The left side wins on both ends of this long transpacific flight: Brisbane's bay and island coastline at takeoff, and the dramatic snow-capped Andes framing the descent into Santiago. The right side faces the open Pacific for nearly the entire 13-hour cruise with no landmarks of note.
Flown BNE to SCL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Brisbane to Santiago is 7,346 miles (11,822 km), a flight of about 13 hours 25 minutes.
The route crosses the vast open South Pacific Ocean for most of its length, passing well south of French Polynesia with no significant landmasses until the Chilean coast comes into view near the end of the flight.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BNE
LEFTDeparting BNE to the south (runway 19 is the typical long-haul departure), the aircraft climbs out along Brisbane's bayside suburbs with Moreton Bay and its sandy islands visible to the east, which sits on the left side of the aircraft during the southbound climb and turn.
Landing at SCL
LEFTSCL arrivals typically land on the southbound-facing runways (17L/17R), approaching from the north down the Santiago valley. The Andes Mountains rise dramatically just east of the city, placing their snow-capped peaks on the left side of the aircraft during the final descent and approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Brisbane International (BNE) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Brisbane to Santiago. The left side wins on both ends of this long transpacific flight: Brisbane's bay and island coastline at takeoff, and the dramatic snow-capped Andes framing the descent into Santiago. The right side faces the open Pacific for nearly the entire 13-hour cruise with no landmarks of note.
What can I see during takeoff from Brisbane International in Brisbane?
During takeoff from Brisbane International (BNE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing BNE to the south (runway 19 is the typical long-haul departure), the aircraft climbs out along Brisbane's bayside suburbs with Moreton Bay and its sandy islands visible to the east, which sits on the left side of the aircraft during the southbound climb and turn. Notable sights include: Moreton Bay, Moreton Island, North Stradbroke Island, Brisbane River mouth.
What can I see when landing at Arturo Merino Benitez International in Santiago?
When landing at Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL), sit on the Left side for the best views. SCL arrivals typically land on the southbound-facing runways (17L/17R), approaching from the north down the Santiago valley. The Andes Mountains rise dramatically just east of the city, placing their snow-capped peaks on the left side of the aircraft during the final descent and approach. Notable sights include: Andes Cordillera, Cerro El Plomo, Santiago valley skyline, Maipo River valley.
How long is the flight from Brisbane to Santiago?
The flight from Brisbane International (BNE) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) takes about 13 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,346 miles (11,822 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Brisbane to Santiago flight path pass over?
The route crosses the vast open South Pacific Ocean for most of its length, passing well south of French Polynesia with no significant landmasses until the Chilean coast comes into view near the end of the flight.