About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Santiago. Right side wins both ends of the flight. At takeoff you get the LA Basin and San Gabriel Mountains; on landing you face the Andes directly. Over the Pacific the views are largely ocean on both sides, so the departure and arrival phases determine the winner.
What can I see during takeoff from Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
During takeoff from Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. LAX departures heading south or southeast on runways 24L/24R put the right side facing inland toward the Santa Monica Mountains and downtown LA skyline. As the aircraft banks south, the right side gets a clear view of the LA Basin, the Hollywood Hills, and eventually the sprawling urban grid stretching to the San Gabriel Mountains on the horizon. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Mountains, Downtown LA skyline, San Gabriel Mountains, Palos Verdes Peninsula.
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 sits just east of Santiago with the Andes directly to the east. Aircraft typically approach from the west on runway 17/35, meaning a right-side seat faces east toward the Andes on final approach, giving a dramatic view of the Cordillera including Aconcagua and the high peaks. The left side faces west over the flat Central Valley with little of interest. Notable sights include: Andes Cordillera, Aconcagua (6,961m), Santiago urban basin, Cerro El Plomo.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Santiago?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) takes Approximately 12 to 13 hours.
What does the Los Angeles to Santiago flight path pass over?
The route tracks south over the Pacific Ocean well offshore from the South American coast, crossing the ITCZ near the equator where convective cloud buildups are common. The flight passes west of the Galapagos Islands around the midpoint. As the aircraft approaches South America it crosses over northern Chile's Atacama Desert coast, one of the driest landscapes on Earth, before descending into the Central Valley toward Santiago. The Andes are visible from the right side during the final descent.