While left seats win on departure, right seats dominate the landing experience with unobstructed Andes views during the longest and most visually rewarding phase of descent. The mountain approach is the signature view on this route.
Flown LIS to SCL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Lisbon to Santiago is 6,360 miles (10,235 km), a flight of about 12 hours.
This route crosses the Atlantic at high latitude, passing south of the Azores (around 37°N, 25°W). The mid-Atlantic offers only open ocean. After crossing into the Southern Hemisphere, the flight passes over the southern tip of Brazil and northern Argentina before approaching the Andes. Notable geographic features include the South Atlantic basin, the Brazilian plateau (visible on descent into South America), and the Pampas of Argentina.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LIS
LEFTLisbon typically departs runway 03 (northbound) or 21 (southbound). Left seats offer views of the Tagus River estuary and the Atlantic coastline as you climb northwest. Right seats face inland toward the Sintra-Cascais ridge, which is less dramatic during initial climb.
Landing at SCL
RIGHTSantiago typically lands runway 34L/R (from the north). Right seats provide views of the Andes Mountains during descent, particularly the snow-capped peaks west of the city. Left seats face the flat central valley and urban sprawl, which is less visually distinctive.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lisboa (LIS) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Lisbon to Santiago. While left seats win on departure, right seats dominate the landing experience with unobstructed Andes views during the longest and most visually rewarding phase of descent. The mountain approach is the signature view on this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Lisboa in Lisbon?
During takeoff from Lisboa (LIS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Lisbon typically departs runway 03 (northbound) or 21 (southbound). Left seats offer views of the Tagus River estuary and the Atlantic coastline as you climb northwest. Right seats face inland toward the Sintra-Cascais ridge, which is less dramatic during initial climb. Notable sights include: Tagus River estuary, Atlantic Ocean, Cascais coastal town, Sintra hills.
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 typically lands runway 34L/R (from the north). Right seats provide views of the Andes Mountains during descent, particularly the snow-capped peaks west of the city. Left seats face the flat central valley and urban sprawl, which is less visually distinctive. Notable sights include: Andes Mountains (snow-capped peaks), Santiago urban grid, Mapocho River valley, Cerro San Cristóbal.
How long is the flight from Lisbon to Santiago?
The flight from Lisboa (LIS) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) takes about 12 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 6,360 miles (10,235 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Lisbon to Santiago flight path pass over?
This route crosses the Atlantic at high latitude, passing south of the Azores (around 37°N, 25°W). The mid-Atlantic offers only open ocean. After crossing into the Southern Hemisphere, the flight passes over the southern tip of Brazil and northern Argentina before approaching the Andes. Notable geographic features include the South Atlantic basin, the Brazilian plateau (visible on descent into South America), and the Pampas of Argentina.