try to sit on the left if you can for wonderful\nviews of the Andes\nas you fly parallel to the Andes mountains. \nSantiago is well-connected internationally. There are\ndirect flights\nfrom US hub airports including\nNew York\n,\nLos Angeles\n,\nMiami\n,\nDallas\nand\nAtlanta\n, as well as\nToronto\nin Canada.\nFrom the UK, there are direct flights between\nLondon\nand Santiago, while\nMadrid\nand\nParis\nare good European hubs.\nFrom Australia and New Zealand, you can fly direct to Santiago from\nSydney\nand\nAuckland\n.\nWhat is the baggage allowance on flights to Antarctica?\nUnlike expedition cruise ships , there is a strict baggage allowance for flights to Antarctica. While this varies according to the exact trip, this is typically between\n15-20 kg\n(33-44 pounds). \nThis is typically less than the allowances for international flights, so it's important to pack accordingly. Weight limits on flights to Antarctica are\nstrictly enforced\nfor safety reasons. \nCan I guarantee a window seat on the flight to Antarctica?\nUnfortunately it's not possible to pre-book a window seat on the flight to Antarctica. \nIs food and drink served on the flight to Antarctica?\nYes. Although the flight is only two hours, you'll be given a simple box lunch to enjoy. Drinks are available on the flight, from tea and coffee to Chilean wine and beer. \nWhat are the contingency plans if the Antarctic flight is delayed due to bad weather?\nMore than\n80% of flights to Antarctica\noperate to their planned schedule, but Fly & Cruise operators are experts at dealing with the polar weather, and have well-honed contingency plans should any flights be delayed.\nAll Fly & Cruise trips include a night in Punta Arenas at the start and end of the trip to minimise any risk of weather affecting your trip. If there is any issue, ground staff will keep you constantly informed of any revised plans once a suitable weather window has been identified.\nIn cases of extreme weather events, extra nights of accommodation will be automatically arranged for you.\nCan I extend my time in Patagonia?\nAbsolutely! If you have time, we strongly recommend adding on a few days at either the beginning or end of your trip to explore Patagonia. Punta Arenas is the gateway to\nTorres del Paine National Park\n, one of the most spectacular hiking destinations in the world.\nOur sister company\nSwoop Patagonia\n knows this whole region like the back of their hand: talk to us about how you'd like to extend your trip and we'll put together the perfect itinerary for you. \nMore about Flying to Antarctica\nPrice Match Promise\nWe’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip and you get these Swoop inclusions at no extra cost.\nReady to plan your Antarctic adventure?\n1. Listen\nWe'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.\n2. Match\nNext we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.\n3. Reserve\nWe'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.","attrs_markdown":"Price Match Promise\\-We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip\n\n[![Swoop Antarctica Logo](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/assets\/front\/dist\/img\/swoop-antarctica-logo.svg) ![Swoop Antarctica Logo](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/assets\/front\/dist\/img\/swoop-antarctica-stack.svg)](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/)\n\nMenu\n\n[\\+44 117 244 4226](tel:441172444226)   [Request a quote](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/quote)\n\nChoose a country\n\n- United Kingdom\n- USA\n- Australia\n- Canada\n- Europe\n\n- [Antarctic Cruises](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises)\n  - [Antarctica & South Georgia](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/south-georgia)\n  - [Fly & Cruise Antarctica](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/fly-cruise)\n  - [Antarctic Peninsula](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/peninsula)\n  - 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[Antarctic Wildlife](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/travel\/wildlife)\n  - [Adventure Activities](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/adventures)\n  - [Crossing the Drake Passage](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/travel\/getting-there\/the-drake-passage)\n  - [The South Pole](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/adventures\/south-pole)\n- [About Swoop](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/about-us)\n\nSearch\n\n### Discover your adventure\n#### Popular searches\n- [![7th Continent](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/SWO_4_ALL_OttoLock_7th-continent-flag.JPG?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=300&h=200&q=40) 7th Continent](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/fly-cruise)\n- [![Adventure Activities](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/AUR_3_Jennifer-Prerau_PetermannIslandKayaking.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=300&h=200&q=40) Adventure Activities](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/fly-cruise)\n- [![Groups & Charters](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/SW_3_SW_ALL_CLAIRE.5.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=300&h=200&q=40) Groups & Charters](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/fly-cruise)\n- [![Photography](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/PL_3_PL_RTD_FSG_king_penguin_chicks_camera-e.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=300&h=200&q=40) Photography](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/fly-cruise)\n- [![Wildlife](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/52759234596_353f00bd2e_4k.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=300&h=200&q=40) Wildlife](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/fly-cruise)\n- [![Luxury](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/SS_5_SS_RTD_Silver-Explorer_Dining-3.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=300&h=200&q=40) Luxury](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/fly-cruise)\n- [![History](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/OCE_3_OCE_RTD_Visit-Shackleton-grave.jpeg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=300&h=200&q=40) History](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/fly-cruise)\n- [![Solos](https:\/\/swoop-antarctica.imgix.net\/SHU_3_SHU_ALL_passenger-deck-iceberg.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=300&h=200&q=40) Solos](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/fly-cruise)\n\n- Antarctic Cruises\n  - [Antarctica & South Georgia](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/south-georgia)\n  - [Fly & Cruise Antarctica](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/fly-cruise)\n  - [Antarctic Peninsula](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/peninsula)\n  - [Antarctic Circle Cruises](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/circle)\n  - [Ross Sea](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/ross-sea)\n  - [Weddell Sea](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/weddell-sea)\n- Your Trip\n  - [All Our Cruise Options](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/all-cruises)\n  - [Luxury Antarctic Cruises](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/luxury)\n  - [Reaching the 7th Continent](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/7th-continent)\n  - [Groups & Charters](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/groups)\n  - [Solo Travellers](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/solos)\n  - [Antarctica & South America](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/extensions)\n  - [Special Offers](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/all-cruises\/black-friday-2025)\n- [Antarctic Ships](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/ships)\n- When to Go\n  - [The Best Time to Travel](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/visit)\n  - [November](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/visit\/november)\n  - [December](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/visit\/december)\n  - [January](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/visit\/january)\n  - [February](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/visit\/february)\n  - [March](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/visit\/march)\n  - [2026](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/visit\/2026)\n  - [2027](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/visit\/2027)\n  - [2028](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/visit\/2028)\n  - [2029](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/visit\/2029)\n- Travel Guide\n  - [Our Guide to Antarctic Travel](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/travel)\n  - [How to get to Antarctica](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/travel\/getting-there)\n  - [Flights to Antarctica](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights)\n  - [Antarctic Cruise Costs](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/travel\/cost)\n  - [Antarctic Wildlife](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/travel\/wildlife)\n  - [Adventure Activities](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/adventures)\n  - [Crossing the Drake Passage](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/travel\/getting-there\/the-drake-passage)\n  - [The South Pole](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/adventures\/south-pole)\n- [About Swoop](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/about-us)\n\n- [Antarctica](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/)\n- [Antarctica Cruises](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises)\n- [Fly & Cruise](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/fly-cruise)\n\n- [Antarctica](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/)\n- [Antarctica Cruises](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises)\n- [Fly & Cruise](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/fly-cruise)\n\n[\\+44 117 244 4226](tel:441172444226)   [View All Trips](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/all-cruises)   [Enquire Now](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/enquiry)\n\n![Banner image](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/SWO_4_ALL_IanYoung-antarctic-airways-fly-cruise-1.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=1880&h=740&q=30)\n\n[Read reviews](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/fly-cruise#what-our-customers-think) (590)\n\n# Fly & Cruise\nFly & Cruise trips offer the best of Antarctica in one convenient package: flying direct to the Peninsula in only two hours to join an expedition cruise ship for a classic Antarctic adventure. Skipping the long sea crossing makes this the perfect option for anyone tight on time or is an anxious sailor.\n\n[View Voyages](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/fly-cruise#our-most-popular-fly--cruise-trips)   [Why Book Swoop](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/fly-cruise#Why-Book-Swoop)   [Read our Guide](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/fly-cruise#Read-our-Guide)\n\n## 6 reasons to choose a Fly & Cruise trip\n- Combine the **classic Antarctic Peninsula cruise experience** with the convenience of **flying to Antarctica** in just two short hours\n- **Skip the two day voyage** to Antarctica across the Drake Passage: an ideal option for travellers short on time or who are worried about seasickness\n- Choose from a **wide selection of ships** to explore Antarctica, from classic expedition cruise ships to luxury and boutique hotel-style vessels\n- Enjoy all aspects of a traditional Antarctic cruise, including **zodiac cruises**, **landings** and **adventure activities** – plus lots of penguins\\!\n- Travel at any time from **November** to **late March**, with Fly & Cruise trips operating across the entire Antarctic visitor season\n- Experience the best of both worlds by taking a **Fly-Sail cruise**: flying to Antarctica and sailing back, or vice versa\n\n## Swoop says\n![Swoop Says background image](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/fancy_images\/swoop-says-bg-ant.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint)\n\n[![Swoop Antarctica Expert Marta](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/fancy_images\/marta.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint)](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/about-us\/marta)\n\n> There's a great sense of adventure arriving in Antarctica by plane: from seeing your ship from the air like a tiny bath toy, to having it loom above you on the waterline when you meet it for the first time, on your zodiac transfer across an ice-fringed bay.\n> \n> Marta Laver Antarctica Specialist\n\n![Flights to King George Island in Antarctica](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/SW_3_ALEX-MUDD_PLANETAKEOFF.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=480&q=40)\n\nTaking off from King George Island, Antarctica\n\n![Boarding Antarctic Airways flight from Punta Arenas to King Georgia Island in Antarctica](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/AM_3_SW_ALL_boarding_antarctica-airways-punta-arenas.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=480&q=40)\n\nFly from Punta Arenas in Chile to Antarctica\n\n![View of Antarctica flying into King George Island](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/SWO_3_ALL_MartaLaver-king-george-island-view-fly-cruise.JPG?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=480&q=40)\n\nView of Antarctica flying into King George Island\n\n![Antarctic sign at the airport on King George Island, for fly & cruise trips](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/SWO_3_ALL_MartaLaver-King-george-island-airport-gallery.JPG?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=480&q=40)\n\nWelcome to King George Island, Antarctica\n\n![Zodiac transfer to your expedition ship at King George Island during a Fly & Cruise trip](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/SWO_3_ALL_AliciaRoitman-King-george-island-zodiac-transfer.jpeg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=480&q=40)\n\nZodiac transfer to your expedition ship at King George Island\n\n![Bow view from the NG Explorer expedition cruise ship sailing through the Antarctic ice](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/SWO_4_ALL_MartaLaver-ng-explorer-bow-ice-cruise.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=480&q=40)\n\nSail the Antarctic Peninsula on your chosen ship\n\n![Zodiac of tourists in Antarctica watching a seal on an ice floe](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/SWO_5_ALL_BurnhamArlidge-zodiac-austral-seal-gallery.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=480&q=40)\n\nWildlife watching among the ice\n\n![Gentoo penguins on Petermann Island on the Antarctic Peninsula](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/SWO_4_ALL_DanielBrooks_gentoo-penguins-petermann-gallery.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=480&q=40)\n\nGentoo penguins on the Antarctic Peninsula\n\n## Our most popular Fly & Cruise trips\nPrice Match Promise - We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip\n\nCruise Only\n\n![Original Fly & Cruise Luxury Adventure](https:\/\/swoop-antarctica.imgix.net\/AXXI_3_AXXI_RTD_gentoo-family-e.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=400&h=300&q=60?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40)\n\n[Original Fly & Cruise Luxury Adventure](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/luxury-adventure)\n\n8 Days\n\nAntarctic Peninsula\n\n4\\.7 out of 5\n\nComfort & Adventure\n\nMagellan Explorer\n\n76\n\nFrom£12,066\n\n[Discover More](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/luxury-adventure)\n\nCruise Only\n\n![Ultimate Luxury Antarctic Fly & Cruise](https:\/\/swoop-antarctica.imgix.net\/SWO_4_ALEXM_ALL_KAYAKING-S-ENDEAVOUR.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=400&h=300&q=60?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40)\n\n[Ultimate Luxury Antarctic Fly & Cruise](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/ultimate-luxury)\n\n10 Days\n\nAntarctic Peninsula\n\n4\\.6 out of 5\n\nLuxury\n\nSilver Endeavour\n\n220\n\nFrom£13,600\n\n[Discover More](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/ultimate-luxury)\n\nCruise Only\n\n![Antarctic Fly & Cruise Safari](https:\/\/swoop-antarctica.imgix.net\/SHU_4_SHU_ALL_Gentoo_penguins_Antarctica-e2.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=400&h=300&q=60?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40)\n\n[Antarctic Fly & Cruise Safari](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/safari)\n\n8 Days\n\nAntarctic Peninsula\n\n4\\.6 out of 5\n\nComfort & Adventure\n\nOcean Explorer\n\n138\n\nFrom£15,612£12,489\n\n[Discover More](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/safari)\n\nCruise Only\n\n![66 Degrees South Fly Cruise](https:\/\/swoop-antarctica.imgix.net\/AXXI_3_Nicolas-Gildemeister_RTD_yawning-seal-e.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=400&h=300&q=60?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40)\n\n[66 Degrees South Fly Cruise](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/66-degrees-south)\n\n10 Days\n\nAntarctica\n\nSouth of the Polar Circle\n\n4\\.7 out of 5\n\nComfort & Adventure\n\nMagellan Explorer\n\n76\n\nFrom£18,855\n\n[Discover More](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/66-degrees-south)\n\nCruise Only\n\n![Antarctic Fly & Sail Combination](https:\/\/swoop-antarctica.imgix.net\/AUR_4_Susan-Portnoy_RTD_Chinstraps-Zodiac.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=400&h=300&q=60?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40)\n\n[Antarctic Fly & Sail Combination](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/peninsula\/wild)\n\n12 Days\n\nAntarctic Peninsula\n\n4\\.3 out of 5\n\nComfort & Adventure\n\nSylvia Earle\n\n130\n\nFrom£8,822\n\n[Discover More](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/peninsula\/wild)\n\nCruise Only\n\n![Fly & Cruise the Antarctic Peninsula](https:\/\/swoop-antarctica.imgix.net\/AUR_4_Scott-Portelli_RTD_Greg-Mortimer-hydraulic-vieweing-platform.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=400&h=300&q=60?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40)\n\n[Fly & Cruise the Antarctic Peninsula](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/fly-fly)\n\n10 Days\n\nAntarctic Peninsula\n\n4\\.4 out of 5\n\nComfort & Adventure\n\nGreg Mortimer\n\n130\n\nFrom£16,064£13,655\n\n[Discover More](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/fly-fly)\n\nCruise Only\n\n![Luxury South Georgia & Antarctica Fly & Cruise](https:\/\/swoop-antarctica.imgix.net\/SSEA_3_SSEA_RTD_S-ENDEAVOUR-exterior1.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=400&h=300&q=60?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40)\n\n[Luxury South Georgia & Antarctica Fly & Cruise](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/south-georgia\/luxury-fly)\n\n17 Days\n\nFalklands\n\nSouth Georgia\n\nAntarctic Peninsula\n\n4\\.5 out of 5\n\nLuxury\n\nSilver Endeavour\n\n220\n\nFrom£16,822\n\n[Discover More](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/south-georgia\/luxury-fly)\n\nCruise Only\n\n![Antarctic Express Fly & Cruise](https:\/\/swoop-antarctica.imgix.net\/LIN_5_RalphLeeHopkins_Humpback-Whale-Fluke-Paradise-Harbour.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=400&h=300&q=60?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40)\n\n[Antarctic Express Fly & Cruise](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/express-fly)\n\n8 Days\n\nAntarctic Peninsula\n\n4\\.5 out of 5\n\nComfort & Adventure\n\nNational Geographic Explorer\n\n148\n\nFrom£9,513\n\n[Discover More](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/express-fly)\n\nCruise Only\n\n![Antarctic Express Sail & Fly](https:\/\/swoop-antarctica.imgix.net\/LIN_5_RalphLeeHopkins_RTD_Neko-Harbour_Zodiac-Cruise-1.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=400&h=300&q=60?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40)\n\n[Antarctic Express Sail & Fly](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/express-sail)\n\n10 Days\n\nAntarctic Peninsula\n\n4\\.4 out of 5\n\nComfort & Adventure\n\nNational Geographic Explorer\n\n148\n\nFrom£9,740\n\n[Discover More](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/express-sail)\n\nCruise Only\n\n![Fly & Sail Antarctica in Style](https:\/\/swoop-antarctica.imgix.net\/QUA_5_AcaciaJohnson_RTD_zodiac-cruise-leopard-seal-petermann-island.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=400&h=300&q=60?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40)\n\n[Fly & Sail Antarctica in Style](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/style-fly)\n\n9 or 10 Day\n\nAntarctic Peninsula\n\n4\\.6 out of 5\n\nComfort & Adventure\n\nOcean Explorer\n\n138\n\nFrom£10,931£9,883\n\n[Discover More](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/style-fly)\n\nCruise Only\n\n![Sail & Fly Antarctica in Style](https:\/\/swoop-antarctica.imgix.net\/QUA_5_AcaciaJohnson_RTD_passangers-hiking-orne-harbour.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=400&h=300&q=60?