The left side captures the only two scenic highlights of this mostly oceanic flight: the Los Angeles coastal departure and the dramatic Andes approach into Santiago, while the right side faces open Pacific water for nearly the entire route.
Flown LAX to SCL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Santiago is 5,584 miles (8,987 km), a flight of about 10 hours 50 minutes.
The route crosses thousands of miles of open Pacific Ocean with no landmasses visible, passing well west of Central America and the equatorial Pacific before nearing the Chilean coast.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
LEFTIn LAX's typical west-flow departure, aircraft climb out over Santa Monica Bay then bank south, putting the Los Angeles basin, Palos Verdes Peninsula, and the Orange County/San Diego coastline on the left side, while the right side shows only open Pacific water.
Landing at SCL
LEFTOn approach to Santiago's southbound runways, the descent path from the north keeps the towering, snow-capped Andes on the left side of the aircraft, contrasting with the flatter Central Valley and coastal range visible on the right.
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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 Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Santiago. The left side captures the only two scenic highlights of this mostly oceanic flight: the Los Angeles coastal departure and the dramatic Andes approach into Santiago, while the right side faces open Pacific water for nearly the entire route.
What can I see during takeoff from Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
During takeoff from Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Left side for the best views. In LAX's typical west-flow departure, aircraft climb out over Santa Monica Bay then bank south, putting the Los Angeles basin, Palos Verdes Peninsula, and the Orange County/San Diego coastline on the left side, while the right side shows only open Pacific water. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Los Angeles skyline, Orange County coastline.
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. On approach to Santiago's southbound runways, the descent path from the north keeps the towering, snow-capped Andes on the left side of the aircraft, contrasting with the flatter Central Valley and coastal range visible on the right. Notable sights include: Andes Cordillera, Aconcagua foothills, Santiago's Maipo Valley, Mapocho River basin.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Santiago?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) takes about 10 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,584 miles (8,987 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Santiago flight path pass over?
The route crosses thousands of miles of open Pacific Ocean with no landmasses visible, passing well west of Central America and the equatorial Pacific before nearing the Chilean coast.