My wife and I will be traveling from the United States to Mendoza through Chile (Santiago). Our layover in Chile will be 4 hours. I understand that as long as we stay in the transit area we will not be subject to the Chilean reciprocity fee.

Would appreciate any feedback on the comfort or ammenities in the transit area. An alternative would be to fly to EZE and switch airports in BA. It seems as if the Santiago routing would be more convenient since it wouldn't require an airport change, but I'd like your thoughts. (We paid the reciprocity fee in Argentina on a previous trip so that will not be an issue).

Thanks for your feedback.

The airport in Chile as I know it before the earth quake was really beautiful, it was easy to spend four hours there. I have done it often, I have access to the out standing VIP called Pablo Neruda I recall that they even had free sushi , but also the common areas are very nice. I hope the airport has not been damaged
I hope someone can tell you this.

The airport terminal has now been in use since the 28th of March and all services are restored to normal.

The airport is almost fully functional, but not as beautiful as it was. On the 3rd we had to wait for our flight 4 hrs at the airport and we had dinner at the only restaurant "La Pausa", there is also free internet in the area.

Here is a good tip.

At SCL (Santiago International Airport), there is a VIP lounge near gate 18. If you have a Citibank or Diner’s card you can use the lounge for about US$8 (October 2007). They have private bathrooms, showers, wifi access, and, best of all, free drinks.

You would be better off sitting at SCL then switching airports in BA. Besides that, get a seat on the left side of the plane for an amazing view of Anaconda. Suerte!

I think Soulskier means Aconcagua mountain. Maybe he has been watching a DVD of 'Snakes on a Plane"!

Thanks for the correction, I had snakes on my mind, but meant the peak!