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40)\n\n[Sail & Fly Antarctica in Style](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/style-sail)\n\n10 Days\n\nAntarctic Peninsula\n\n4\\.5 out of 5\n\nComfort & Adventure\n\nOcean Explorer\n\n138\n\nFrom£12,820£11,539\n\n[Discover More](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/style-sail)\n\nCruise Only\n\n![Antarctic Fly & Cruise In-Depth](https:\/\/swoop-antarctica.imgix.net\/LIN_5_RalphLeeHopkins_RTD_Paradise-Harbour-Antarctica.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=400&h=300&q=60?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40)\n\n[Antarctic Fly & Cruise In-Depth](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/in-depth)\n\n9 or 10 Day\n\nAntarctic Peninsula\n\n4\\.5 out of 5\n\nComfort & Adventure\n\nNational Geographic Orion\n\n102\n\nFrom£10,637\n\n[Discover More](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/in-depth)\n\nCruise Only\n\n![Antarctic Peninsula Fly & Sail Photo Safari](https:\/\/swoop-antarctica.imgix.net\/SWO_4_RebeccaPorritt_ALL_Photographing-ice-Portal-Point-Sylvia-Earle.JPG?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=400&h=300&q=60?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40)\n\n[Antarctic Peninsula Fly & Sail Photo Safari](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/peninsula\/photo-safari)\n\n12 Days\n\nAntarctic Peninsula\n\nComfort & Adventure\n\nSylvia Earle\n\n130\n\nFrom£12,670£10,769\n\n[Discover More](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/peninsula\/photo-safari)\n\nAntarctica & South America\n\n![](https:\/\/swoop-antarctica.imgix.net\/SWO_3_SWO_Ian_ALL_San-Cristobal-cable-car-Santiago.JPG?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40)\n\n![](https:\/\/swoop-antarctica.imgix.net\/SHU_4_SHU_ALL_Gentoo_penguins_Antarctica-e2.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40)\n\n![](https:\/\/swoop-antarctica.imgix.net\/SB_3_SB_RTD_Clos-Apalta-pool.JPG?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40)\n\n[Express Antarctica & Vineyard Stay](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/tours\/express-vineyard)\n\n- 11 Days\n- Ocean Explorer\n- Comfort & Adventure\n- 138\n\n- Santiago2 Days\n- Peninsula8 Days\n- Santiago3 Days\n\nFrom £15,053\n\n[Discover More](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/tours\/express-vineyard)\n\nAntarctica & South America\n\n![](https:\/\/swoop-antarctica.imgix.net\/SWO_4_ALL_EmmaCarlton-bike-tour-buenos-aires.JPG?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40)\n\n![](https:\/\/swoop-antarctica.imgix.net\/LIN_5_RalphLeeHopkins_RTD_Neko-Harbour_Zodiac-Cruise-1.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40)\n\n![](https:\/\/swoop-antarctica.imgix.net\/SWO_3_SWO_Ian_ALL_San-Cristobal-cable-car-Santiago.JPG?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40)\n\n![](https:\/\/swoop-antarctica.imgix.net\/SB_3_SB_RTD_Clos-Apalta-pool.JPG?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40)\n\n[Antarctica & Capital Cities Explorer](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/tours\/sail-fly-explorer)\n\n- 16 Days\n- National Geographic Explorer\n- Comfort & Adventure\n- 148\n\n- Buenos Aires3 Days\n- Peninsula10 Days\n- Santiago3 Days\n- Santiago3 Days\n\nFrom £11,960\n\n[Discover More](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/tours\/sail-fly-explorer)\n\nCruise Only\n\n![Antarctic Express Fly & Sail](https:\/\/swoop-antarctica.imgix.net\/leopard_seal_waiting_for_penguins_jougla_point_daniel_seaventure_december_2022-3.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=400&h=300&q=60?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40)\n\n[Antarctic Express Fly & Sail](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/express-fly-sail)\n\n10 Days\n\nAntarctic Peninsula\n\nComfort & Adventure\n\nNational Geographic Explorer\n\n148\n\nFrom£9,740\n\n[Discover More](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/express-fly-sail)\n\n[View all our Antarctic Cruises](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/all-cruises)\n\n## Our April Featured Offers\nAt Swoop we proudly work with **every operator** in the Antarctic industry.   \nThis means we can find you **the latest deals** and with our Price Match Promise you know you're getting the very best price.\n\n[View Featured Offers](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/all-cruises\/featured-offers)\n\n![](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/GAD_3_Daniel-Sendecki_RTD_VerdnadskyIcebergBird.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40)\n\n## Flying to Antarctica: what do I need to know?\n![Logo](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/SWO_5_ILL_ALL_Flying_To_Antarctica_THUMBNAIL.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=0&h=350&q=40)\n\nView Guide\n\n## How do Antarctica Fly & Cruise trips work?\nFly & Cruise trips consists of **three** main components: which we’ve mapped out below:\n\n- Travel to the Antarctic gateway city of **Punta Arenas**\n- A short **two hour flight** to and from **Antarctica**\n- A classic Antarctic **cruise** of **4-6 days**, with plenty of excursions to explore the White Continent\n\n### 1\\. Arrive in Punta Arenas\nMost Antarctica Fly & Cruise trips depart from **Punta Arenas** in Chilean Patagonia, which is well served by flights from Chile's capital Santiago. A small number of Fly & Cruise trips depart from nearby [Puerto Williams](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/extensions\/puerto-williams) or Puerto Natales.\n\nOn arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your city centre hotel where everyone in the group will be staying. This is included in the price and ensures everyone is on site for the flight to Antarctica the next day. The evening before flying to Antarctica, you’ll meet your fellow travellers for a mandatory briefing and gear check before enjoying a first dinner together.\n\nTravellers on the [Magellan Explorer](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/ships\/magellan-explorer) and [Ocean Nova](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/ships\/ocean-nova) ships can also enjoy exclusive access to [Explorers House](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/explorers-house) while in Punta Arenas.\n\n![Punta Arenas waterfront with Shackleton Pardo Yelcho monument](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/SWO_4_ALL_LizzieWilliams-Yelcho-Pardo-Punta-Arenas.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=0&h=288&q=60)\n\nHistoric waterfront in Punta Arenas\n\n### 2\\. Fly to Antarctica\nExpect an early start the next morning for your flight to Antarctica. You’ll be transferred back to the airport to check in and wait for your flight to be called, though the departure time itself is **weather dependent**.\n\nIt takes **two hours** to fly from Punta Arenas to the airstrip at Chile’s Eduardo Frei Station. This is on **King George Island** in the South Shetland Islands: part of Antarctica but 55 miles (90km) across the Bransfield Strait from the mainland continent.\n\nOn arrival, an **electric minibus** transfers you to the beach. Here you’ll board a **zodiac** and transfer directly to your expedition cruise ship, ready for your Antarctic adventure to begin.\n\n![Fly & Cruise Antarctica](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/SWO_3_ALL-MartaLaver-antarctica-airways-puerto-natales-island.JPG?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=0&h=288&q=60)\n\nAntarctic Airways flight\n\n### 3\\. Explore Antarctica\nOnce onboard your ship, your experience is exactly the same as if you had sailed to Antarctica, as you set off to explore the Peninsula.\n\nTypically, you’ll leave the ship twice a day on excursions led by expert polar guides. These include landing on islands and the Seventh Continent itself, visiting penguin colonies and taking zodiac cruises through iceberg-filled bays. Most ships also offer [optional adventure activities](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/adventures) such as kayaking.\n\nExpedition cruises offer a packed daily schedule tailored to ensuring you get the very most from your precious few days in Antarctica. At the end of the cruise, you'll return to King George Island for your flight back to Chile.\n\n![Fly & Cruise Antarctica](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/SWO_5_ALL_DanielBrooks-Zodiac-cruise-recess-cover-Sylvia-Earle.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=0&h=288&q=60)\n\nZodiac cruising in Antarctica\n\n![Swoop Says background image](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/swoop-bg-contour-map.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=720&h=0&q=10)\n\n## Swoop says\nDue to the higher operating costs of running charter flights to such remote areas, Fly & Cruise trips tend to cost around 20% more than traditional sailing cruises to Antarctica.\n\n## What our customers think of Fly & Cruise Antarctica\nFly & Cruise Antarctica trips scored 4.5\/5 from 590 reviews\n\n> If you’re prone to seasickness, don’t risk it. I was ok on a cruise going through a rough storm in the North Sea so I thought I’d be fine. I loved my time with the ship’s crew and passengers while in the Peninsula, but I swear never to go through the Drake or similar again even if one pays me to do it. If I could turn back time, I’d fly the Drake.\n> \n> Travelled: March 2025\n\nMaria Lucinskas - UK\n\n> A very practical way to see Antarctica, avoiding sailing across the notorious Drake Passage. However, this also entailed flight delays due to bad weather. But once we boarded our ship, we saw Antarctica and its wildlife in all its glory.  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/55219\/40949)\n> \n> Travelled: January 2025\n\nMehernosh Manekshaw - India\n\n> 10\/10 - I was reluctant to take a trip to Antarctica out of fear of crossing the Drake Passage. Once I learned that you could fly to Antarctica and start your cruise, I was hooked and it was well worth it.  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/46401\/38498)\n> \n> Travelled: January 2025\n\nTom Kennedy - USA\n\n> We were so pleased that we picked a long itinerary with 6 or 7 solid days touring Antarctica. I recommend flying back from Antarctica. You get the Drake Passage over with on the way there and then you don't have to think about it during your time in Antarctica.  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/41273\/33827)\n> \n> Travelled: January 2025\n\nEllie Carleton - USA\n\n> 10\/10 - Everything was well organized and expertly implemented. The team were all friendly, knowledgeable and optimistic.  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/53470\/38965)\n> \n> Travelled: January 2025\n\nMark Orgren - USA\n\n> Most memorable moment? I cannot name just ONE! I'm still, just two weeks out from the trip, processing the ADVENTURE.  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/56059\/41830)\n> \n> Travelled: December 2024\n\nKenneth Gay - USA\n\n> It was fantastic having such a small number of guests on board as we got to know them really well by the end of the trip! Definitely new friends we will keep in touch with.  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/42181\/34802)\n> \n> Travelled: March 2024\n\nAlysha Vazirally - India\n\n> 10\/10 - You guys added a lot of value without adding to the rather large cost of this trip. From helping me decide on the right air-cruise for us to all of the advice and consultations to get fully ready for the trip. Excellent all around.  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/35755\/28671)\n> \n> Travelled: February 2024\n\nDavid DeMaria - USA\n\n> 10\/10 - I am prone to getting seasick so flying to the Antarctica Peninsula solved my problems. The flying also saved me 4 days of vacation days! Crossing the circle made our trip much more memorable!!  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/43007\/35480)\n> \n> Travelled: January 2024\n\nJanice Lo - USA\n\n> 10\/10 - It was amazing! I didn't want to cruise through the Drake so this was perfect for me! The staff on the boat was wonderful; they were so helpful and knowledgeable. They really made sure we had a great time and every time we had to change plans it felt like we got to see something even better.  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/40689\/33232)\n> \n> Travelled: January 2024\n\nSabrina McCarthy - USA\n\n> 10\/10 - Small ship experience permitting a more intimate experience with the southern continent and our fellow explorers. The staff was very knowledgeable, and their enthusiasm was very contagious.  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/40154\/32701)\n> \n> Travelled: December 2023\n\nStephen Rathbun - USA\n\n> The vastness and wildness that is Antarctica is the only thing that can dwarf the experience and memories I hold.  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/32034\/26068)\n> \n> Travelled: February 2023\n\nCarolyn Ferraro - USA\n\n> The golden light was breaking through the clouds and spotlighting the peaks. As the zodiac slowly navigated through the ice field our expedition guide spotted a leopard seal lackadaisically bobbing on an iceberg bed. This zodiac cruise is when it sunk in that I finally had made it to Antarctica!  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/38125\/30787)\n> \n> Travelled: February 2023\n\nLinda Buckley - USA\n\n> The whole trip was a huge memory. Being able to go to an untouched environment and leaving it as you found it was the memory also. Seeing the many different species living and thriving together brings a smile to my face as I am writing this review.  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/34837\/27915)\n> \n> Travelled: January 2023\n\nLawrence Hudson - USA\n\n> Our overall experience was outstanding. We learned a lot from the interesting lectures, exploring out in the field, and getting to experience such vast beauty. Such a knowledgeable and positive team worked beautifully together and took great care of us.  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/33309\/27298)\n> \n> Travelled: January 2023\n\nLeah Rumbough - USA\n\n> You can't put words to the feeling you get in Antarctica. Just being there is a life changing experience that one needs to have for themselves to appreciate the Antarctic. My most memorable moment was seeing all the wildlife in their natural environment and how they live. Walking so close and feeling as a part of the environment was something we just don't experience in the \"real world\".  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/19934\/16555)\n> \n> Travelled: January 2023\n\nRobert Wenze - USA\n\n> The colours in icebergs, the complete lack of fear of penguins (they have to be the only animal on the planet that doesn't run and hide from humans), the active volcano, the whales and their incredible curiosity and playfulness, the moment I set foot on Antarctica it was one memorable moment after another.  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/35391\/28335)\n> \n> Travelled: December 2022\n\nMarg Macleod - Canada\n\n> The orcas appearing during the whale talk, the baby humpback breaching off the bow of the zodiacs, the polar plunge, watching from the outriggers as the the boat cut through the ice, drinking Macallan with ice fresh from a berg, having an impromptu dance party with my husband on top of a volcanic cinder cone. It was just a super trip from beginning to end.  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/29793\/24346)\n> \n> Travelled: January 2022\n\nStephanie Krolick - USA\n\n> Most memorable moment: clear blue skies, zero wind, flat ocean with icebergs floating around everywhere, in a zodiac with penguins popping up all over us, and a seal belly-flopping up on an iceberg 20ft from us  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/29098\/23829)\n> \n> Travelled: January 2022\n\nTodd Mackey - USA\n\n> The service was top-notch professional from Punta Arenas to the ship.  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/3711\/3967)\n> \n> Travelled: February 2019\n\nDennis Roy - United States Of America\n\n> To fly the Drake Passage gave us a particular advantage - more time where we wanted to be.  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/6088\/8396)\n> \n> Travelled: January 2019\n\nAlison Murdoch - United Kingdom\n\n> Very closely met our expectations. Flying was the perfect option. Yes I would recommend.\n> \n> Travelled: February 2018\n\nDave & Lisa - Australia\n\n> Antarctica is beautiful and amazing, and it exceeded my expectations. We flew over the Drake Passage rather than sailing it. The whole experience was wonderful.\n> \n> Travelled: February 2018\n\nLinda - New York\n\n![Customer Image](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/CUS_4_CUS_FEED_Lori-Thomas-Patterson.jpeg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=80&h=80&q=30)\n\n> It exceeded our expectations and I would recommend it to everyone wanting to go visit Antarctica. We had a really wonderful time. So glad we flew\\!\n> \n> Travelled: December 2017\n\nLori - Texas\n\n![Customer Image](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/SHU_4_SHU_ALL_Gentoo_penguins_Antarctica10.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=80&h=80&q=30)\n\n> 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.\n> \n> Travelled: December 2016\n\nJohn - UK\n\n[Read all Customer Reviews](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews)\n\n## Planning your Fly & Cruise trip to Antarctica\n### When to do an Antarctic Fly & Cruise trip\n\nFly & Cruise trips operate across the entire Antarctic visitor season from **November** through to **March**. High summer in the middle of December brings nearly **24 hours of daylight**.\n\nNovember has the most **pristine snow** and penguins coming ashore to mate. **Penguin chicks** typically arrive in Christmas – the peak season for visitors. From the new year onwards, **whales** are in their greatest abundance, and as the days shorten, chicks get ready to fledge and take to the sea. The **shoulder season** at the very beginning and end of summer has amazing **sunsets** and **sunrises**.\n\n[When to go to Antarctica](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/visit)\n\n![A line of gentoo penguins in the snow in Antarctica](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/SWO_4_ALL_Grantdullage-gentoo-penguins.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=0&h=288&q=60)\n\nGentoo penguins in early season snow\n\n### What to expect when flying to Antarctica\nWhile Fly & Cruise trips offer the chance to skip the Drake Passage crossing and get quickly to the Antarctic Peninsula, it's important to understand the role that **Mother Nature** plays in setting flight schedules.\n\nWhile every departure has a target flying window, **weather** may mean you **fly earlier** or **later** than planned. To account for this, the night in Punta Arenas is included at the start and end of every trip. It's also why it's essential you arrive early on day one.\n\nThis **flexible weather scheduling** is central to all Fly & Cruise trips. The vast majority of flights operate according to schedule, but if an absence of exact timings doesn't sit comfortably, it's possible that sailing to Antarctica may suit you better.\n\n![Fly & Cruise Antarctica](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/SWO_4_AlexMudd-boarding-king-george-island-fly-cruise.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=0&h=288&q=60)\n\nBoarding at King George Island\n\n## Swoop says\n![Swoop Says background image](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/fancy_images\/swoop-says-bg-ant.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint)\n\n[![Swoop Antarctica Expert Ian](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/fancy_images\/ian.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint)](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/about-us\/ian)\n\n> I never felt like I missed out on the two days at sea crossing the Drake Passage. In just two short hours I was breathing in the cold clean Antarctic air and ready to see my first penguin.\n> \n> Ian Young Antarctic Sales Manager\n\n### Which Antarctic Fly & Cruise trip to choose\nMost Antarctica Fly & Cruise trips fly in both directions, but it's also possible to take a **Fly-Sail cruises**, flying one way and sailing the other.\n\nUnlike Fly & Cruise trips that are tied to the airport on King George Island, Fly-Sail trips can cover a wider range of destinations, including **South Georgia**, the **Weddell Sea** and the **Antarctic Circle**.\n\nIt's worth noting that Fly-Sail cruises start and finish in different locations: **Punta Arenas** in Chile for flying to\/from Antarctica and **Ushuaia** in Argentina for sailing to\/from Antarctica.\n\n[Discover more about Fly-Sail cruises](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/one-way)\n\n![Walking to a viewpoint on the Antarctic Peninsula above Silver Endeavour luxury cruise ship](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/SWO_4_ALL_IanYoung-walking-snow-silver-endeavour.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=0&h=288&q=60)\n\nWalking to a viewpoint on the Antarctic Peninsula\n\n### Antarctic Fly & Cruise planes\nThe standard plane used for the charter flights between Punta Arenas (or Puerto Natales) and King George Island is a British-designed **BAE146** which has capacity for up to 80 people in a 3+3 seating configuration.\n\nThese planes are more workhorse than luxury, but are more than comfortable for the short two hour flight to the White Continent.\n\nThe four turbofan engine configuration of the BAE146 provides important redundancy and superior takeoff performance for short runways, while its wide wheel base and strengthened undercarriage ensures stability landing on the non-tarmac landing strip on King George Island.