While Barcelona's takeoff offers Mediterranean and Montserrat views, the landing approach to Santiago provides more dramatic and sustained scenery with the Andes Mountains as a major visual feature. The right side captures the most impressive natural landscape of the entire journey.
Flown BCN to SCL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Barcelona to Santiago is 6,928 miles (11,150 km), a flight of about 13 hours 30 minutes.
The flight crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 8-9 hours with no significant landmarks visible. The aircraft passes south of the Azores and over open ocean. Upon approaching South America, the Amazon Basin becomes visible as dense green forest (though typically at night or early morning on this routing). The flight then crosses over central Brazil and Paraguay before reaching the Andes foothills. The most notable midpoint feature is the transition from the Atlantic to the South American continent, with the Andes Mountains becoming increasingly prominent as the aircraft approaches Chile from the north.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from BCN
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Mediterranean coastline and the Montserrat mountain range inland. The aircraft climbs northwestward over the Catalan coast, making the left side the optimal viewing position for these features.
Landing at SCL
RIGHTThe approach to Santiago comes from the west over the Central Valley. Right-side seats offer views of the Andes Mountains, particularly the snow-capped peaks that dominate the eastern horizon during descent. The aircraft descends toward the valley floor, making the right side ideal for mountain scenery.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Barcelona (BCN) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Barcelona to Santiago. While Barcelona's takeoff offers Mediterranean and Montserrat views, the landing approach to Santiago provides more dramatic and sustained scenery with the Andes Mountains as a major visual feature. The right side captures the most impressive natural landscape of the entire journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Barcelona in Barcelona?
During takeoff from Barcelona (BCN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Mediterranean coastline and the Montserrat mountain range inland. The aircraft climbs northwestward over the Catalan coast, making the left side the optimal viewing position for these features. Notable sights include: Mediterranean Sea, Montserrat mountain range, Llobregat River delta, Barcelona urban sprawl.
What can I see when landing at Arturo Merino Benitez International in Santiago?
When landing at Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL), sit on the Right side for the best views. The approach to Santiago comes from the west over the Central Valley. Right-side seats offer views of the Andes Mountains, particularly the snow-capped peaks that dominate the eastern horizon during descent. The aircraft descends toward the valley floor, making the right side ideal for mountain scenery. Notable sights include: Andes Mountains (including Maipo and San Cristóbal peaks), Central Valley agricultural plains, Mapocho River, Santiago urban area.
How long is the flight from Barcelona to Santiago?
The flight from Barcelona (BCN) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) takes about 13 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,928 miles (11,150 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Barcelona to Santiago flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 8-9 hours with no significant landmarks visible. The aircraft passes south of the Azores and over open ocean. Upon approaching South America, the Amazon Basin becomes visible as dense green forest (though typically at night or early morning on this routing). The flight then crosses over central Brazil and Paraguay before reaching the Andes foothills. The most notable midpoint feature is the transition from the Atlantic to the South American continent, with the Andes Mountains becoming increasingly prominent as the aircraft approaches Chile from the north.