While the takeoff from Newark favors left seats, the landing approach to Santiago from the east—where right seats face the dramatic snow-capped Andes—is the more visually spectacular segment of this 9.5-hour flight. The mountain scenery during descent outweighs the Hudson River views at departure.
Flown EWR to SCL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Newark to Santiago is 5,123 miles (8,245 km), a flight of about 10 hours.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean with no significant landmarks visible for the majority of the journey. After crossing the equator and approaching South America, passengers may glimpse the Amazon Basin's river systems and cloud cover over northern Brazil and Peru. As the aircraft descends into Chilean airspace, the Andes become increasingly prominent, with the high desert plateau (altiplano) visible before the final approach to Santiago.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from EWR
LEFTLeft seats offer views of the Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, and the New Jersey Palisades as the aircraft climbs out westbound. Right seats face inland toward New Jersey suburbs with less dramatic scenery.
Landing at SCL
RIGHTRight seats provide excellent views of the Andes Mountains as the aircraft descends toward Santiago from the east. The cordillera dominates the approach, with snow-capped peaks visible throughout descent. Left seats face away from the mountains toward the Pacific coastal plains.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Newark to Santiago. While the takeoff from Newark favors left seats, the landing approach to Santiago from the east—where right seats face the dramatic snow-capped Andes—is the more visually spectacular segment of this 9.5-hour flight. The mountain scenery during descent outweighs the Hudson River views at departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Newark Liberty International in Newark?
During takeoff from Newark Liberty International (EWR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer views of the Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, and the New Jersey Palisades as the aircraft climbs out westbound. Right seats face inland toward New Jersey suburbs with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, New Jersey Palisades, Newark Bay.
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. Right seats provide excellent views of the Andes Mountains as the aircraft descends toward Santiago from the east. The cordillera dominates the approach, with snow-capped peaks visible throughout descent. Left seats face away from the mountains toward the Pacific coastal plains. Notable sights include: Andes Mountains (Cordillera Central), Maipo River valley, Santiago urban sprawl, Aconcagua region peaks.
How long is the flight from Newark to Santiago?
The flight from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) takes about 10 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 5,123 miles (8,245 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Newark to Santiago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean with no significant landmarks visible for the majority of the journey. After crossing the equator and approaching South America, passengers may glimpse the Amazon Basin's river systems and cloud cover over northern Brazil and Peru. As the aircraft descends into Chilean airspace, the Andes become increasingly prominent, with the high desert plateau (altiplano) visible before the final approach to Santiago.