\n\n![Boarding BAE146 plane for Antarctic Airways flight from King George Island to Punta Arena](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/SWO_4_ALL-BenWard-BAE146-fly-cruise-king-george-boarding.jpeg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=0&h=288&q=60)\n\nBAE146 at King George Island\n\n![Swoop Says background image](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/swoop-bg-contour-map.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=720&h=0&q=10)\n\n## Swoop says\nFly & Cruise trips have been operating to the Antarctic Peninsula since 2002. Despite the challenges of sometimes unpredictable weather, the long polar experience of the airplane and ground crews means than more than 80% of flights operate completely on schedule.\n\n## From One to One Hundred\nSwoop has catered for travellers of every group size. Whether you’re adventuring solo or bringing a group of over 100. We can help.\n\n[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](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/solos)\n\n[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](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises)\n\n[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](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/groups)\n\n[Large Groups We are experienced charter consultants that can build tailored experiences for both part and full charters of vessels. Discover More](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/groups#private-charters)\n## Antarctica Fly & Cruise ships\n[![Magellan Explorer Ship](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/AXXI_4_AXXI_RTD_MAGELLAN-EXTERIOR3.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=580&h=300) Magellan Explorer](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/ships\/magellan-explorer)\n\nSpecifically built for Antarctic fly-cruise operations, the Magellan Explorer carries a maximum of 76 guests. Many of the spacious suites have outside balconies.\n\n[Discover More](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/ships\/magellan-explorer)\n\n[![Sylvia Earle, Antarctic vessel](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/AUR_3_SWOOP_RTD_S-EARLE-EXTERIOR1-JAN23.JPG?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=580&h=300) Sylvia Earle](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/ships\/sylvia-earle)\n\nLaunched in Autumn 2022, this state-of-the-art ship honours the highly accomplished marine biologist and oceanographer, Sylvia Earle.\n\n[Discover More](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/ships\/sylvia-earle)\n\n[![The Silver Endeavour cruise ship surrounded by Antarctic ice](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/SSEA_5_SSEA_RTD_Silver-Endeavour.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=580&h=300) Silver Endeavour](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/ships\/silver-endeavour)\n\nWith luxury, comfort and exceptional service as the foundations of its onboard experience, Silver Endeavour is one of the most expensive expedition ships ever built.\n\n[Discover More](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/ships\/silver-endeavour)\n\n[![The Antarctic ship the Ocean Explorer and two large icebergs ](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/QUA_5_QUA_RTD_Ocean-Explorer-Exterior-1.JPG?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=580&h=300) Ocean Explorer](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/ships\/ocean-explorer)\n\nCustom-engineered for polar voyages, this sleek 138 passenger ship benefits from cutting edge design and advanced nautical technology.\n\n[Discover More](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/ships\/ocean-explorer)\n\n## Antarctic Fly & Cruise trips: FAQs\n- ### [How far in advance should you book an Antarctic Fly & Cruise trip?](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/fly-cruise)\n  We recommend booking your Antarctic trip at least **12 months** in advance of travel to be confident of securing your first choice of ship, voyage date and cabin.\n  \n  **Limited capacity** in the polar fleet means that cabins and ships often become booked far in advance, especially for travel around **peak season dates**, including Christmas, New Year and school holidays. Although late availability deals can sometimes be had, to guarantee your preferred ship and travel dates, booking early is always the best option.\n  \n  Swoop is happy to **provisionally hold a cabin** on your behalf for a few days while you make your final planning decisions.\n- ### [How do I get to Punta Arenas?](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/fly-cruise)\n  Punta Arenas (airport code PUQ) is a 3½ hour flight from Chile’s capital **Santiago** (airport code SCL). There are multiple daily direct flights between the two with either **LATAM** or **Sky Airlines**. Some luxury Fly & Cruise trips include these flights, to look after you from the moment you arrive in Chile.\n  \n  Flying into Punta Arenas, try to sit on the left if you can for wonderful **views of the Andes** as you fly parallel to the Andes mountains.\n  \n  Santiago is well-connected internationally. There are **direct flights** from US hub airports including **New York**, **Los Angeles**, **Miami**, **Dallas** and **Atlanta**, as well as **Toronto** in Canada.\n  \n  From the UK, there are direct flights between **London** and Santiago, while **Madrid** and **Paris** are good European hubs.\n  \n  From Australia and New Zealand, you can fly direct to Santiago from **Sydney** and **Auckland**.\n- ### [What is the baggage allowance on flights to Antarctica?](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/fly-cruise)\n  Unlike expedition cruise ships , there is a strict baggage allowance for flights to Antarctica. While this varies according to the exact trip, this is typically between **15-20 kg** (33-44 pounds).\n  \n  This is typically less than the allowances for international flights, so it's important to pack accordingly. Weight limits on flights to Antarctica are **strictly enforced** for safety reasons.\n- ### [Can I guarantee a window seat on the flight to Antarctica?](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/fly-cruise)\n  Unfortunately it's not possible to pre-book a window seat on the flight to Antarctica.\n- ### [Is food and drink served on the flight to Antarctica?](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/fly-cruise)\n  Yes. Although the flight is only two hours, you'll be given a simple box lunch to enjoy. Drinks are available on the flight, from tea and coffee to Chilean wine and beer.\n- ### [What are the contingency plans if the Antarctic flight is delayed due to bad weather?](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/fly-cruise)\n  More than **80% of flights to Antarctica** operate to their planned schedule, but Fly & Cruise operators are experts at dealing with the polar weather, and have well-honed contingency plans should any flights be delayed.\n  \n  All Fly & Cruise trips include a night in Punta Arenas at the start and end of the trip to minimise any risk of weather affecting your trip. If there is any issue, ground staff will keep you constantly informed of any revised plans once a suitable weather window has been identified.\n  \n  In cases of extreme weather events, extra nights of accommodation will be automatically arranged for you.\n- ### [Can I extend my time in Patagonia?](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/fly-cruise)\n  Absolutely! If you have time, we strongly recommend adding on a few days at either the beginning or end of your trip to explore Patagonia. Punta Arenas is the gateway to **Torres del Paine National Park**, one of the most spectacular hiking destinations in the world.\n  \n  Our sister company [Swoop Patagonia](http:\/\/www.swoop-patagonia.com\/) knows this whole region like the back of their hand: talk to us about how you'd like to extend your trip and we'll put together the perfect itinerary for you.\n## More about Flying to Antarctica\n[Flights to Antarctica ![Flights to Antarctica](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/SW_3_Loli_Figueroa_ALL_airplane_Antarctica-e2.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=580&h=300)](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights)\n\nAround 1 in 12 visitors to Antarctica arrive by air – this our guide on everything you need to know about flying to the White Continent.\n\n[Discover More](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights)\n\n[Fly To Antarctica & Cruise Back ![Fly To Antarctica & Cruise Back](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/SHU_3_SHU_ALL_Bow_Blue_Sea.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=580&h=300)](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/one-way)\n\nThese 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…\n\n[Discover More](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/one-way)\n\n[South Pole & Antarctic Interior expeditions ![Two tourists at the South Pole](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/WD_4_RTDWhiteDesert-south-pole-tourists-thumbnail.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=580&h=300)](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/adventures\/south-pole)\n\nThe 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 …\n\n[Discover More](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/adventures\/south-pole)\n\n## Price Match Promise\nWe’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip and you get these Swoop inclusions at no extra cost.\n\n### B Corp certified\nWe care deeply about protecting Antarctica, that’s why 1% of our revenue goes to conservation.\n\n![B Corp certified](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/logos\/swoop-industry-logo-bcrop-white.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint)\n\n![National Geographic Orion](https:\/\/swoop-patagonia.imgix.net\/SWO_4_Sydney_ALL_Antarctica-Zodiac.JPG?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=600&h=400&q=40)![Ocean Explorer](https:\/\/swoop-patagonia.imgix.net\/LIN_5_RalphLeeHopkins_RTD_Chinstrap-penguins-splash-surf-South-Orkney-Islands.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=600&h=400&q=40)\n\n### Impartial advice at no extra cost\nExpert advice on over 1500 voyages to help you discover your perfect trip - and we don’t charge a fee.\n\n![Fortuna Bay](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/PL_5_PL_RTD_South_Georgia-Fortuna-Bay-Guests-Overlook.jpg??auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=600&h=400&q=40)![Ocean Explorer](https:\/\/swoop-antarctica.imgix.net\/AUR_5_PiaHarboure_RTD_Kayaking-Wilhelmina-Bay-Antarctica.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=600&h=400&q=40)\n\n### Market-leading expertise\nHarness our 400,000 hours of Antarctic experience. There’s no question we can’t answer.\n\n![Ocean Explorer](https:\/\/swoop-antarctica.imgix.net\/HUR_5_EspenMills_RTD_Exploring-Antarctica-Zodiac.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=600&h=400&q=40)![Antarctic Vessel](https:\/\/swoop-antarctica.imgix.net\/1880x700\/AUR_4_LinaStock_RTD_Snorkelling_Antarctica_e.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=600&h=400&q=40)\n\n### A full concierge service\nAccess our exclusive pre-travel webinars — one of the many ways we make sure you’re Antarctica’s best-prepared travellers.\n\n![Ocean Explorer](https:\/\/swoop-antarctica.imgix.net\/PON_5_PON_RTD_Hiking-Antarctica-Weddell-Sea.JPEG?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=600&h=400&q=40)![Mountaineering](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/OCE_3_Massimo-Candolini_RTD_Mountaineering-Basecamp-Antarctica-e.jpeg??auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=600&h=400&q=40)\n\nImpartial advice at no extra cost\n\nMarket-leading expertise\n\nA full concierge service\n\n## Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?\n### 1\\. Listen\nWe'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.\n\n### 2\\. Match\nNext we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.\n\n### 3\\. Reserve\nWe'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.\n\n[Request a Quote](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/quote)\n\n[![Swoop Antarctica BCrop Badge](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/logos\/swoop-industry-logo-bcrop-white.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint)](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/b-corp)\n\n![Swoop Antarctica ATOL Badge](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/logos\/swoop-industry-logo-atol-white.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint)\n\n[![Swoop Antarctica ABTOT Badge](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/logos\/swoop-industry-logo-ABTOT-white.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint)](https:\/\/www.abtot.com\/abtot-members-directory\/?gv_search=5516&mode=any)\n\n[![Swoop Antarctica IAATO Badge](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/logos\/swoop-industry-logo-iaato-white.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint)](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/travel\/iah-32%20ato)\n\n[![Swoop Antarctica LATA Badge](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/swoop-industry-logo-lata-white.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint)](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/about-us#swoop-and-lata)\n\n![Swoop Antarctica ATTA Badge](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/logos\/swoop-industry-logo-atta-white.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint)\n\n![ECN award Logo](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/footer\/ECN_Awards.svg)\n\nBest Expedition Cruise Tour Operator of the Year 2024\n\n![ECN award Logo](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/footer\/ECN_Awards.svg)\n\nBest Expedition Cruise Tour Operator of the Year 2025\n\n#### Price Match Promise\nWe’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip and you get all the Swoop inclusions at no extra cost.\n\nPlan Your Adventure Story:\n\n[\\+44 117 244 4226](tel:441172444226)   [polaradvice@swoop-adventures.com](mailto:polaradvice@swoop-adventures.com)   [Make an Enquiry](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/enquiry)\n\nSwoop Antarctica   \n 15 Cornwallis Crescent  \nBristol, BS8 4PJ\n\n### Helpful links\n- [10 Questions to Ask](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/travel\/questions)\n- [Fly & Cruise](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/antarctica-fly-and-cruise)\n- [Special Offers](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/special-offers)\n- [Costs Explained](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/travel\/cost)\n- [Customer Reviews](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews)\n\n### About Swoop Antarctica\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/about-us)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/contact-us)\n- [Sustainability](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/sustainability)\n- [Our Blog](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/blog)\n- [Careers at Swoop](https:\/\/swoop-careers.com\/)\n- [Travel Agents](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/agents)\n\n#### Subscribe to our newsletter\nReceive monthly Antarctic travel inspiration and ideas.\n\nDismiss\n\n### The Adventure begins here\\!\nYou are now subscribed! You'll receive your first email packed full of travel ideas and inspiration soon.\n\n##### We accept:\n##### More inspiration:\n\n© Swoop Travel Ltd. 2026 \\| Registered in England 07953919  [Terms and Conditions](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/about-us\/terms-and-conditions) [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/about-us\/privacy-policy) [Disclaimer](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/about-us\/disclaimer)\n\nThis website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. [Privacy policy](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/about-us\/privacy-policy)\n\n[x](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/fly-cruise)\n\n![](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/avatars\/SWO_3_Cassia_ALL_Cassia-in-Snow.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=120&h=120&q=50)\n\n![](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/avatars\/daniel_avatar.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=120&h=120&q=50)\n\n![](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/avatars\/SWO_5_SWO_ALL_Nardus_2.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=120&h=120&q=50)\n\n![](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/avatars\/ianyoung_avatar.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=120&h=120&q=50)\n\n![](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/avatars\/otto_avatar.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=120&h=120&q=50)\n\n![](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/avatars\/heather_avatar.jpeg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=120&h=120&q=50)\n\nWe don’t charge a commission and there are no hidden fees. Just impartial, expert advice from the leading Polar cruise agent. Schedule a call with our Antarctic Experts today.\n\n![Swoop Antarctica Expert Daniel](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/avatars\/colin_avatar.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=120&h=120&q=50)\n\nReady to start your adventure?\n\n[Schedule a call Call]()\n\n[Let's chat Chat]()\n\n![]()\n\n.menu li:hover .dropdown, .menu li:focus .dropdown, .menu li:active .dropdown { display: flex; }\n\n![](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tr?id=329779224417394&ev=PageView&noscript=1)","attrs_readable_markdown":"6 reasons to choose a Fly & Cruise trip\n\n- Combine the **classic Antarctic Peninsula cruise experience** with the convenience of **flying to Antarctica** in just two short hours\n- **Skip the two day voyage** to Antarctica across the Drake Passage: an ideal option for travellers short on time or who are worried about seasickness\n- Choose from a **wide selection of ships** to explore Antarctica, from classic expedition cruise ships to luxury and boutique hotel-style vessels\n- Enjoy all aspects of a traditional Antarctic cruise, including **zodiac cruises**, **landings** and **adventure activities** – plus lots of penguins\\!\n- Travel at any time from **November** to **late March**, with Fly & Cruise trips operating across the entire Antarctic visitor season\n- Experience the best of both worlds by taking a **Fly-Sail cruise**: flying to Antarctica and sailing back, or vice versa\n\n## Swoop says\n![Swoop Says background image](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/fancy_images\/swoop-says-bg-ant.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint)\n\n[![Swoop Antarctica Expert Marta](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/fancy_images\/marta.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint)](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/about-us\/marta)\n\n> There's a great sense of adventure arriving in Antarctica by plane: from seeing your ship from the air like a tiny bath toy, to having it loom above you on the waterline when you meet it for the first time, on your zodiac transfer across an ice-fringed bay.\n> \n> Marta Laver Antarctica Specialist\n\n## Our most popular Fly & Cruise trips\nPrice Match Promise - We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip\n\n## Our April Featured Offers\nAt Swoop we proudly work with **every operator** in the Antarctic industry.   \nThis means we can find you **the latest deals** and with our Price Match Promise you know you're getting the very best price.\n\n[View Featured Offers](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/all-cruises\/featured-offers)\n\n![](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/GAD_3_Daniel-Sendecki_RTD_VerdnadskyIcebergBird.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40)\n\nFlying to Antarctica: what do I need to know?\n\n![Logo](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/SWO_5_ILL_ALL_Flying_To_Antarctica_THUMBNAIL.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=0&h=350&q=40)\n\nHow do Antarctica Fly & Cruise trips work?\n\nFly & Cruise trips consists of **three** main components: which we’ve mapped out below:\n\n- Travel to the Antarctic gateway city of **Punta Arenas**\n- A short **two hour flight** to and from **Antarctica**\n- A classic Antarctic **cruise** of **4-6 days**, with plenty of excursions to explore the White Continent\n\n1\\. Arrive in Punta Arenas\n\nMost Antarctica Fly & Cruise trips depart from **Punta Arenas** in Chilean Patagonia, which is well served by flights from Chile's capital Santiago. A small number of Fly & Cruise trips depart from nearby [Puerto Williams](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/extensions\/puerto-williams) or Puerto Natales.\n\nOn arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your city centre hotel where everyone in the group will be staying. This is included in the price and ensures everyone is on site for the flight to Antarctica the next day. The evening before flying to Antarctica, you’ll meet your fellow travellers for a mandatory briefing and gear check before enjoying a first dinner together.