Packing Lists, Luggage Allowances & Guidelines

Luggage

The international airlines allow only 2 checked pieces and one carry on. Soft luggage and duffle bags are the choice when you are headed off the beaten path. Check with your carrier on the exact dimensions and weight. We have stricter requirements flying to the remote Futaleufu river valley. Packing light allows you to more nimble, and fly on the small planes with your bags. Laundry service is available.

Traveling with sporting equipment – kayak paddles (in a ski bag) and fly fishing rod protective cases.

Lan Chile and most carriers allow 2 bags of 70 lbs and 62 linear inches. They allow a carry on of 10 lbs and 45 linear inches. However, packing as light as possible is important due to the smaller planes that fly from Puerto Montt to Chaiten. This is one of the most remote and rugged sectors of Patagonia. On these flights you are allowed 15 kilos per person in baggage plus your sporting equipment. They will charge you $1.50 for each extra kilo (2.2 lbs). IF you have extra baggage not needed on our Futaleufu trips you may store that baggage with our charter airline office in Puerto Montt (see exchile representative Puerto Montt) They will guard it until your return to Puerto Montt.

Lan Chile's policy on sporting equipment (ski bag or fishing rod tube) is the most liberal of the airlines flying to Chile. IF you fly on a thru fare and your paddle bag is your third checked piece they will charge you $25 flying thru Miami, $50 if you fly thru LA, and $60 flying thru NY. It is wise to fly American Airlines domestically on the US portion, and Lan Chile internationally, and within Chile. American Airlines has a code-share with Lan Chile. The code-share states that American Airlines will defer on the baggage allowance for their domestic flight, to that specified by Lan Chile for the international flight. This is stated in the computer. Ask your travel agent. For your third bag American charges $36 dollars for a ski bag with a paddle in it, and $72 for fly fishing gear. Delta will charge $100 for you third bag be it fly fishing gear or a paddle. Intelligent planning and packing can save you some money, and potential hassle at the airport. If your bags are over the 70 pounds they will really penalize you.

Call and check the policy for your ticket before you purchase it.

Lan Chile (866) 435-9526

American Airlines (800) 433-7300

Delta (800) 221-1212

For those on our whitewater kayaking trips that do not want to travel with a kayak paddle we have a limited number of new high quality Werner paddles that are available for rental from Expediciones Chile office ($45 week). Kayaks are provided.

Packing Lists

We ask everyone to bring ONE children's book in English or Spanish to donate to the local library or rural school near where we operate. The library needs books up to the eighth grade with an emphasis on the lower grade levels. If anyone has desire to donate additional items that could help a school please contact our office. We will donate the shipping. Select ONE of the following lists made specifically for your trip. (version Sept 10, 2005) Before packing you may want to check on our Patagonia weather page to help you pack appropriately.

Please download the packing list (pdf) that pertains to your trip: