While the left side wins at Frankfurt departure, the right side delivers the defining visual moment of the entire flight: the Andes approach into Santiago is one of the most spectacular mountain arrivals in commercial aviation. The right side also tracks the Atlantic coastline of South America during the long overwater leg, with views of the Brazilian coast and eventually the Patagonian landscape as you head south.
Flown FRA to SCL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Frankfurt to Santiago is 7,519 miles (12,100 km), a flight of about 13 hours 30 minutes.
The route crosses the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal visible), then the Canary Islands region over the Atlantic. The flight tracks southwest over the open South Atlantic for many hours before crossing the Brazilian coast near Recife or Natal. From there it follows the South American interior or coast southward over Brazil, potentially crossing the Cerrado and Pampas of Argentina before the final Andes crossing into Santiago.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from FRA
LEFTFrankfurt departures on runway 07L/07R head east before turning south, putting the Rhine-Main plain and Frankfurt city center on the left side. You get a clear view back over the Frankfurt skyline and the Rhine river bending westward toward Mainz.
Landing at SCL
RIGHTSantiago sits in a valley with the Andes directly to the east. Arrivals typically come from the north or northwest on runway 17/35 orientation, and the right side faces east toward the Andes wall. The Aconcagua massif and the main Andean cordillera are dramatically visible on the right during descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Frankfurt Main (FRA) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Frankfurt to Santiago. While the left side wins at Frankfurt departure, the right side delivers the defining visual moment of the entire flight: the Andes approach into Santiago is one of the most spectacular mountain arrivals in commercial aviation. The right side also tracks the Atlantic coastline of South America during the long overwater leg, with views of the Brazilian coast and eventually the Patagonian landscape as you head south.
What can I see during takeoff from Frankfurt Main in Frankfurt?
During takeoff from Frankfurt Main (FRA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Frankfurt departures on runway 07L/07R head east before turning south, putting the Rhine-Main plain and Frankfurt city center on the left side. You get a clear view back over the Frankfurt skyline and the Rhine river bending westward toward Mainz. Notable sights include: Frankfurt city skyline (Bankenviertel towers), Rhine River bend near Mainz, Taunus hills to the northwest, Main River confluence with the Rhine.
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. Santiago sits in a valley with the Andes directly to the east. Arrivals typically come from the north or northwest on runway 17/35 orientation, and the right side faces east toward the Andes wall. The Aconcagua massif and the main Andean cordillera are dramatically visible on the right during descent. Notable sights include: Aconcagua (6,961m, highest peak in the Americas), Central Andes cordillera, Santiago urban grid in the valley floor, Maipo River valley to the south.
How long is the flight from Frankfurt to Santiago?
The flight from Frankfurt Main (FRA) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) takes about 13 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,519 miles (12,100 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Frankfurt to Santiago flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal visible), then the Canary Islands region over the Atlantic. The flight tracks southwest over the open South Atlantic for many hours before crossing the Brazilian coast near Recife or Natal. From there it follows the South American interior or coast southward over Brazil, potentially crossing the Cerrado and Pampas of Argentina before the final Andes crossing into Santiago.