\n\nTravellers on the [Magellan Explorer](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/ships\/magellan-explorer) and [Ocean Nova](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/ships\/ocean-nova) ships can also enjoy exclusive access to [Explorers House](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/explorers-house) while in Punta Arenas.\n\n![Punta Arenas waterfront with Shackleton Pardo Yelcho monument](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/SWO_4_ALL_LizzieWilliams-Yelcho-Pardo-Punta-Arenas.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=0&h=288&q=60)\n\nHistoric waterfront in Punta Arenas\n\n2\\. Fly to Antarctica\n\nExpect an early start the next morning for your flight to Antarctica. You’ll be transferred back to the airport to check in and wait for your flight to be called, though the departure time itself is **weather dependent**.\n\nIt takes **two hours** to fly from Punta Arenas to the airstrip at Chile’s Eduardo Frei Station. This is on **King George Island** in the South Shetland Islands: part of Antarctica but 55 miles (90km) across the Bransfield Strait from the mainland continent.\n\nOn arrival, an **electric minibus** transfers you to the beach. Here you’ll board a **zodiac** and transfer directly to your expedition cruise ship, ready for your Antarctic adventure to begin.\n\n![Fly & Cruise Antarctica](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/SWO_3_ALL-MartaLaver-antarctica-airways-puerto-natales-island.JPG?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=0&h=288&q=60)\n\nAntarctic Airways flight\n\n3\\. Explore Antarctica\n\nOnce onboard your ship, your experience is exactly the same as if you had sailed to Antarctica, as you set off to explore the Peninsula.\n\nTypically, you’ll leave the ship twice a day on excursions led by expert polar guides. These include landing on islands and the Seventh Continent itself, visiting penguin colonies and taking zodiac cruises through iceberg-filled bays. Most ships also offer [optional adventure activities](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/adventures) such as kayaking.\n\nExpedition cruises offer a packed daily schedule tailored to ensuring you get the very most from your precious few days in Antarctica. At the end of the cruise, you'll return to King George Island for your flight back to Chile.\n\n![Fly & Cruise Antarctica](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/SWO_5_ALL_DanielBrooks-Zodiac-cruise-recess-cover-Sylvia-Earle.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=0&h=288&q=60)\n\nZodiac cruising in Antarctica\n\n![Swoop Says background image](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/swoop-bg-contour-map.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=720&h=0&q=10)\n\nSwoop says\n\nDue to the higher operating costs of running charter flights to such remote areas, Fly & Cruise trips tend to cost around 20% more than traditional sailing cruises to Antarctica.\n\n## What our customers think of Fly & Cruise Antarctica\nFly & Cruise Antarctica trips scored 4.5\/5 from 590 reviews\n\n> If you’re prone to seasickness, don’t risk it. I was ok on a cruise going through a rough storm in the North Sea so I thought I’d be fine. I loved my time with the ship’s crew and passengers while in the Peninsula, but I swear never to go through the Drake or similar again even if one pays me to do it. If I could turn back time, I’d fly the Drake.\n> \n> Travelled: March 2025\n\nMaria Lucinskas - UK\n\n> A very practical way to see Antarctica, avoiding sailing across the notorious Drake Passage. However, this also entailed flight delays due to bad weather. But once we boarded our ship, we saw Antarctica and its wildlife in all its glory.  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/55219\/40949)\n> \n> Travelled: January 2025\n\nMehernosh Manekshaw - India\n\n> 10\/10 - I was reluctant to take a trip to Antarctica out of fear of crossing the Drake Passage. Once I learned that you could fly to Antarctica and start your cruise, I was hooked and it was well worth it.  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/46401\/38498)\n> \n> Travelled: January 2025\n\nTom Kennedy - USA\n\n> We were so pleased that we picked a long itinerary with 6 or 7 solid days touring Antarctica. I recommend flying back from Antarctica. You get the Drake Passage over with on the way there and then you don't have to think about it during your time in Antarctica.  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/41273\/33827)\n> \n> Travelled: January 2025\n\nEllie Carleton - USA\n\n> 10\/10 - Everything was well organized and expertly implemented. The team were all friendly, knowledgeable and optimistic.  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/53470\/38965)\n> \n> Travelled: January 2025\n\nMark Orgren - USA\n\n> Most memorable moment? I cannot name just ONE! I'm still, just two weeks out from the trip, processing the ADVENTURE.  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/56059\/41830)\n> \n> Travelled: December 2024\n\nKenneth Gay - USA\n\n> It was fantastic having such a small number of guests on board as we got to know them really well by the end of the trip! Definitely new friends we will keep in touch with.  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/42181\/34802)\n> \n> Travelled: March 2024\n\nAlysha Vazirally - India\n\n> 10\/10 - You guys added a lot of value without adding to the rather large cost of this trip. From helping me decide on the right air-cruise for us to all of the advice and consultations to get fully ready for the trip. Excellent all around.  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/35755\/28671)\n> \n> Travelled: February 2024\n\nDavid DeMaria - USA\n\n> 10\/10 - I am prone to getting seasick so flying to the Antarctica Peninsula solved my problems. The flying also saved me 4 days of vacation days! Crossing the circle made our trip much more memorable!!  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/43007\/35480)\n> \n> Travelled: January 2024\n\nJanice Lo - USA\n\n> 10\/10 - It was amazing! I didn't want to cruise through the Drake so this was perfect for me! The staff on the boat was wonderful; they were so helpful and knowledgeable. They really made sure we had a great time and every time we had to change plans it felt like we got to see something even better.  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/40689\/33232)\n> \n> Travelled: January 2024\n\nSabrina McCarthy - USA\n\n> 10\/10 - Small ship experience permitting a more intimate experience with the southern continent and our fellow explorers. The staff was very knowledgeable, and their enthusiasm was very contagious.  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/40154\/32701)\n> \n> Travelled: December 2023\n\nStephen Rathbun - USA\n\n> The vastness and wildness that is Antarctica is the only thing that can dwarf the experience and memories I hold.  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/32034\/26068)\n> \n> Travelled: February 2023\n\nCarolyn Ferraro - USA\n\n> The golden light was breaking through the clouds and spotlighting the peaks. As the zodiac slowly navigated through the ice field our expedition guide spotted a leopard seal lackadaisically bobbing on an iceberg bed. This zodiac cruise is when it sunk in that I finally had made it to Antarctica!  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/38125\/30787)\n> \n> Travelled: February 2023\n\nLinda Buckley - USA\n\n> The whole trip was a huge memory. Being able to go to an untouched environment and leaving it as you found it was the memory also. Seeing the many different species living and thriving together brings a smile to my face as I am writing this review.  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/34837\/27915)\n> \n> Travelled: January 2023\n\nLawrence Hudson - USA\n\n> Our overall experience was outstanding. We learned a lot from the interesting lectures, exploring out in the field, and getting to experience such vast beauty. Such a knowledgeable and positive team worked beautifully together and took great care of us.  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/33309\/27298)\n> \n> Travelled: January 2023\n\nLeah Rumbough - USA\n\n> You can't put words to the feeling you get in Antarctica. Just being there is a life changing experience that one needs to have for themselves to appreciate the Antarctic. My most memorable moment was seeing all the wildlife in their natural environment and how they live. Walking so close and feeling as a part of the environment was something we just don't experience in the \"real world\".  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/19934\/16555)\n> \n> Travelled: January 2023\n\nRobert Wenze - USA\n\n> The colours in icebergs, the complete lack of fear of penguins (they have to be the only animal on the planet that doesn't run and hide from humans), the active volcano, the whales and their incredible curiosity and playfulness, the moment I set foot on Antarctica it was one memorable moment after another.  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/35391\/28335)\n> \n> Travelled: December 2022\n\nMarg Macleod - Canada\n\n> The orcas appearing during the whale talk, the baby humpback breaching off the bow of the zodiacs, the polar plunge, watching from the outriggers as the the boat cut through the ice, drinking Macallan with ice fresh from a berg, having an impromptu dance party with my husband on top of a volcanic cinder cone. It was just a super trip from beginning to end.  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/29793\/24346)\n> \n> Travelled: January 2022\n\nStephanie Krolick - USA\n\n> Most memorable moment: clear blue skies, zero wind, flat ocean with icebergs floating around everywhere, in a zodiac with penguins popping up all over us, and a seal belly-flopping up on an iceberg 20ft from us  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/29098\/23829)\n> \n> Travelled: January 2022\n\nTodd Mackey - USA\n\n> The service was top-notch professional from Punta Arenas to the ship.  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/3711\/3967)\n> \n> Travelled: February 2019\n\nDennis Roy - United States Of America\n\n> To fly the Drake Passage gave us a particular advantage - more time where we wanted to be.  [Read the full review](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/reviews\/review\/fr\/6088\/8396)\n> \n> Travelled: January 2019\n\nAlison Murdoch - United Kingdom\n\n> Very closely met our expectations. Flying was the perfect option. Yes I would recommend.\n> \n> Travelled: February 2018\n\nDave & Lisa - Australia\n\n> Antarctica is beautiful and amazing, and it exceeded my expectations. We flew over the Drake Passage rather than sailing it. The whole experience was wonderful.\n> \n> Travelled: February 2018\n\nLinda - New York\n\n![Customer Image](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/CUS_4_CUS_FEED_Lori-Thomas-Patterson.jpeg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=80&h=80&q=30)\n\n> It exceeded our expectations and I would recommend it to everyone wanting to go visit Antarctica. We had a really wonderful time. So glad we flew\\!\n> \n> Travelled: December 2017\n\nLori - Texas\n\n![Customer Image](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/SHU_4_SHU_ALL_Gentoo_penguins_Antarctica10.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=80&h=80&q=30)\n\n> 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.\n> \n> Travelled: December 2016\n\nJohn - UK\n\nPlanning your Fly & Cruise trip to AntarcticaWhen to do an Antarctic Fly & Cruise trip\n\nFly & Cruise trips operate across the entire Antarctic visitor season from **November** through to **March**. High summer in the middle of December brings nearly **24 hours of daylight**.\n\nNovember has the most **pristine snow** and penguins coming ashore to mate. **Penguin chicks** typically arrive in Christmas – the peak season for visitors. From the new year onwards, **whales** are in their greatest abundance, and as the days shorten, chicks get ready to fledge and take to the sea. The **shoulder season** at the very beginning and end of summer has amazing **sunsets** and **sunrises**.\n\n![A line of gentoo penguins in the snow in Antarctica](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/SWO_4_ALL_Grantdullage-gentoo-penguins.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=0&h=288&q=60)\n\nGentoo penguins in early season snow\n\nWhat to expect when flying to Antarctica\n\nWhile Fly & Cruise trips offer the chance to skip the Drake Passage crossing and get quickly to the Antarctic Peninsula, it's important to understand the role that **Mother Nature** plays in setting flight schedules.\n\nWhile every departure has a target flying window, **weather** may mean you **fly earlier** or **later** than planned. To account for this, the night in Punta Arenas is included at the start and end of every trip. It's also why it's essential you arrive early on day one.\n\nThis **flexible weather scheduling** is central to all Fly & Cruise trips. The vast majority of flights operate according to schedule, but if an absence of exact timings doesn't sit comfortably, it's possible that sailing to Antarctica may suit you better.\n\n![Fly & Cruise Antarctica](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/SWO_4_AlexMudd-boarding-king-george-island-fly-cruise.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=0&h=288&q=60)\n\nBoarding at King George Island\n\n## Swoop says\n![Swoop Says background image](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/fancy_images\/swoop-says-bg-ant.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint)\n\n[![Swoop Antarctica Expert Ian](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/fancy_images\/ian.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint)](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/about-us\/ian)\n\n> I never felt like I missed out on the two days at sea crossing the Drake Passage. In just two short hours I was breathing in the cold clean Antarctic air and ready to see my first penguin.\n> \n> Ian Young Antarctic Sales Manager\n\nWhich Antarctic Fly & Cruise trip to choose\n\nMost Antarctica Fly & Cruise trips fly in both directions, but it's also possible to take a **Fly-Sail cruises**, flying one way and sailing the other.\n\nUnlike Fly & Cruise trips that are tied to the airport on King George Island, Fly-Sail trips can cover a wider range of destinations, including **South Georgia**, the **Weddell Sea** and the **Antarctic Circle**.\n\nIt's worth noting that Fly-Sail cruises start and finish in different locations: **Punta Arenas** in Chile for flying to\/from Antarctica and **Ushuaia** in Argentina for sailing to\/from Antarctica.\n\n![Walking to a viewpoint on the Antarctic Peninsula above Silver Endeavour luxury cruise ship](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/SWO_4_ALL_IanYoung-walking-snow-silver-endeavour.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=0&h=288&q=60)\n\nWalking to a viewpoint on the Antarctic Peninsula\n\nAntarctic Fly & Cruise planes\n\nThe standard plane used for the charter flights between Punta Arenas (or Puerto Natales) and King George Island is a British-designed **BAE146** which has capacity for up to 80 people in a 3+3 seating configuration.\n\nThese planes are more workhorse than luxury, but are more than comfortable for the short two hour flight to the White Continent.\n\nThe four turbofan engine configuration of the BAE146 provides important redundancy and superior takeoff performance for short runways, while its wide wheel base and strengthened undercarriage ensures stability landing on the non-tarmac landing strip on King George Island.\n\n![Boarding BAE146 plane for Antarctic Airways flight from King George Island to Punta Arena](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/SWO_4_ALL-BenWard-BAE146-fly-cruise-king-george-boarding.jpeg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=0&h=288&q=60)\n\nBAE146 at King George Island\n\n![Swoop Says background image](https:\/\/imgix.swoop-antarctica.com\/swoop-bg-contour-map.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=720&h=0&q=10)\n\nSwoop says\n\nFly & Cruise trips have been operating to the Antarctic Peninsula since 2002. Despite the challenges of sometimes unpredictable weather, the long polar experience of the airplane and ground crews means than more than 80% of flights operate completely on schedule.\n\nAntarctic Fly & Cruise trips: FAQs\n\n- ### [How far in advance should you book an Antarctic Fly & Cruise trip?](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/fly-cruise)\n  We recommend booking your Antarctic trip at least **12 months** in advance of travel to be confident of securing your first choice of ship, voyage date and cabin.\n  \n  **Limited capacity** in the polar fleet means that cabins and ships often become booked far in advance, especially for travel around **peak season dates**, including Christmas, New Year and school holidays. Although late availability deals can sometimes be had, to guarantee your preferred ship and travel dates, booking early is always the best option.\n  \n  Swoop is happy to **provisionally hold a cabin** on your behalf for a few days while you make your final planning decisions.\n- ### [How do I get to Punta Arenas?](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/fly-cruise)\n  Punta Arenas (airport code PUQ) is a 3½ hour flight from Chile’s capital **Santiago** (airport code SCL). There are multiple daily direct flights between the two with either **LATAM** or **Sky Airlines**. Some luxury Fly & Cruise trips include these flights, to look after you from the moment you arrive in Chile.\n  \n  Flying into Punta Arenas, try to sit on the left if you can for wonderful **views of the Andes** as you fly parallel to the Andes mountains.\n  \n  Santiago is well-connected internationally. There are **direct flights** from US hub airports including **New York**, **Los Angeles**, **Miami**, **Dallas** and **Atlanta**, as well as **Toronto** in Canada.\n  \n  From the UK, there are direct flights between **London** and Santiago, while **Madrid** and **Paris** are good European hubs.\n  \n  From Australia and New Zealand, you can fly direct to Santiago from **Sydney** and **Auckland**.\n- ### [What is the baggage allowance on flights to Antarctica?](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/fly-cruise)\n  Unlike expedition cruise ships , there is a strict baggage allowance for flights to Antarctica. While this varies according to the exact trip, this is typically between **15-20 kg** (33-44 pounds).\n  \n  This is typically less than the allowances for international flights, so it's important to pack accordingly. Weight limits on flights to Antarctica are **strictly enforced** for safety reasons.\n- ### [Can I guarantee a window seat on the flight to Antarctica?](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/fly-cruise)\n  Unfortunately it's not possible to pre-book a window seat on the flight to Antarctica.\n- ### [Is food and drink served on the flight to Antarctica?](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/fly-cruise)\n  Yes. Although the flight is only two hours, you'll be given a simple box lunch to enjoy. Drinks are available on the flight, from tea and coffee to Chilean wine and beer.\n- ### [What are the contingency plans if the Antarctic flight is delayed due to bad weather?](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/fly-cruise)\n  More than **80% of flights to Antarctica** operate to their planned schedule, but Fly & Cruise operators are experts at dealing with the polar weather, and have well-honed contingency plans should any flights be delayed.\n  \n  All Fly & Cruise trips include a night in Punta Arenas at the start and end of the trip to minimise any risk of weather affecting your trip. If there is any issue, ground staff will keep you constantly informed of any revised plans once a suitable weather window has been identified.\n  \n  In cases of extreme weather events, extra nights of accommodation will be automatically arranged for you.\n- ### [Can I extend my time in Patagonia?](https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/cruises\/flights\/fly-cruise)\n  Absolutely! If you have time, we strongly recommend adding on a few days at either the beginning or end of your trip to explore Patagonia. Punta Arenas is the gateway to **Torres del Paine National Park**, one of the most spectacular hiking destinations in the world.\n  \n  Our sister company [Swoop Patagonia](http:\/\/www.swoop-patagonia.com\/) knows this whole region like the back of their hand: talk to us about how you'd like to extend your trip and we'll put together the perfect itinerary for you.\n\nMore about Flying to Antarctica\n\n## Price Match Promise\nWe’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip and you get these Swoop inclusions at no extra cost.\n\nReady to plan your Antarctic adventure?\n\n### 1\\. Listen\nWe'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.\n\n### 2\\. Match\nNext we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.\n\n### 3\\. Reserve\nWe'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.","meta_canonical":null}

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URL	https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/fly-cruise
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Meta Title	Fly & Cruise Expeditions to Antarctica \| Swoop Antarctica
Meta Description	Discover the benefits of a Fly & Cruise trip to find out if it's the right option for you. Well suited to anxious sailors and ‘time poor’ travellers.
