About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to Santiago. The Andes approach into Santiago on the right side is one of the most dramatic mountain arrival sequences in commercial aviation — sustained views of 6,000-meter peaks at close range. The Houston departure on the left is interesting but brief and relatively flat. The right side wins overall for the Santiago arrival alone.
What can I see during takeoff from George Bush Intcntl Houston in Houston?
During takeoff from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH), sit on the Left side for the best views. IAH departures on the dominant southbound runways (15L/15R) have the left side facing east toward downtown Houston's skyline and the ship channel industrial complex. The right side faces west into suburban sprawl with little of interest. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Houston Ship Channel and turning basin, Galveston Bay in the distance, Lake Houston to the northeast.
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. SCL's primary landing direction on runway 17 (northbound arrivals from the south) puts the right side facing west toward the Andes, which tower dramatically over Santiago at close range. The Andes here reach over 6,000 meters and are visible throughout the approach. Left side faces the flat Pacific coastal plain with little visual interest. Notable sights include: Cordillera de los Andes including Tupungato and Tupungatito volcanoes, Santiago urban basin, Aconcagua massif to the north, Rio Maipo valley.
How long is the flight from Houston to Santiago?
The flight from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) takes Approximately 9 to 10 hours.
What does the Houston to Santiago flight path pass over?
The route tracks south over the Gulf of Mexico, crosses Central America near Guatemala and El Salvador, then follows the Pacific coast of South America southward over Ecuador, Peru, and the Atacama Desert of northern Chile — one of the driest and most barren landscapes on Earth, visible as a stark tan coastal strip. The Andes run parallel to the route on the left for much of the South American leg. Over Peru, the Nazca plateau and coastal desert are visible in clear conditions. The route avoids the Amazon basin by staying west of the Andes.