While left seats win on departure, the landing view is far more dramatic and memorable. The Andes approach on the right side of the aircraft is one of the world's most striking continental arrivals, making right seats the better choice for the overall journey.
Flight Path
This routing crosses the Atlantic over the Bay of Biscay and Iberian Peninsula, then over North Africa (Atlas Mountains visible on some routes), the Sahara, and equatorial Africa before crossing into South America. The South Atlantic crossing offers minimal landmarks. As you approach South America, the Brazilian highlands and Amazon basin become visible before turning south toward Chile. The Andes become increasingly prominent as you descend toward Santiago.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LCY
LEFTLCY typically departs runway 09 (westbound) or 27 (eastbound). Left seats on a westbound departure offer views of central London's landmarks as you climb. Eastbound departures favor right seats but are less common due to noise restrictions.
Landing at SCL
RIGHTSantiago's main runway 35L/17R runs northwest-southeast. Right-seat passengers on approach from the north or northeast get unobstructed views of the Andes rising dramatically ahead. The cordillera fills the right window as you descend toward the valley floor.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City (LCY) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Santiago. While left seats win on departure, the landing view is far more dramatic and memorable. The Andes approach on the right side of the aircraft is one of the world's most striking continental arrivals, making right seats the better choice for the overall journey.
What can I see during takeoff from City in London?
During takeoff from City (LCY), sit on the Left side for the best views. LCY typically departs runway 09 (westbound) or 27 (eastbound). Left seats on a westbound departure offer views of central London's landmarks as you climb. Eastbound departures favor right seats but are less common due to noise restrictions. Notable sights include: Thames estuary and Canary Wharf (immediate), Greater London sprawl, North Sea horizon.
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's main runway 35L/17R runs northwest-southeast. Right-seat passengers on approach from the north or northeast get unobstructed views of the Andes rising dramatically ahead. The cordillera fills the right window as you descend toward the valley floor. Notable sights include: Andes mountain range (snow-capped peaks), Santiago urban basin, Maipo River valley, foothills east of the city.
How long is the flight from London to Santiago?
The flight from City (LCY) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) takes Approximately 14-15 hours.
What does the London to Santiago flight path pass over?
This routing crosses the Atlantic over the Bay of Biscay and Iberian Peninsula, then over North Africa (Atlas Mountains visible on some routes), the Sahara, and equatorial Africa before crossing into South America. The South Atlantic crossing offers minimal landmarks. As you approach South America, the Brazilian highlands and Amazon basin become visible before turning south toward Chile. The Andes become increasingly prominent as you descend toward Santiago.