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Boilerpipe Text	6 reasons to choose a Fly & Cruise trip Combine the classic Antarctic Peninsula cruise experience with the convenience of flying to Antarctica in just two short hours Skip the two day voyage to Antarctica across the Drake Passage: an ideal option for travellers short on time or who are worried about seasickness Choose from a wide selection of ships to explore Antarctica, from classic expedition cruise ships to luxury and boutique hotel-style vessels Enjoy all aspects of a traditional Antarctic cruise, including zodiac cruises , landings and adventure activities – plus lots of penguins! Travel at any time from November to late March , with Fly & Cruise trips operating across the entire Antarctic visitor season Experience the best of both worlds by taking a Fly-Sail cruise : flying to Antarctica and sailing back, or vice versa Swoop says There's a great sense of adventure arriving in Antarctica by plane: from seeing your ship from the air like a tiny bath toy, to having it loom above you on the waterline when you meet it for the first time, on your zodiac transfer across an ice-fringed bay. Marta Laver Antarctica Specialist Our most popular Fly & Cruise trips Price Match Promise - We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip Our April Featured Offers At Swoop we proudly work with every operator in the Antarctic industry. This means we can find you the latest deals and with our Price Match Promise you know you're getting the very best price. View Featured Offers Flying to Antarctica: what do I need to know? How do Antarctica Fly & Cruise trips work? Fly & Cruise trips consists of three main components: which we’ve mapped out below: Travel to the Antarctic gateway city of Punta Arenas A short two hour flight to and from Antarctica A classic Antarctic cruise of 4-6 days , with plenty of excursions to explore the White Continent 1. Arrive in Punta Arenas Most Antarctica Fly & Cruise trips depart from Punta Arenas in Chilean Patagonia, which is well served by flights from Chile's capital Santiago. A small number of Fly & Cruise trips depart from nearby Puerto Williams or Puerto Natales . On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your city centre hotel where everyone in the group will be staying. This is included in the price and ensures everyone is on site for the flight to Antarctica the next day. The evening before flying to Antarctica, you’ll meet your fellow travellers for a mandatory briefing and gear check before enjoying a first dinner together. Travellers on the Magellan Explorer and Ocean Nova ships can also enjoy exclusive access to Explorers House while in Punta Arenas. Historic waterfront in Punta Arenas 2. Fly to Antarctica Expect an early start the next morning for your flight to Antarctica. You’ll be transferred back to the airport to check in and wait for your flight to be called, though the departure time itself is weather dependent . It takes two hours to fly from Punta Arenas to the airstrip at Chile’s Eduardo Frei Station. This is on King George Island in the South Shetland Islands: part of Antarctica but 55 miles (90km) across the Bransfield Strait from the mainland continent. On arrival, an electric minibus transfers you to the beach. Here you’ll board a zodiac and transfer directly to your expedition cruise ship, ready for your Antarctic adventure to begin. Antarctic Airways flight 3. Explore Antarctica Once onboard your ship, your experience is exactly the same as if you had sailed to Antarctica, as you set off to explore the Peninsula. Typically, you’ll leave the ship twice a day on excursions led by expert polar guides. These include landing on islands and the Seventh Continent itself, visiting penguin colonies and taking zodiac cruises through iceberg-filled bays. Most ships also offer optional adventure activities such as kayaking. Expedition cruises offer a packed daily schedule tailored to ensuring you get the very most from your precious few days in Antarctica. At the end of the cruise, you'll return to King George Island for your flight back to Chile. Zodiac cruising in Antarctica Swoop says Due to the higher operating costs of running charter flights to such remote areas, Fly & Cruise trips tend to cost around 20% more than traditional sailing cruises to Antarctica. What our customers think of Fly & Cruise Antarctica Fly & Cruise Antarctica trips scored 4.5/5 from 590 reviews If you’re prone to seasickness, don’t risk it. I was ok on a cruise going through a rough storm in the North Sea so I thought I’d be fine. I loved my time with the ship’s crew and passengers while in the Peninsula, but I swear never to go through the Drake or similar again even if one pays me to do it. If I could turn back time, I’d fly the Drake. Travelled: March 2025 Maria Lucinskas - UK A very practical way to see Antarctica, avoiding sailing across the notorious Drake Passage. However, this also entailed flight delays due to bad weather. But once we boarded our ship, we saw Antarctica and its wildlife in all its glory. Read the full review Travelled: January 2025 Mehernosh Manekshaw - India 10/10 - I was reluctant to take a trip to Antarctica out of fear of crossing the Drake Passage. Once I learned that you could fly to Antarctica and start your cruise, I was hooked and it was well worth it. Read the full review Travelled: January 2025 Tom Kennedy - USA We were so pleased that we picked a long itinerary with 6 or 7 solid days touring Antarctica. I recommend flying back from Antarctica. You get the Drake Passage over with on the way there and then you don't have to think about it during your time in Antarctica. Read the full review Travelled: January 2025 Ellie Carleton - USA 10/10 - Everything was well organized and expertly implemented. The team were all friendly, knowledgeable and optimistic. Read the full review Travelled: January 2025 Mark Orgren - USA Most memorable moment? I cannot name just ONE! I'm still, just two weeks out from the trip, processing the ADVENTURE. Read the full review Travelled: December 2024 Kenneth Gay - USA It was fantastic having such a small number of guests on board as we got to know them really well by the end of the trip! Definitely new friends we will keep in touch with. Read the full review Travelled: March 2024 Alysha Vazirally - India 10/10 - You guys added a lot of value without adding to the rather large cost of this trip. From helping me decide on the right air-cruise for us to all of the advice and consultations to get fully ready for the trip. Excellent all around. Read the full review Travelled: February 2024 David DeMaria - USA 10/10 - I am prone to getting seasick so flying to the Antarctica Peninsula solved my problems. The flying also saved me 4 days of vacation days! Crossing the circle made our trip much more memorable!! Read the full review Travelled: January 2024 Janice Lo - USA 10/10 - It was amazing! I didn't want to cruise through the Drake so this was perfect for me! The staff on the boat was wonderful; they were so helpful and knowledgeable. They really made sure we had a great time and every time we had to change plans it felt like we got to see something even better. Read the full review Travelled: January 2024 Sabrina McCarthy - USA 10/10 - Small ship experience permitting a more intimate experience with the southern continent and our fellow explorers. The staff was very knowledgeable, and their enthusiasm was very contagious. Read the full review Travelled: December 2023 Stephen Rathbun - USA The vastness and wildness that is Antarctica is the only thing that can dwarf the experience and memories I hold. Read the full review Travelled: February 2023 Carolyn Ferraro - USA The golden light was breaking through the clouds and spotlighting the peaks. As the zodiac slowly navigated through the ice field our expedition guide spotted a leopard seal lackadaisically bobbing on an iceberg bed. This zodiac cruise is when it sunk in that I finally had made it to Antarctica! Read the full review Travelled: February 2023 Linda Buckley - USA The whole trip was a huge memory. Being able to go to an untouched environment and leaving it as you found it was the memory also. Seeing the many different species living and thriving together brings a smile to my face as I am writing this review. Read the full review Travelled: January 2023 Lawrence Hudson - USA Our overall experience was outstanding. We learned a lot from the interesting lectures, exploring out in the field, and getting to experience such vast beauty. Such a knowledgeable and positive team worked beautifully together and took great care of us. Read the full review Travelled: January 2023 Leah Rumbough - USA You can't put words to the feeling you get in Antarctica. Just being there is a life changing experience that one needs to have for themselves to appreciate the Antarctic. My most memorable moment was seeing all the wildlife in their natural environment and how they live. Walking so close and feeling as a part of the environment was something we just don't experience in the "real world". Read the full review Travelled: January 2023 Robert Wenze - USA The colours in icebergs, the complete lack of fear of penguins (they have to be the only animal on the planet that doesn't run and hide from humans), the active volcano, the whales and their incredible curiosity and playfulness, the moment I set foot on Antarctica it was one memorable moment after another. Read the full review Travelled: December 2022 Marg Macleod - Canada The orcas appearing during the whale talk, the baby humpback breaching off the bow of the zodiacs, the polar plunge, watching from the outriggers as the the boat cut through the ice, drinking Macallan with ice fresh from a berg, having an impromptu dance party with my husband on top of a volcanic cinder cone. It was just a super trip from beginning to end. Read the full review Travelled: January 2022 Stephanie Krolick - USA Most memorable moment: clear blue skies, zero wind, flat ocean with icebergs floating around everywhere, in a zodiac with penguins popping up all over us, and a seal belly-flopping up on an iceberg 20ft from us Read the full review Travelled: January 2022 Todd Mackey - USA The service was top-notch professional from Punta Arenas to the ship. Read the full review Travelled: February 2019 Dennis Roy - United States Of America To fly the Drake Passage gave us a particular advantage - more time where we wanted to be. Read the full review Travelled: January 2019 Alison Murdoch - United Kingdom Very closely met our expectations. Flying was the perfect option. Yes I would recommend. Travelled: February 2018 Dave & Lisa - Australia Antarctica is beautiful and amazing, and it exceeded my expectations. We flew over the Drake Passage rather than sailing it. The whole experience was wonderful. Travelled: February 2018 Linda - New York It exceeded our expectations and I would recommend it to everyone wanting to go visit Antarctica. We had a really wonderful time. So glad we flew! Travelled: December 2017 Lori - Texas 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 Planning your Fly & Cruise trip to Antarctica When to do an Antarctic Fly & Cruise trip Fly & Cruise trips operate across the entire Antarctic visitor season from November through to March . High summer in the middle of December brings nearly 24 hours of daylight . November has the most pristine snow and penguins coming ashore to mate. Penguin chicks typically arrive in Christmas – the peak season for visitors. From the new year onwards, whales are in their greatest abundance, and as the days shorten, chicks get ready to fledge and take to the sea. The shoulder season at the very beginning and end of summer has amazing sunsets and sunrises . Gentoo penguins in early season snow What to expect when flying to Antarctica While Fly & Cruise trips offer the chance to skip the Drake Passage crossing and get quickly to the Antarctic Peninsula, it's important to understand the role that Mother Nature plays in setting flight schedules. While every departure has a target flying window, weather may mean you fly earlier or later than planned. To account for this, the night in Punta Arenas is included at the start and end of every trip. It's also why it's essential you arrive early on day one. This flexible weather scheduling is central to all Fly & Cruise trips. The vast majority of flights operate according to schedule, but if an absence of exact timings doesn't sit comfortably, it's possible that sailing to Antarctica may suit you better. Boarding at King George Island Swoop says I never felt like I missed out on the two days at sea crossing the Drake Passage. In just two short hours I was breathing in the cold clean Antarctic air and ready to see my first penguin. Ian Young Antarctic Sales Manager Which Antarctic Fly & Cruise trip to choose Most Antarctica Fly & Cruise trips fly in both directions, but it's also possible to take a Fly-Sail cruises , flying one way and sailing the other. Unlike Fly & Cruise trips that are tied to the airport on King George Island, Fly-Sail trips can cover a wider range of destinations, including South Georgia , the Weddell Sea and the Antarctic Circle . It's worth noting that Fly-Sail cruises start and finish in different locations: Punta Arenas in Chile for flying to/from Antarctica and Ushuaia in Argentina for sailing to/from Antarctica. Walking to a viewpoint on the Antarctic Peninsula Antarctic Fly & Cruise planes The standard plane used for the charter flights between Punta Arenas (or Puerto Natales) and King George Island is a British-designed BAE146 which has capacity for up to 80 people in a 3+3 seating configuration. These planes are more workhorse than luxury, but are more than comfortable for the short two hour flight to the White Continent. The four turbofan engine configuration of the BAE146 provides important redundancy and superior takeoff performance for short runways, while its wide wheel base and strengthened undercarriage ensures stability landing on the non-tarmac landing strip on King George Island. BAE146 at King George Island Swoop says Fly & Cruise trips have been operating to the Antarctic Peninsula since 2002. Despite the challenges of sometimes unpredictable weather, the long polar experience of the airplane and ground crews means than more than 80% of flights operate completely on schedule. Antarctic Fly & Cruise trips: FAQs How far in advance should you book an Antarctic Fly & Cruise trip? We recommend booking your Antarctic trip at least 12 months in advance of travel to be confident of securing your first choice of ship, voyage date and cabin. Limited capacity in the polar fleet means that cabins and ships often become booked far in advance, especially for travel around peak season dates , including Christmas, New Year and school holidays. Although late availability deals can sometimes be had, to guarantee your preferred ship and travel dates, booking early is always the best option. Swoop is happy to provisionally hold a cabin on your behalf for a few days while you make your final planning decisions. How do I get to Punta Arenas? Punta Arenas (airport code PUQ) is a 3½ hour flight from Chile’s capital Santiago (airport code SCL). There are multiple daily direct flights between the two with either LATAM or Sky Airlines . Some luxury Fly & Cruise trips include these flights, to look after you from the moment you arrive in Chile. Flying into Punta Arenas, try to sit on the left if you can for wonderful views of the Andes as you fly parallel to the Andes mountains. Santiago is well-connected internationally. There are direct flights from US hub airports including New York , Los Angeles , Miami , Dallas and Atlanta , as well as Toronto in Canada. From the UK, there are direct flights between London and Santiago, while Madrid and Paris are good European hubs. From Australia and New Zealand, you can fly direct to Santiago from Sydney and Auckland . What is the baggage allowance on flights to Antarctica? Unlike expedition cruise ships , there is a strict baggage allowance for flights to Antarctica. While this varies according to the exact trip, this is typically between 15-20 kg (33-44 pounds). This is typically less than the allowances for international flights, so it's important to pack accordingly. Weight limits on flights to Antarctica are strictly enforced for safety reasons. Can I guarantee a window seat on the flight to Antarctica? Unfortunately it's not possible to pre-book a window seat on the flight to Antarctica. Is food and drink served on the flight to Antarctica? Yes. Although the flight is only two hours, you'll be given a simple box lunch to enjoy. Drinks are available on the flight, from tea and coffee to Chilean wine and beer. What are the contingency plans if the Antarctic flight is delayed due to bad weather? More than 80% of flights to Antarctica operate to their planned schedule, but Fly & Cruise operators are experts at dealing with the polar weather, and have well-honed contingency plans should any flights be delayed. All Fly & Cruise trips include a night in Punta Arenas at the start and end of the trip to minimise any risk of weather affecting your trip. If there is any issue, ground staff will keep you constantly informed of any revised plans once a suitable weather window has been identified. In cases of extreme weather events, extra nights of accommodation will be automatically arranged for you. Can I extend my time in Patagonia? Absolutely! If you have time, we strongly recommend adding on a few days at either the beginning or end of your trip to explore Patagonia. Punta Arenas is the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park , one of the most spectacular hiking destinations in the world. Our sister company Swoop Patagonia knows this whole region like the back of their hand: talk to us about how you'd like to extend your trip and we'll put together the perfect itinerary for you. More about Flying to Antarctica Price Match Promise We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip and you get these Swoop inclusions at no extra cost. Ready 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.
