Air Freight Shipping from/to Chile

Air freight is the fastest way to move goods between Chile and the rest of the world. With strong exports in fresh fruit, seafood, wine, copper products, and wood pulp, Chile relies on fast and reliable logistics to keep supply chains moving. To estimate pricing and chargeable weight, use the Air Freight Calculator and validate volume with the Cubic Meter Calculator. For lane-level lead times, check the Transit Time Calculator, and confirm responsibilities and cost splits with Incoterms before you book. iContainers connects your business to international trade lanes with instant online quotes, transparent pricing, and expert customs support.

At-a-Glance: Air Freight from/to Chile (What Shippers Ask Most)

Air freight from/to Chile is best for urgent, high-value, or perishable cargo (fresh cherries/berries/grapes, salmon/seafood, pharma, time-critical spare parts). Pricing is typically based on chargeable weight (the higher of actual vs. volumetric) if you want the step-by-step logic, see How to Calculate Air Freight Charges. Standard paperwork usually includes an Air Waybill (AWB), Commercial Invoice, and Packing List; exports of agricultural and animal-origin goods often require SAG phytosanitary/health certificates. Restricted cargo (batteries, aerosols, chemicals) may require IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) classification—review the Beginner’s Guide to IATA Regulations. before tendering cargo at the airport.

Get an Air Freight Quote from/to Chile

Instant Online Rates

Get real-time quotes for air freight shipments to and from Chile with just a few clicks. Compare multiple airlines and routes, and book the most convenient option instantly through our digital platform. If you’re still validating weight vs. volume, run a quick scenario in the Freight Cost Calculator and confirm dimensions with the Cubic Meter Calculator before booking.

How to Book Air Freight with iContainers

1. Request your online quote.
2. Select your preferred route and airline.
3. Upload shipment details and required documents.
4. Confirm and pay securely online.

Customs Clearance and Tracking Support

We provide support with air freight customs clearance in Chile and destination countries. From requirements set by the Servicio Nacional de Aduanas (Chilean Customs Service) to agricultural and food approvals by the Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero (SAG), our team helps you stay compliant and reduce clearance delays. For smoother processing, ensure your AWB, commercial invoice, and packing list match the shipment contents and values, and confirm SAG certificates early for perishable exports. You also benefit from end-to-end shipment tracking for complete visibility.

Air Freight Services from/to Chile

Shipping Large Cargo and Pallets (LCL by Air)

Key Chilean exports shipped by air include:

• Fresh cherries, blueberries, grapes, apples, and avocados.
• Salmon, mussels, and seafood products (temperature-controlled).
• Wine and specialty food products.
• Pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
• Copper components and high-value machinery

Air Express

When shipping to/from Chile under tight deadlines, our air express service is ideal for urgent parcels, small boxes, and time-critical shipments that need prioritized handling. For heavier cargo and pallets, standard air freight typically offers more flexibility, while air express minimizes delays through faster processing via Santiago (SCL).

Typical Transit Times for Air Freight Chile Routes

These are typical transit ranges and can vary by flight frequency, cut-off times, capacity constraints, customs processing, and any additional screening required for restricted cargo. For lane-specific estimates by season, use the Transit Time Calculator.

• Santiago (SCL) → Miami: ~2–3 business days
• Santiago (SCL) → Madrid: ~3–4 business days
• Santiago (SCL) → São Paulo: ~1–2 business days
• Santiago (SCL) → Shanghai: ~5–7 business days
• Santiago (SCL) → Mexico City: ~2–3 business days

Main Airports in Chile for Air Freight

• Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL, Santiago): Chile’s primary cargo hub, handling fruit, seafood, wine, and industrial goods.
• Andrés Sabella International Airport (ANF, Antofagasta): Supporting mining exports from northern Chile.
• Carriel Sur International Airport (CCP, Concepción): Serving forestry and industrial exports.
• El Tepual International Airport (PMC, Puerto Montt): Focused on seafood and aquaculture shipments.

Air Freight Costs from/to Chile

Weight, Volume, and Cargo Type Factors

Air freight charges are based on chargeable weight (actual vs. volumetric). Use the Cubic Meter Calculator to validate volume, then estimate costs with the Air Freight Calculator or compare options in the Freight Cost Calculator. Perishables like cherries and salmon require cold-chain handling, while wine and machinery can trigger different handling and screening cost components.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

Chile’s export calendar impacts freight costs:

• Cherry season (Nov–Jan): Strong demand to Asia, especially China.
• Blueberries and grapes (Dec–Apr): Peak exports to North America and Europe.
• Seafood (year-round): Constant demand, higher during holidays.
• Holiday season (Nov–Dec): Increased global demand raises freight costs.

Customs Duties, Surcharges, and Local Fees

In addition to freight charges, shipments may include:

• Customs duties and taxes set by Servicio Nacional de Aduanas.
• Agricultural inspection fees from SAG.
• Handling and security fees at airports.
• Aviation fuel surcharges.

Documentation & Packaging Requirements

Always required (most shipments):

• Air Waybill (AWB)
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List

Often required (product-dependent):

• SAG phytosanitary certificates (fruit and agricultural exports)
• Health certificates (seafood and animal-origin products)
• ISP-related documentation for regulated pharmaceutical/medical categories (where applicable)
• IATA DGR paperwork for dangerous/restricted cargo (when applicable)

For a fuller breakdown of common air-shipment paperwork, review Air Freight Shipping Documents.

Air Waybill and Commercial Invoice

Every shipment requires:

• Air Waybill (AWB): Contract between airline and shipper.
• Commercial Invoice: Required for customs clearance.
• Packing List: Detailed cargo breakdown.
• Phytosanitary Certificates: For fruit and agricultural goods (issued by SAG).
• Health Certificates: For seafood and animal products.

Packaging Standards for Palletized Cargo

• ISPM-15 certified pallets for compliance.
• Refrigerated packaging for fruit, seafood, and perishables.
• Shrink-wrap/strapping and clear labeling.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Chile follows IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for air cargo, plus national rules and agency controls. Restrictions are often product-dependent, so classification and documentation should be confirmed before booking.

• Prohibited (examples): explosives, narcotics, undeclared dangerous goods.
• Restricted / may require extra checks (examples):
  • Agricultural exports and fresh produce: may require SAG clearance and phytosanitary certificates.
  • Pharmaceuticals and medical categories: may require ISP-related documentation where applicable.
  • Batteries, aerosols, chemicals: may require DGR classification and carrier acceptance checks under IATA rules.
  • Cultural heritage items: permits may be required via the Consejo de Monumentos Nacionales depending on category and movement direction.