If you want to visit the frozen continent, you will need to know how to fly to Antarctica. There are several factors to consider, such as season and cost. You should also be aware of the regulations regarding the seasons and cost of the trip. In this article, we’ll outline some of the main considerations when planning a flight to Antarctica.
Alternative Airlines
There are a few alternative airlines that fly to Antarctica, but these flights are expensive and you can only book them through a travel agency. These flights take at least four hours to fly over the continent and never land. This means you can spend less time, money, and planning on your flight to Antarctica. In addition, these flights are cheaper than cruises, and they’re not as time-consuming as a land-based tour. You can expect to see ice caps, mountain ranges, and different research centers while you’re flying to Antarctica.
When flying to Antarctica, you’ll have to take into account the technical challenges. Unlike land-based flights, which require a runway, airplanes need to adhere to strict ETOPS (Extended Range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards) to fly over the region. While it’s possible to fly over the continent on two engines, it’s not recommended unless you’re traveling from one end of the continent to the other. Moreover, there are no commercial airports in Antarctica, so the flight options are limited.
Flights to Antarctica are a bit longer than most flights, but you’ll still get a great view of the continent and its wildlife. Flights take about four hours and use long figure-8 patterns. Every passenger is given two boarding passes, and an announcement will tell them when it’s time to switch seats.
Regulations
Flying to Antarctica requires special permissions and permits from regulators. There are no scheduled tourism flights to the South Pole and most airports require advance clearance from the National Science Foundation and Department of Defense. Most flights begin in Australia or New Zealand. Pilots must submit advance flight plans. They are also required to obtain special training.
An Antarctica permit must be requested at least four months before you plan to depart, and you must begin your application at least two months prior. Applications received too late may not be considered. It is advisable to discuss your itinerary with the Polar Regions Department before submitting your application. This is particularly important if you’re planning specialist activities while you’re in Antarctica.
Travellers should also carry a valid Canadian passport and a valid visa for transit countries. Vaccines are important and should be current. Some diseases may be spread by air and contaminated food and water. It is important to wash your hands thoroughly before eating or drinking. Also, you should practice safe sex.
If you’re traveling with a group, the number of people per flight is restricted. The amount of luggage permitted on an aircraft varies. It is possible to bring as much as 20 kg/44 lbs. (This includes hand luggage and checked baggage.) Some ships will lend you heavy or bulky luggage. Check with your tour operator’s policies for more information.
Seasons
Flying to Antarctica during the summer months can be quite chilly, so if you’re looking to avoid the cold, you might want to visit the continent during the winter months. However, it is possible to visit during the spring and fall, when the temperatures are higher. And you can even take advantage of the long days and warm weather during the late winter months.
The summer season in Antarctica is when the wildlife is most active. You’ll see elephant seal pups and penguin chicks hatching. In addition, penguins are in the midst of their breeding cycles, and you can see whale pods swimming nearby. However, be aware that travel to the continent during this time of the year is less popular than other times of the year, as fewer tourists are visiting during this time.
The climate in Antarctica has two distinct seasons, the polar summer and the polar winter. Both seasons are defined by a change in prevailing winds. While temperatures in the polar summer are typically warm, they can reach a low of -40 degrees Celsius (-52 degrees Fahrenheit) during the winter months.
The summer months are also the best for observing penguins. During these months, the penguin chicks start growing into adults. Moreover, the parents of the young birds have gone out to sea for molting season.
Cost
When flying to Antarctica, you will have to pay for the flight, which can be expensive. If you’re planning a trip to this ice-capped continent, you should compare prices on various airlines and look for last-minute sales. Also, look for travel packages that include discounted airfare. Using online travel sites like Orbitz is a good idea since they often have great deals. You can also join frequent-flyer programs to save money on your flights in the future.
While November is the cheapest month to fly to Antarctica, it’s also the coldest month. There is still plenty of ice remaining, which can make some areas inaccessible. On the upside, there are fewer tourists, which means better deals. In addition, November is also the mating season for seals and penguins, so you’ll have a chance to see some spectacular views when the sun goes down.
The flight takes about two hours from Southern Chile. The trip is typically about ten days long and involves at least four days of sea travel. In addition to flying to Antarctica, you can also choose to take a cruise to the area. The Antarctic Peninsula is easily accessible from South America, where the cost of the trip is comparatively cheaper.
You can choose to fly directly to the South Shetland Islands from Santiago de Chile or Punta Arenas, Chile. The cost of this tour starts at US$6,050 for a round-trip flight, and US$7,150 for an overnight trip.
Ice camps
The Antarctic climate is cold, windy, and dry. Temperatures are typically below freezing year round. Although Antarctic camp temperatures are slightly warmer than the surrounding area, you’ll still want to pack warm clothing and appropriate equipment. Because the weather is unpredictable, you’ll want to check ahead of time for the current weather conditions and prepare accordingly.
There are two main ways to get to Antarctica. The first way is to take a private plane. Airlines that fly to Antarctica have their own jet aircrafts, but you should still consider the weather conditions before choosing a flight. For example, you’ll want to make sure your flight isn’t scheduled to land in a storm. Also, you’ll want to plan for the possibility that your plane might be delayed by at least one hour.
Another way to experience Antarctica is to take an expedition cruise. You’ll be able to experience the wildlife and get closer to the ice. You can climb on ice, visit ice camps, and take part in a variety of activities. There are even multi-activity expeditions. Keep in mind that these trips are only possible if you’re lucky enough to get good weather. You’ll be surrounded by animals like Gentoo penguins and Blue-eyed shags, as well as Leopard and Crabeater seals. You’ll also see whales regularly.
When is the best time to visit Antarctica? The best time to visit is between December and March. Temperatures can drop to five degrees Celsius in the winter but are generally warmer in the summer. You’ll want to dress accordingly. However, you should be aware of the fact that sunburn is a real problem during your stay. Despite the cold temperature, Antarctica receives 16 to 24 hours of sunlight each day. This means that you should always bring sunscreen and a hat.