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Skipping the long sea crossing makes this the perfect option for anyone tight on time or is an anxious sailor. [View Voyages](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/fly-cruise#our-most-popular-fly--cruise-trips) [Why Book Swoop](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/fly-cruise#Why-Book-Swoop) [Read our Guide](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/fly-cruise#Read-our-Guide) ## 6 reasons to choose a Fly & Cruise trip - Combine the classic Antarctic Peninsula cruise experience with the convenience of flying to Antarctica in just two short hours - Skip the two day voyage to Antarctica across the Drake Passage: an ideal option for travellers short on time or who are worried about seasickness - Choose from a wide selection of ships to explore Antarctica, from classic expedition cruise ships to luxury and boutique hotel-style vessels - Enjoy all aspects of a traditional Antarctic cruise, including zodiac cruises, landings and adventure activities – plus lots of penguins\! - Travel at any time from November to late March, with Fly & Cruise trips operating across the entire Antarctic visitor season - Experience the best of both worlds by taking a Fly-Sail cruise: flying to Antarctica and sailing back, or vice versa ## Swoop says ![Swoop Says background image](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/fancy_images/swoop-says-bg-ant.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint) [![Swoop Antarctica Expert Marta](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/fancy_images/marta.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint)](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/about-us/marta) > There's a great sense of adventure arriving in Antarctica by plane: from seeing your ship from the air like a tiny bath toy, to having it loom above you on the waterline when you meet it for the first time, on your zodiac transfer across an ice-fringed bay. > > Marta Laver Antarctica Specialist ![Flights to King George Island in Antarctica](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/SW_3_ALEX-MUDD_PLANETAKEOFF.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=480&q=40) Taking off from King George Island, Antarctica ![Boarding Antarctic Airways flight from Punta Arenas to King Georgia Island in Antarctica](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/AM_3_SW_ALL_boarding_antarctica-airways-punta-arenas.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=480&q=40) Fly from Punta Arenas in Chile to Antarctica ![View of Antarctica flying into King George Island](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/SWO_3_ALL_MartaLaver-king-george-island-view-fly-cruise.JPG?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=480&q=40) View of Antarctica flying into King George Island ![Antarctic sign at the airport on King George Island, for fly & cruise trips](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/SWO_3_ALL_MartaLaver-King-george-island-airport-gallery.JPG?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=480&q=40) Welcome to King George Island, Antarctica ![Zodiac transfer to your expedition ship at King George Island during a Fly & Cruise trip](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/SWO_3_ALL_AliciaRoitman-King-george-island-zodiac-transfer.jpeg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=480&q=40) Zodiac transfer to your expedition ship at King George Island ![Bow view from the NG Explorer expedition cruise ship sailing through the Antarctic ice](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/SWO_4_ALL_MartaLaver-ng-explorer-bow-ice-cruise.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=480&q=40) Sail the Antarctic Peninsula on your chosen ship ![Zodiac of tourists in Antarctica watching a seal on an ice floe](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/SWO_5_ALL_BurnhamArlidge-zodiac-austral-seal-gallery.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=480&q=40) Wildlife watching among the ice ![Gentoo penguins on Petermann Island on the Antarctic Peninsula](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/SWO_4_ALL_DanielBrooks_gentoo-penguins-petermann-gallery.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=480&q=40) Gentoo penguins on the Antarctic Peninsula ## Our most popular Fly & Cruise trips Price Match Promise - We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip Cruise Only ![Original Fly & Cruise Luxury Adventure](https://swoop-antarctica.imgix.net/AXXI_3_AXXI_RTD_gentoo-family-e.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=400&h=300&q=60?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40) [Original Fly & Cruise Luxury Adventure](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/luxury-adventure) 8 Days Antarctic Peninsula 4\.7 out of 5 Comfort & Adventure Magellan Explorer 76 From£12,066 [Discover More](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/luxury-adventure) Cruise Only ![Ultimate Luxury Antarctic Fly & Cruise](https://swoop-antarctica.imgix.net/SWO_4_ALEXM_ALL_KAYAKING-S-ENDEAVOUR.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=400&h=300&q=60?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40) [Ultimate Luxury Antarctic Fly & Cruise](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/ultimate-luxury) 10 Days Antarctic Peninsula 4\.6 out of 5 Luxury Silver Endeavour 220 From£13,600 [Discover More](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/ultimate-luxury) Cruise Only ![Antarctic Fly & Cruise Safari](https://swoop-antarctica.imgix.net/SHU_4_SHU_ALL_Gentoo_penguins_Antarctica-e2.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=400&h=300&q=60?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40) [Antarctic Fly & Cruise Safari](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/safari) 8 Days Antarctic Peninsula 4\.6 out of 5 Comfort & Adventure Ocean Explorer 138 From£15,612£12,489 [Discover More](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/safari) Cruise Only ![66 Degrees South Fly Cruise](https://swoop-antarctica.imgix.net/AXXI_3_Nicolas-Gildemeister_RTD_yawning-seal-e.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=400&h=300&q=60?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40) [66 Degrees South Fly Cruise](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/66-degrees-south) 10 Days Antarctica South of the Polar Circle 4\.7 out of 5 Comfort & Adventure Magellan Explorer 76 From£18,855 [Discover More](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/66-degrees-south) Cruise Only ![Antarctic Fly & Sail Combination](https://swoop-antarctica.imgix.net/AUR_4_Susan-Portnoy_RTD_Chinstraps-Zodiac.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=400&h=300&q=60?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40) [Antarctic Fly & Sail Combination](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/peninsula/wild) 12 Days Antarctic Peninsula 4\.3 out of 5 Comfort & Adventure Sylvia Earle 130 From£8,822 [Discover More](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/peninsula/wild) Cruise Only ![Fly & Cruise the Antarctic Peninsula](https://swoop-antarctica.imgix.net/AUR_4_Scott-Portelli_RTD_Greg-Mortimer-hydraulic-vieweing-platform.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=400&h=300&q=60?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40) [Fly & Cruise the Antarctic Peninsula](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/fly-fly) 10 Days Antarctic Peninsula 4\.4 out of 5 Comfort & Adventure Greg Mortimer 130 From£16,064£13,655 [Discover More](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/fly-fly) Cruise Only ![Luxury South Georgia & Antarctica Fly & Cruise](https://swoop-antarctica.imgix.net/SSEA_3_SSEA_RTD_S-ENDEAVOUR-exterior1.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=400&h=300&q=60?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40) [Luxury South Georgia & Antarctica Fly & Cruise](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/south-georgia/luxury-fly) 17 Days Falklands South Georgia Antarctic Peninsula 4\.5 out of 5 Luxury Silver Endeavour 220 From£16,822 [Discover More](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/south-georgia/luxury-fly) Cruise Only ![Antarctic Express Fly & Cruise](https://swoop-antarctica.imgix.net/LIN_5_RalphLeeHopkins_Humpback-Whale-Fluke-Paradise-Harbour.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=400&h=300&q=60?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40) [Antarctic Express Fly & Cruise](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/express-fly) 8 Days Antarctic Peninsula 4\.5 out of 5 Comfort & Adventure National Geographic Explorer 148 From£9,513 [Discover More](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/express-fly) Cruise Only ![Antarctic Express Sail & Fly](https://swoop-antarctica.imgix.net/LIN_5_RalphLeeHopkins_RTD_Neko-Harbour_Zodiac-Cruise-1.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=400&h=300&q=60?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40) [Antarctic Express Sail & Fly](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/express-sail) 10 Days Antarctic Peninsula 4\.4 out of 5 Comfort & Adventure National Geographic Explorer 148 From£9,740 [Discover More](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/express-sail) Cruise Only ![Fly & Sail Antarctica in Style](https://swoop-antarctica.imgix.net/QUA_5_AcaciaJohnson_RTD_zodiac-cruise-leopard-seal-petermann-island.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=400&h=300&q=60?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40) [Fly & Sail Antarctica in Style](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/style-fly) 9 or 10 Day Antarctic Peninsula 4\.6 out of 5 Comfort & Adventure Ocean Explorer 138 From£10,931£9,883 [Discover More](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/style-fly) Cruise Only ![Sail & Fly Antarctica in Style](https://swoop-antarctica.imgix.net/QUA_5_AcaciaJohnson_RTD_passangers-hiking-orne-harbour.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=400&h=300&q=60?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40) [Sail & Fly Antarctica in Style](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/style-sail) 10 Days Antarctic Peninsula 4\.5 out of 5 Comfort & Adventure Ocean Explorer 138 From£12,820£11,539 [Discover More](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/style-sail) Cruise Only ![Antarctic Fly & Cruise In-Depth](https://swoop-antarctica.imgix.net/LIN_5_RalphLeeHopkins_RTD_Paradise-Harbour-Antarctica.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=400&h=300&q=60?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40) [Antarctic Fly & Cruise In-Depth](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/in-depth) 9 or 10 Day Antarctic Peninsula 4\.5 out of 5 Comfort & Adventure National Geographic Orion 102 From£10,637 [Discover More](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/in-depth) Cruise Only ![Antarctic Peninsula Fly & Sail Photo Safari](https://swoop-antarctica.imgix.net/SWO_4_RebeccaPorritt_ALL_Photographing-ice-Portal-Point-Sylvia-Earle.JPG?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=400&h=300&q=60?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40) [Antarctic Peninsula Fly & Sail Photo Safari](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/peninsula/photo-safari) 12 Days Antarctic Peninsula Comfort & Adventure Sylvia Earle 130 From£12,670£10,769 [Discover More](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/peninsula/photo-safari) Antarctica & South America ![](https://swoop-antarctica.imgix.net/SWO_3_SWO_Ian_ALL_San-Cristobal-cable-car-Santiago.JPG?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40) ![](https://swoop-antarctica.imgix.net/SHU_4_SHU_ALL_Gentoo_penguins_Antarctica-e2.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40) ![](https://swoop-antarctica.imgix.net/SB_3_SB_RTD_Clos-Apalta-pool.JPG?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40) [Express Antarctica & Vineyard Stay](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/tours/express-vineyard) - 11 Days - Ocean Explorer - Comfort & Adventure - 138 - Santiago2 Days - Peninsula8 Days - Santiago3 Days From £15,053 [Discover More](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/tours/express-vineyard) Antarctica & South America ![](https://swoop-antarctica.imgix.net/SWO_4_ALL_EmmaCarlton-bike-tour-buenos-aires.JPG?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40) ![](https://swoop-antarctica.imgix.net/LIN_5_RalphLeeHopkins_RTD_Neko-Harbour_Zodiac-Cruise-1.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40) ![](https://swoop-antarctica.imgix.net/SWO_3_SWO_Ian_ALL_San-Cristobal-cable-car-Santiago.JPG?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40) ![](https://swoop-antarctica.imgix.net/SB_3_SB_RTD_Clos-Apalta-pool.JPG?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40) [Antarctica & Capital Cities Explorer](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/tours/sail-fly-explorer) - 16 Days - National Geographic Explorer - Comfort & Adventure - 148 - Buenos Aires3 Days - Peninsula10 Days - Santiago3 Days - Santiago3 Days From £11,960 [Discover More](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/tours/sail-fly-explorer) Cruise Only ![Antarctic Express Fly & Sail](https://swoop-antarctica.imgix.net/leopard_seal_waiting_for_penguins_jougla_point_daniel_seaventure_december_2022-3.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&w=400&h=300&q=60?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40) [Antarctic Express Fly & Sail](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/express-fly-sail) 10 Days Antarctic Peninsula Comfort & Adventure National Geographic Explorer 148 From£9,740 [Discover More](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/express-fly-sail) [View all our Antarctic Cruises](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/all-cruises) ## Our April Featured Offers At Swoop we proudly work with every operator in the Antarctic industry. This means we can find you the latest deals and with our Price Match Promise you know you're getting the very best price. [View Featured Offers](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/all-cruises/featured-offers) ![](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/GAD_3_Daniel-Sendecki_RTD_VerdnadskyIcebergBird.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40) ## Flying to Antarctica: what do I need to know? ![Logo](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/SWO_5_ILL_ALL_Flying_To_Antarctica_THUMBNAIL.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=0&h=350&q=40) View Guide ## How do Antarctica Fly & Cruise trips work? Fly & Cruise trips consists of three main components: which we’ve mapped out below: - Travel to the Antarctic gateway city of Punta Arenas - A short two hour flight to and from Antarctica - A classic Antarctic cruise of 4-6 days, with plenty of excursions to explore the White Continent ### 1\. Arrive in Punta Arenas Most Antarctica Fly & Cruise trips depart from Punta Arenas in Chilean Patagonia, which is well served by flights from Chile's capital Santiago. A small number of Fly & Cruise trips depart from nearby [Puerto Williams](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/extensions/puerto-williams) or Puerto Natales. On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your city centre hotel where everyone in the group will be staying. This is included in the price and ensures everyone is on site for the flight to Antarctica the next day. The evening before flying to Antarctica, you’ll meet your fellow travellers for a mandatory briefing and gear check before enjoying a first dinner together. Travellers on the [Magellan Explorer](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/ships/magellan-explorer) and [Ocean Nova](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/ships/ocean-nova) ships can also enjoy exclusive access to [Explorers House](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/explorers-house) while in Punta Arenas. ![Punta Arenas waterfront with Shackleton Pardo Yelcho monument](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/SWO_4_ALL_LizzieWilliams-Yelcho-Pardo-Punta-Arenas.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=0&h=288&q=60) Historic waterfront in Punta Arenas ### 2\. Fly to Antarctica Expect an early start the next morning for your flight to Antarctica. You’ll be transferred back to the airport to check in and wait for your flight to be called, though the departure time itself is weather dependent. It takes two hours to fly from Punta Arenas to the airstrip at Chile’s Eduardo Frei Station. This is on King George Island in the South Shetland Islands: part of Antarctica but 55 miles (90km) across the Bransfield Strait from the mainland continent. On arrival, an electric minibus transfers you to the beach. Here you’ll board a zodiac and transfer directly to your expedition cruise ship, ready for your Antarctic adventure to begin. ![Fly & Cruise Antarctica](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/SWO_3_ALL-MartaLaver-antarctica-airways-puerto-natales-island.JPG?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=0&h=288&q=60) Antarctic Airways flight ### 3\. Explore Antarctica Once onboard your ship, your experience is exactly the same as if you had sailed to Antarctica, as you set off to explore the Peninsula. Typically, you’ll leave the ship twice a day on excursions led by expert polar guides. These include landing on islands and the Seventh Continent itself, visiting penguin colonies and taking zodiac cruises through iceberg-filled bays. Most ships also offer [optional adventure activities](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/adventures) such as kayaking. Expedition cruises offer a packed daily schedule tailored to ensuring you get the very most from your precious few days in Antarctica. At the end of the cruise, you'll return to King George Island for your flight back to Chile. ![Fly & Cruise Antarctica](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/SWO_5_ALL_DanielBrooks-Zodiac-cruise-recess-cover-Sylvia-Earle.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=0&h=288&q=60) Zodiac cruising in Antarctica ![Swoop Says background image](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/swoop-bg-contour-map.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=720&h=0&q=10) ## Swoop says Due to the higher operating costs of running charter flights to such remote areas, Fly & Cruise trips tend to cost around 20% more than traditional sailing cruises to Antarctica. ## What our customers think of Fly & Cruise Antarctica Fly & Cruise Antarctica trips scored 4.5/5 from 590 reviews > If you’re prone to seasickness, don’t risk it. I was ok on a cruise going through a rough storm in the North Sea so I thought I’d be fine. I loved my time with the ship’s crew and passengers while in the Peninsula, but I swear never to go through the Drake or similar again even if one pays me to do it. If I could turn back time, I’d fly the Drake. > > Travelled: March 2025 Maria Lucinskas - UK > A very practical way to see Antarctica, avoiding sailing across the notorious Drake Passage. However, this also entailed flight delays due to bad weather. But once we boarded our ship, we saw Antarctica and its wildlife in all its glory. [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/55219/40949) > > Travelled: January 2025 Mehernosh Manekshaw - India > 10/10 - I was reluctant to take a trip to Antarctica out of fear of crossing the Drake Passage. Once I learned that you could fly to Antarctica and start your cruise, I was hooked and it was well worth it. [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/46401/38498) > > Travelled: January 2025 Tom Kennedy - USA > We were so pleased that we picked a long itinerary with 6 or 7 solid days touring Antarctica. I recommend flying back from Antarctica. You get the Drake Passage over with on the way there and then you don't have to think about it during your time in Antarctica. [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/41273/33827) > > Travelled: January 2025 Ellie Carleton - USA > 10/10 - Everything was well organized and expertly implemented. The team were all friendly, knowledgeable and optimistic. [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/53470/38965) > > Travelled: January 2025 Mark Orgren - USA > Most memorable moment? I cannot name just ONE! I'm still, just two weeks out from the trip, processing the ADVENTURE. [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/56059/41830) > > Travelled: December 2024 Kenneth Gay - USA > It was fantastic having such a small number of guests on board as we got to know them really well by the end of the trip! Definitely new friends we will keep in touch with. [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/42181/34802) > > Travelled: March 2024 Alysha Vazirally - India > 10/10 - You guys added a lot of value without adding to the rather large cost of this trip. From helping me decide on the right air-cruise for us to all of the advice and consultations to get fully ready for the trip. Excellent all around. [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/35755/28671) > > Travelled: February 2024 David DeMaria - USA > 10/10 - I am prone to getting seasick so flying to the Antarctica Peninsula solved my problems. The flying also saved me 4 days of vacation days! Crossing the circle made our trip much more memorable!! [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/43007/35480) > > Travelled: January 2024 Janice Lo - USA > 10/10 - It was amazing! I didn't want to cruise through the Drake so this was perfect for me! The staff on the boat was wonderful; they were so helpful and knowledgeable. They really made sure we had a great time and every time we had to change plans it felt like we got to see something even better. [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/40689/33232) > > Travelled: January 2024 Sabrina McCarthy - USA > 10/10 - Small ship experience permitting a more intimate experience with the southern continent and our fellow explorers. The staff was very knowledgeable, and their enthusiasm was very contagious. [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/40154/32701) > > Travelled: December 2023 Stephen Rathbun - USA > The vastness and wildness that is Antarctica is the only thing that can dwarf the experience and memories I hold. [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/32034/26068) > > Travelled: February 2023 Carolyn Ferraro - USA > The golden light was breaking through the clouds and spotlighting the peaks. As the zodiac slowly navigated through the ice field our expedition guide spotted a leopard seal lackadaisically bobbing on an iceberg bed. This zodiac cruise is when it sunk in that I finally had made it to Antarctica! [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/38125/30787) > > Travelled: February 2023 Linda Buckley - USA > The whole trip was a huge memory. Being able to go to an untouched environment and leaving it as you found it was the memory also. Seeing the many different species living and thriving together brings a smile to my face as I am writing this review. [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/34837/27915) > > Travelled: January 2023 Lawrence Hudson - USA > Our overall experience was outstanding. We learned a lot from the interesting lectures, exploring out in the field, and getting to experience such vast beauty. Such a knowledgeable and positive team worked beautifully together and took great care of us. [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/33309/27298) > > Travelled: January 2023 Leah Rumbough - USA > You can't put words to the feeling you get in Antarctica. Just being there is a life changing experience that one needs to have for themselves to appreciate the Antarctic. My most memorable moment was seeing all the wildlife in their natural environment and how they live. Walking so close and feeling as a part of the environment was something we just don't experience in the "real world". [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/19934/16555) > > Travelled: January 2023 Robert Wenze - USA > The colours in icebergs, the complete lack of fear of penguins (they have to be the only animal on the planet that doesn't run and hide from humans), the active volcano, the whales and their incredible curiosity and playfulness, the moment I set foot on Antarctica it was one memorable moment after another. [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/35391/28335) > > Travelled: December 2022 Marg Macleod - Canada > The orcas appearing during the whale talk, the baby humpback breaching off the bow of the zodiacs, the polar plunge, watching from the outriggers as the the boat cut through the ice, drinking Macallan with ice fresh from a berg, having an impromptu dance party with my husband on top of a volcanic cinder cone. It was just a super trip from beginning to end. [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/29793/24346) > > Travelled: January 2022 Stephanie Krolick - USA > Most memorable moment: clear blue skies, zero wind, flat ocean with icebergs floating around everywhere, in a zodiac with penguins popping up all over us, and a seal belly-flopping up on an iceberg 20ft from us [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/29098/23829) > > Travelled: January 2022 Todd Mackey - USA > The service was top-notch professional from Punta Arenas to the ship. [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/3711/3967) > > Travelled: February 2019 Dennis Roy - United States Of America > To fly the Drake Passage gave us a particular advantage - more time where we wanted to be. [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/6088/8396) > > Travelled: January 2019 Alison Murdoch - United Kingdom > Very closely met our expectations. Flying was the perfect option. Yes I would recommend. > > Travelled: February 2018 Dave & Lisa - Australia > Antarctica is beautiful and amazing, and it exceeded my expectations. We flew over the Drake Passage rather than sailing it. The whole experience was wonderful. > > Travelled: February 2018 Linda - New York ![Customer Image](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/CUS_4_CUS_FEED_Lori-Thomas-Patterson.jpeg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=80&h=80&q=30) > It exceeded our expectations and I would recommend it to everyone wanting to go visit Antarctica. We had a really wonderful time. So glad we flew\! > > Travelled: December 2017 Lori - Texas ![Customer Image](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/SHU_4_SHU_ALL_Gentoo_penguins_Antarctica10.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=80&h=80&q=30) > 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 [Read all Customer Reviews](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews) ## Planning your Fly & Cruise trip to Antarctica ### When to do an Antarctic Fly & Cruise trip Fly & Cruise trips operate across the entire Antarctic visitor season from November through to March. High summer in the middle of December brings nearly 24 hours of daylight. November has the most pristine snow and penguins coming ashore to mate. Penguin chicks typically arrive in Christmas – the peak season for visitors. From the new year onwards, whales are in their greatest abundance, and as the days shorten, chicks get ready to fledge and take to the sea. The shoulder season at the very beginning and end of summer has amazing sunsets and sunrises. [When to go to Antarctica](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/visit) ![A line of gentoo penguins in the snow in Antarctica](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/SWO_4_ALL_Grantdullage-gentoo-penguins.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=0&h=288&q=60) Gentoo penguins in early season snow ### What to expect when flying to Antarctica While Fly & Cruise trips offer the chance to skip the Drake Passage crossing and get quickly to the Antarctic Peninsula, it's important to understand the role that Mother Nature plays in setting flight schedules. While every departure has a target flying window, weather may mean you fly earlier or later than planned. To account for this, the night in Punta Arenas is included at the start and end of every trip. It's also why it's essential you arrive early on day one. This flexible weather scheduling is central to all Fly & Cruise trips. The vast majority of flights operate according to schedule, but if an absence of exact timings doesn't sit comfortably, it's possible that sailing to Antarctica may suit you better. ![Fly & Cruise Antarctica](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/SWO_4_AlexMudd-boarding-king-george-island-fly-cruise.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=0&h=288&q=60) Boarding at King George Island ## Swoop says ![Swoop Says background image](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/fancy_images/swoop-says-bg-ant.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint) [![Swoop Antarctica Expert Ian](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/fancy_images/ian.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint)](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/about-us/ian) > I never felt like I missed out on the two days at sea crossing the Drake Passage. In just two short hours I was breathing in the cold clean Antarctic air and ready to see my first penguin. > > Ian Young Antarctic Sales Manager ### Which Antarctic Fly & Cruise trip to choose Most Antarctica Fly & Cruise trips fly in both directions, but it's also possible to take a Fly-Sail cruises, flying one way and sailing the other. Unlike Fly & Cruise trips that are tied to the airport on King George Island, Fly-Sail trips can cover a wider range of destinations, including South Georgia, the Weddell Sea and the Antarctic Circle. It's worth noting that Fly-Sail cruises start and finish in different locations: Punta Arenas in Chile for flying to/from Antarctica and Ushuaia in Argentina for sailing to/from Antarctica. [Discover more about Fly-Sail cruises](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/one-way) ![Walking to a viewpoint on the Antarctic Peninsula above Silver Endeavour luxury cruise ship](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/SWO_4_ALL_IanYoung-walking-snow-silver-endeavour.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=0&h=288&q=60) Walking to a viewpoint on the Antarctic Peninsula ### Antarctic Fly & Cruise planes The standard plane used for the charter flights between Punta Arenas (or Puerto Natales) and King George Island is a British-designed BAE146 which has capacity for up to 80 people in a 3+3 seating configuration. These planes are more workhorse than luxury, but are more than comfortable for the short two hour flight to the White Continent. The four turbofan engine configuration of the BAE146 provides important redundancy and superior takeoff performance for short runways, while its wide wheel base and strengthened undercarriage ensures stability landing on the non-tarmac landing strip on King George Island. ![Boarding BAE146 plane for Antarctic Airways flight from King George Island to Punta Arena](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/SWO_4_ALL-BenWard-BAE146-fly-cruise-king-george-boarding.jpeg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=0&h=288&q=60) BAE146 at King George Island ![Swoop Says background image](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/swoop-bg-contour-map.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=720&h=0&q=10) ## Swoop says Fly & Cruise trips have been operating to the Antarctic Peninsula since 2002. Despite the challenges of sometimes unpredictable weather, the long polar experience of the airplane and ground crews means than more than 80% of flights operate completely on schedule. ## 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. [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](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/solos) [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](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises) [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](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/groups) [Large Groups We are experienced charter consultants that can build tailored experiences for both part and full charters of vessels. Discover More](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/groups#private-charters) ## Antarctica Fly & Cruise ships [![Magellan Explorer Ship](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/AXXI_4_AXXI_RTD_MAGELLAN-EXTERIOR3.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=580&h=300) Magellan Explorer](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/ships/magellan-explorer) Specifically built for Antarctic fly-cruise operations, the Magellan Explorer carries a maximum of 76 guests. Many of the spacious suites have outside balconies. [Discover More](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/ships/magellan-explorer) [![Sylvia Earle, Antarctic vessel](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/AUR_3_SWOOP_RTD_S-EARLE-EXTERIOR1-JAN23.JPG?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=580&h=300) Sylvia Earle](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/ships/sylvia-earle) Launched in Autumn 2022, this state-of-the-art ship honours the highly accomplished marine biologist and oceanographer, Sylvia Earle. [Discover More](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/ships/sylvia-earle) [![The Silver Endeavour cruise ship surrounded by Antarctic ice](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/SSEA_5_SSEA_RTD_Silver-Endeavour.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=580&h=300) Silver Endeavour](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/ships/silver-endeavour) With luxury, comfort and exceptional service as the foundations of its onboard experience, Silver Endeavour is one of the most expensive expedition ships ever built. [Discover More](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/ships/silver-endeavour) [![The Antarctic ship the Ocean Explorer and two large icebergs ](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/QUA_5_QUA_RTD_Ocean-Explorer-Exterior-1.JPG?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=580&h=300) Ocean Explorer](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/ships/ocean-explorer) Custom-engineered for polar voyages, this sleek 138 passenger ship benefits from cutting edge design and advanced nautical technology. [Discover More](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/ships/ocean-explorer) ## Antarctic Fly & Cruise trips: FAQs - ### [How far in advance should you book an Antarctic Fly & Cruise trip?](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/fly-cruise) We recommend booking your Antarctic trip at least 12 months in advance of travel to be confident of securing your first choice of ship, voyage date and cabin. Limited capacity in the polar fleet means that cabins and ships often become booked far in advance, especially for travel around peak season dates, including Christmas, New Year and school holidays. Although late availability deals can sometimes be had, to guarantee your preferred ship and travel dates, booking early is always the best option. Swoop is happy to provisionally hold a cabin on your behalf for a few days while you make your final planning decisions. - ### [How do I get to Punta Arenas?](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/fly-cruise) Punta Arenas (airport code PUQ) is a 3½ hour flight from Chile’s capital Santiago (airport code SCL). There are multiple daily direct flights between the two with either LATAM or Sky Airlines. Some luxury Fly & Cruise trips include these flights, to look after you from the moment you arrive in Chile. Flying into Punta Arenas, try to sit on the left if you can for wonderful views of the Andes as you fly parallel to the Andes mountains. Santiago is well-connected internationally. There are direct flights from US hub airports including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas and Atlanta, as well as Toronto in Canada. From the UK, there are direct flights between London and Santiago, while Madrid and Paris are good European hubs. From Australia and New Zealand, you can fly direct to Santiago from Sydney and Auckland. - ### [What is the baggage allowance on flights to Antarctica?](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/fly-cruise) Unlike expedition cruise ships , there is a strict baggage allowance for flights to Antarctica. While this varies according to the exact trip, this is typically between 15-20 kg (33-44 pounds). This is typically less than the allowances for international flights, so it's important to pack accordingly. Weight limits on flights to Antarctica are strictly enforced for safety reasons. - ### [Can I guarantee a window seat on the flight to Antarctica?](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/fly-cruise) Unfortunately it's not possible to pre-book a window seat on the flight to Antarctica. - ### [Is food and drink served on the flight to Antarctica?](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/fly-cruise) Yes. Although the flight is only two hours, you'll be given a simple box lunch to enjoy. Drinks are available on the flight, from tea and coffee to Chilean wine and beer. - ### [What are the contingency plans if the Antarctic flight is delayed due to bad weather?](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/fly-cruise) More than 80% of flights to Antarctica operate to their planned schedule, but Fly & Cruise operators are experts at dealing with the polar weather, and have well-honed contingency plans should any flights be delayed. All Fly & Cruise trips include a night in Punta Arenas at the start and end of the trip to minimise any risk of weather affecting your trip. If there is any issue, ground staff will keep you constantly informed of any revised plans once a suitable weather window has been identified. In cases of extreme weather events, extra nights of accommodation will be automatically arranged for you. - ### [Can I extend my time in Patagonia?](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/fly-cruise) Absolutely! If you have time, we strongly recommend adding on a few days at either the beginning or end of your trip to explore Patagonia. Punta Arenas is the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most spectacular hiking destinations in the world. Our sister company [Swoop Patagonia](http://www.swoop-patagonia.com/) knows this whole region like the back of their hand: talk to us about how you'd like to extend your trip and we'll put together the perfect itinerary for you. ## More about Flying to Antarctica [Flights to Antarctica ![Flights to Antarctica](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/SW_3_Loli_Figueroa_ALL_airplane_Antarctica-e2.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=580&h=300)](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights) Around 1 in 12 visitors to Antarctica arrive by air – this our guide on everything you need to know about flying to the White Continent. [Discover More](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights) [Fly To Antarctica & Cruise Back ![Fly To Antarctica & Cruise Back](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/SHU_3_SHU_ALL_Bow_Blue_Sea.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=580&h=300)](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/one-way) 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 More](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/one-way) [South Pole & Antarctic Interior expeditions ![Two tourists at the South Pole](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/WD_4_RTDWhiteDesert-south-pole-tourists-thumbnail.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=580&h=300)](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/adventures/south-pole) 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 More](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/adventures/south-pole) ## Price Match Promise We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip and you get these Swoop inclusions at no extra cost. ### B Corp certified We care deeply about protecting Antarctica, that’s why 1% of our revenue goes to conservation. ![B Corp certified](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/logos/swoop-industry-logo-bcrop-white.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint) ![National Geographic Orion](https://swoop-patagonia.imgix.net/SWO_4_Sydney_ALL_Antarctica-Zodiac.JPG?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=600&h=400&q=40)![Ocean Explorer](https://swoop-patagonia.imgix.net/LIN_5_RalphLeeHopkins_RTD_Chinstrap-penguins-splash-surf-South-Orkney-Islands.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=600&h=400&q=40) ### Impartial advice at no extra cost Expert advice on over 1500 voyages to help you discover your perfect trip - and we don’t charge a fee. ![Fortuna Bay](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/PL_5_PL_RTD_South_Georgia-Fortuna-Bay-Guests-Overlook.jpg??auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=600&h=400&q=40)![Ocean Explorer](https://swoop-antarctica.imgix.net/AUR_5_PiaHarboure_RTD_Kayaking-Wilhelmina-Bay-Antarctica.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=600&h=400&q=40) ### Market-leading expertise Harness our 400,000 hours of Antarctic experience. There’s no question we can’t answer. ![Ocean Explorer](https://swoop-antarctica.imgix.net/HUR_5_EspenMills_RTD_Exploring-Antarctica-Zodiac.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=600&h=400&q=40)![Antarctic Vessel](https://swoop-antarctica.imgix.net/1880x700/AUR_4_LinaStock_RTD_Snorkelling_Antarctica_e.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=600&h=400&q=40) ### A full concierge service Access our exclusive pre-travel webinars — one of the many ways we make sure you’re Antarctica’s best-prepared travellers. ![Ocean Explorer](https://swoop-antarctica.imgix.net/PON_5_PON_RTD_Hiking-Antarctica-Weddell-Sea.JPEG?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=600&h=400&q=40)![Mountaineering](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/OCE_3_Massimo-Candolini_RTD_Mountaineering-Basecamp-Antarctica-e.jpeg??auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=600&h=400&q=40) Impartial advice at no extra cost Market-leading expertise A full concierge service ## Ready 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. [Request a Quote](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/quote) [![Swoop Antarctica BCrop Badge](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/logos/swoop-industry-logo-bcrop-white.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint)](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/b-corp) ![Swoop Antarctica ATOL Badge](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/logos/swoop-industry-logo-atol-white.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint) [![Swoop Antarctica ABTOT Badge](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/logos/swoop-industry-logo-ABTOT-white.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint)](https://www.abtot.com/abtot-members-directory/?gv_search=5516&mode=any) [![Swoop Antarctica IAATO Badge](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/logos/swoop-industry-logo-iaato-white.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint)](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/travel/iah-32%20ato) [![Swoop Antarctica LATA Badge](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/swoop-industry-logo-lata-white.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint)](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/about-us#swoop-and-lata) ![Swoop Antarctica ATTA Badge](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/logos/swoop-industry-logo-atta-white.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint) ![ECN award Logo](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/footer/ECN_Awards.svg) Best Expedition Cruise Tour Operator of the Year 2024 ![ECN award Logo](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/footer/ECN_Awards.svg) Best Expedition Cruise Tour Operator of the Year 2025 #### Price Match Promise We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip and you get all the Swoop inclusions at no extra cost. 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Readable Markdown	6 reasons to choose a Fly & Cruise trip - Combine the classic Antarctic Peninsula cruise experience with the convenience of flying to Antarctica in just two short hours - Skip the two day voyage to Antarctica across the Drake Passage: an ideal option for travellers short on time or who are worried about seasickness - Choose from a wide selection of ships to explore Antarctica, from classic expedition cruise ships to luxury and boutique hotel-style vessels - Enjoy all aspects of a traditional Antarctic cruise, including zodiac cruises, landings and adventure activities – plus lots of penguins\! - Travel at any time from November to late March, with Fly & Cruise trips operating across the entire Antarctic visitor season - Experience the best of both worlds by taking a Fly-Sail cruise: flying to Antarctica and sailing back, or vice versa ## Swoop says ![Swoop Says background image](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/fancy_images/swoop-says-bg-ant.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint) [![Swoop Antarctica Expert Marta](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/fancy_images/marta.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint)](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/about-us/marta) > There's a great sense of adventure arriving in Antarctica by plane: from seeing your ship from the air like a tiny bath toy, to having it loom above you on the waterline when you meet it for the first time, on your zodiac transfer across an ice-fringed bay. > > Marta Laver Antarctica Specialist ## Our most popular Fly & Cruise trips Price Match Promise - We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip ## Our April Featured Offers At Swoop we proudly work with every operator in the Antarctic industry. This means we can find you the latest deals and with our Price Match Promise you know you're getting the very best price. [View Featured Offers](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/all-cruises/featured-offers) ![](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/GAD_3_Daniel-Sendecki_RTD_VerdnadskyIcebergBird.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=680&h=400&q=40) Flying to Antarctica: what do I need to know? ![Logo](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/SWO_5_ILL_ALL_Flying_To_Antarctica_THUMBNAIL.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=0&h=350&q=40) How do Antarctica Fly & Cruise trips work? Fly & Cruise trips consists of three main components: which we’ve mapped out below: - Travel to the Antarctic gateway city of Punta Arenas - A short two hour flight to and from Antarctica - A classic Antarctic cruise of 4-6 days, with plenty of excursions to explore the White Continent 1\. Arrive in Punta Arenas Most Antarctica Fly & Cruise trips depart from Punta Arenas in Chilean Patagonia, which is well served by flights from Chile's capital Santiago. A small number of Fly & Cruise trips depart from nearby [Puerto Williams](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/extensions/puerto-williams) or Puerto Natales. On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your city centre hotel where everyone in the group will be staying. This is included in the price and ensures everyone is on site for the flight to Antarctica the next day. The evening before flying to Antarctica, you’ll meet your fellow travellers for a mandatory briefing and gear check before enjoying a first dinner together. Travellers on the [Magellan Explorer](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/ships/magellan-explorer) and [Ocean Nova](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/ships/ocean-nova) ships can also enjoy exclusive access to [Explorers House](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/explorers-house) while in Punta Arenas. ![Punta Arenas waterfront with Shackleton Pardo Yelcho monument](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/SWO_4_ALL_LizzieWilliams-Yelcho-Pardo-Punta-Arenas.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=0&h=288&q=60) Historic waterfront in Punta Arenas 2\. Fly to Antarctica Expect an early start the next morning for your flight to Antarctica. You’ll be transferred back to the airport to check in and wait for your flight to be called, though the departure time itself is weather dependent. It takes two hours to fly from Punta Arenas to the airstrip at Chile’s Eduardo Frei Station. This is on King George Island in the South Shetland Islands: part of Antarctica but 55 miles (90km) across the Bransfield Strait from the mainland continent. On arrival, an electric minibus transfers you to the beach. Here you’ll board a zodiac and transfer directly to your expedition cruise ship, ready for your Antarctic adventure to begin. ![Fly & Cruise Antarctica](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/SWO_3_ALL-MartaLaver-antarctica-airways-puerto-natales-island.JPG?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=0&h=288&q=60) Antarctic Airways flight 3\. Explore Antarctica Once onboard your ship, your experience is exactly the same as if you had sailed to Antarctica, as you set off to explore the Peninsula. Typically, you’ll leave the ship twice a day on excursions led by expert polar guides. These include landing on islands and the Seventh Continent itself, visiting penguin colonies and taking zodiac cruises through iceberg-filled bays. Most ships also offer [optional adventure activities](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/adventures) such as kayaking. Expedition cruises offer a packed daily schedule tailored to ensuring you get the very most from your precious few days in Antarctica. At the end of the cruise, you'll return to King George Island for your flight back to Chile. ![Fly & Cruise Antarctica](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/SWO_5_ALL_DanielBrooks-Zodiac-cruise-recess-cover-Sylvia-Earle.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=0&h=288&q=60) Zodiac cruising in Antarctica ![Swoop Says background image](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/swoop-bg-contour-map.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=720&h=0&q=10) Swoop says Due to the higher operating costs of running charter flights to such remote areas, Fly & Cruise trips tend to cost around 20% more than traditional sailing cruises to Antarctica. ## What our customers think of Fly & Cruise Antarctica Fly & Cruise Antarctica trips scored 4.5/5 from 590 reviews > If you’re prone to seasickness, don’t risk it. I was ok on a cruise going through a rough storm in the North Sea so I thought I’d be fine. I loved my time with the ship’s crew and passengers while in the Peninsula, but I swear never to go through the Drake or similar again even if one pays me to do it. If I could turn back time, I’d fly the Drake. > > Travelled: March 2025 Maria Lucinskas - UK > A very practical way to see Antarctica, avoiding sailing across the notorious Drake Passage. However, this also entailed flight delays due to bad weather. But once we boarded our ship, we saw Antarctica and its wildlife in all its glory. [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/55219/40949) > > Travelled: January 2025 Mehernosh Manekshaw - India > 10/10 - I was reluctant to take a trip to Antarctica out of fear of crossing the Drake Passage. Once I learned that you could fly to Antarctica and start your cruise, I was hooked and it was well worth it. [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/46401/38498) > > Travelled: January 2025 Tom Kennedy - USA > We were so pleased that we picked a long itinerary with 6 or 7 solid days touring Antarctica. I recommend flying back from Antarctica. You get the Drake Passage over with on the way there and then you don't have to think about it during your time in Antarctica. [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/41273/33827) > > Travelled: January 2025 Ellie Carleton - USA > 10/10 - Everything was well organized and expertly implemented. The team were all friendly, knowledgeable and optimistic. [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/53470/38965) > > Travelled: January 2025 Mark Orgren - USA > Most memorable moment? I cannot name just ONE! I'm still, just two weeks out from the trip, processing the ADVENTURE. [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/56059/41830) > > Travelled: December 2024 Kenneth Gay - USA > It was fantastic having such a small number of guests on board as we got to know them really well by the end of the trip! Definitely new friends we will keep in touch with. [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/42181/34802) > > Travelled: March 2024 Alysha Vazirally - India > 10/10 - You guys added a lot of value without adding to the rather large cost of this trip. From helping me decide on the right air-cruise for us to all of the advice and consultations to get fully ready for the trip. Excellent all around. [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/35755/28671) > > Travelled: February 2024 David DeMaria - USA > 10/10 - I am prone to getting seasick so flying to the Antarctica Peninsula solved my problems. The flying also saved me 4 days of vacation days! Crossing the circle made our trip much more memorable!! [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/43007/35480) > > Travelled: January 2024 Janice Lo - USA > 10/10 - It was amazing! I didn't want to cruise through the Drake so this was perfect for me! The staff on the boat was wonderful; they were so helpful and knowledgeable. They really made sure we had a great time and every time we had to change plans it felt like we got to see something even better. [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/40689/33232) > > Travelled: January 2024 Sabrina McCarthy - USA > 10/10 - Small ship experience permitting a more intimate experience with the southern continent and our fellow explorers. The staff was very knowledgeable, and their enthusiasm was very contagious. [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/40154/32701) > > Travelled: December 2023 Stephen Rathbun - USA > The vastness and wildness that is Antarctica is the only thing that can dwarf the experience and memories I hold. [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/32034/26068) > > Travelled: February 2023 Carolyn Ferraro - USA > The golden light was breaking through the clouds and spotlighting the peaks. As the zodiac slowly navigated through the ice field our expedition guide spotted a leopard seal lackadaisically bobbing on an iceberg bed. This zodiac cruise is when it sunk in that I finally had made it to Antarctica! [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/38125/30787) > > Travelled: February 2023 Linda Buckley - USA > The whole trip was a huge memory. Being able to go to an untouched environment and leaving it as you found it was the memory also. Seeing the many different species living and thriving together brings a smile to my face as I am writing this review. [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/34837/27915) > > Travelled: January 2023 Lawrence Hudson - USA > Our overall experience was outstanding. We learned a lot from the interesting lectures, exploring out in the field, and getting to experience such vast beauty. Such a knowledgeable and positive team worked beautifully together and took great care of us. [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/33309/27298) > > Travelled: January 2023 Leah Rumbough - USA > You can't put words to the feeling you get in Antarctica. Just being there is a life changing experience that one needs to have for themselves to appreciate the Antarctic. My most memorable moment was seeing all the wildlife in their natural environment and how they live. Walking so close and feeling as a part of the environment was something we just don't experience in the "real world". [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/19934/16555) > > Travelled: January 2023 Robert Wenze - USA > The colours in icebergs, the complete lack of fear of penguins (they have to be the only animal on the planet that doesn't run and hide from humans), the active volcano, the whales and their incredible curiosity and playfulness, the moment I set foot on Antarctica it was one memorable moment after another. [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/35391/28335) > > Travelled: December 2022 Marg Macleod - Canada > The orcas appearing during the whale talk, the baby humpback breaching off the bow of the zodiacs, the polar plunge, watching from the outriggers as the the boat cut through the ice, drinking Macallan with ice fresh from a berg, having an impromptu dance party with my husband on top of a volcanic cinder cone. It was just a super trip from beginning to end. [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/29793/24346) > > Travelled: January 2022 Stephanie Krolick - USA > Most memorable moment: clear blue skies, zero wind, flat ocean with icebergs floating around everywhere, in a zodiac with penguins popping up all over us, and a seal belly-flopping up on an iceberg 20ft from us [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/29098/23829) > > Travelled: January 2022 Todd Mackey - USA > The service was top-notch professional from Punta Arenas to the ship. [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/3711/3967) > > Travelled: February 2019 Dennis Roy - United States Of America > To fly the Drake Passage gave us a particular advantage - more time where we wanted to be. [Read the full review](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/reviews/review/fr/6088/8396) > > Travelled: January 2019 Alison Murdoch - United Kingdom > Very closely met our expectations. Flying was the perfect option. Yes I would recommend. > > Travelled: February 2018 Dave & Lisa - Australia > Antarctica is beautiful and amazing, and it exceeded my expectations. We flew over the Drake Passage rather than sailing it. The whole experience was wonderful. > > Travelled: February 2018 Linda - New York ![Customer Image](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/CUS_4_CUS_FEED_Lori-Thomas-Patterson.jpeg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=80&h=80&q=30) > It exceeded our expectations and I would recommend it to everyone wanting to go visit Antarctica. We had a really wonderful time. So glad we flew\! > > Travelled: December 2017 Lori - Texas ![Customer Image](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/SHU_4_SHU_ALL_Gentoo_penguins_Antarctica10.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=80&h=80&q=30) > 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 Planning your Fly & Cruise trip to AntarcticaWhen to do an Antarctic Fly & Cruise trip Fly & Cruise trips operate across the entire Antarctic visitor season from November through to March. High summer in the middle of December brings nearly 24 hours of daylight. November has the most pristine snow and penguins coming ashore to mate. Penguin chicks typically arrive in Christmas – the peak season for visitors. From the new year onwards, whales are in their greatest abundance, and as the days shorten, chicks get ready to fledge and take to the sea. The shoulder season at the very beginning and end of summer has amazing sunsets and sunrises. ![A line of gentoo penguins in the snow in Antarctica](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/SWO_4_ALL_Grantdullage-gentoo-penguins.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=0&h=288&q=60) Gentoo penguins in early season snow What to expect when flying to Antarctica While Fly & Cruise trips offer the chance to skip the Drake Passage crossing and get quickly to the Antarctic Peninsula, it's important to understand the role that Mother Nature plays in setting flight schedules. While every departure has a target flying window, weather may mean you fly earlier or later than planned. To account for this, the night in Punta Arenas is included at the start and end of every trip. It's also why it's essential you arrive early on day one. This flexible weather scheduling is central to all Fly & Cruise trips. The vast majority of flights operate according to schedule, but if an absence of exact timings doesn't sit comfortably, it's possible that sailing to Antarctica may suit you better. ![Fly & Cruise Antarctica](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/SWO_4_AlexMudd-boarding-king-george-island-fly-cruise.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=0&h=288&q=60) Boarding at King George Island ## Swoop says ![Swoop Says background image](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/fancy_images/swoop-says-bg-ant.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint) [![Swoop Antarctica Expert Ian](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/fancy_images/ian.png?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint)](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/about-us/ian) > I never felt like I missed out on the two days at sea crossing the Drake Passage. In just two short hours I was breathing in the cold clean Antarctic air and ready to see my first penguin. > > Ian Young Antarctic Sales Manager Which Antarctic Fly & Cruise trip to choose Most Antarctica Fly & Cruise trips fly in both directions, but it's also possible to take a Fly-Sail cruises, flying one way and sailing the other. Unlike Fly & Cruise trips that are tied to the airport on King George Island, Fly-Sail trips can cover a wider range of destinations, including South Georgia, the Weddell Sea and the Antarctic Circle. It's worth noting that Fly-Sail cruises start and finish in different locations: Punta Arenas in Chile for flying to/from Antarctica and Ushuaia in Argentina for sailing to/from Antarctica. ![Walking to a viewpoint on the Antarctic Peninsula above Silver Endeavour luxury cruise ship](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/SWO_4_ALL_IanYoung-walking-snow-silver-endeavour.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=0&h=288&q=60) Walking to a viewpoint on the Antarctic Peninsula Antarctic Fly & Cruise planes The standard plane used for the charter flights between Punta Arenas (or Puerto Natales) and King George Island is a British-designed BAE146 which has capacity for up to 80 people in a 3+3 seating configuration. These planes are more workhorse than luxury, but are more than comfortable for the short two hour flight to the White Continent. The four turbofan engine configuration of the BAE146 provides important redundancy and superior takeoff performance for short runways, while its wide wheel base and strengthened undercarriage ensures stability landing on the non-tarmac landing strip on King George Island. ![Boarding BAE146 plane for Antarctic Airways flight from King George Island to Punta Arena](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/SWO_4_ALL-BenWard-BAE146-fly-cruise-king-george-boarding.jpeg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=0&h=288&q=60) BAE146 at King George Island ![Swoop Says background image](https://imgix.swoop-antarctica.com/swoop-bg-contour-map.jpg?auto=format,enhance,compress&fit=crop&crop=entropy,faces,focalpoint&w=720&h=0&q=10) Swoop says Fly & Cruise trips have been operating to the Antarctic Peninsula since 2002. Despite the challenges of sometimes unpredictable weather, the long polar experience of the airplane and ground crews means than more than 80% of flights operate completely on schedule. Antarctic Fly & Cruise trips: FAQs - ### [How far in advance should you book an Antarctic Fly & Cruise trip?](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/fly-cruise) We recommend booking your Antarctic trip at least 12 months in advance of travel to be confident of securing your first choice of ship, voyage date and cabin. Limited capacity in the polar fleet means that cabins and ships often become booked far in advance, especially for travel around peak season dates, including Christmas, New Year and school holidays. Although late availability deals can sometimes be had, to guarantee your preferred ship and travel dates, booking early is always the best option. Swoop is happy to provisionally hold a cabin on your behalf for a few days while you make your final planning decisions. - ### [How do I get to Punta Arenas?](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/fly-cruise) Punta Arenas (airport code PUQ) is a 3½ hour flight from Chile’s capital Santiago (airport code SCL). There are multiple daily direct flights between the two with either LATAM or Sky Airlines. Some luxury Fly & Cruise trips include these flights, to look after you from the moment you arrive in Chile. Flying into Punta Arenas, try to sit on the left if you can for wonderful views of the Andes as you fly parallel to the Andes mountains. Santiago is well-connected internationally. There are direct flights from US hub airports including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas and Atlanta, as well as Toronto in Canada. From the UK, there are direct flights between London and Santiago, while Madrid and Paris are good European hubs. From Australia and New Zealand, you can fly direct to Santiago from Sydney and Auckland. - ### [What is the baggage allowance on flights to Antarctica?](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/fly-cruise) Unlike expedition cruise ships , there is a strict baggage allowance for flights to Antarctica. While this varies according to the exact trip, this is typically between 15-20 kg (33-44 pounds). This is typically less than the allowances for international flights, so it's important to pack accordingly. Weight limits on flights to Antarctica are strictly enforced for safety reasons. - ### [Can I guarantee a window seat on the flight to Antarctica?](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/fly-cruise) Unfortunately it's not possible to pre-book a window seat on the flight to Antarctica. - ### [Is food and drink served on the flight to Antarctica?](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/fly-cruise) Yes. Although the flight is only two hours, you'll be given a simple box lunch to enjoy. Drinks are available on the flight, from tea and coffee to Chilean wine and beer. - ### [What are the contingency plans if the Antarctic flight is delayed due to bad weather?](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/fly-cruise) More than 80% of flights to Antarctica operate to their planned schedule, but Fly & Cruise operators are experts at dealing with the polar weather, and have well-honed contingency plans should any flights be delayed. All Fly & Cruise trips include a night in Punta Arenas at the start and end of the trip to minimise any risk of weather affecting your trip. If there is any issue, ground staff will keep you constantly informed of any revised plans once a suitable weather window has been identified. In cases of extreme weather events, extra nights of accommodation will be automatically arranged for you. - ### [Can I extend my time in Patagonia?](https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/flights/fly-cruise) Absolutely! If you have time, we strongly recommend adding on a few days at either the beginning or end of your trip to explore Patagonia. Punta Arenas is the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most spectacular hiking destinations in the world. Our sister company [Swoop Patagonia](http://www.swoop-patagonia.com/) knows this whole region like the back of their hand: talk to us about how you'd like to extend your trip and we'll put together the perfect itinerary for you. More about Flying to Antarctica ## Price Match Promise We’ll match any price you find elsewhere for the same trip and you get these Swoop inclusions at no extra cost. Ready 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.
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