While most of the flight crosses open Atlantic and Amazonian lowlands with little to see from either side, the left side delivers the flight's single most spectacular moment: the Andes-framed descent into Santiago, which outweighs the modest terrain glimpses on departure from Madrid.
Flown MAD to SCL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Madrid to Santiago is 6,661 miles (10,719 km), a flight of about 13 hours 15 minutes.
Mid-Atlantic open ocean, the Brazilian coastline near Natal/Recife, the western Amazon basin fringe, and the eastern edge of the Andes before descent into the Santiago basin
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MAD
RIGHTBarajas' north-configuration departures climb out over the flat Meseta, but the turn toward the southwest briefly reveals the Sierra de Guadarrama foothills and Madrid's northern suburbs on the right side before the aircraft settles onto its long transatlantic heading.
Landing at SCL
LEFTArrivals into Santiago descend from the north on runway 17, and the Andes' snow-capped peaks run along the eastern flank of the approach corridor, clearly visible on the left side as the aircraft lines up for landing. This is one of the most dramatic mountain approaches in commercial aviation.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Barajas (MAD) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madrid to Santiago. While most of the flight crosses open Atlantic and Amazonian lowlands with little to see from either side, the left side delivers the flight's single most spectacular moment: the Andes-framed descent into Santiago, which outweighs the modest terrain glimpses on departure from Madrid.
What can I see during takeoff from Barajas in Madrid?
During takeoff from Barajas (MAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Barajas' north-configuration departures climb out over the flat Meseta, but the turn toward the southwest briefly reveals the Sierra de Guadarrama foothills and Madrid's northern suburbs on the right side before the aircraft settles onto its long transatlantic heading. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama foothills, Madrid's northern districts, the Jarama river valley.
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. Arrivals into Santiago descend from the north on runway 17, and the Andes' snow-capped peaks run along the eastern flank of the approach corridor, clearly visible on the left side as the aircraft lines up for landing. This is one of the most dramatic mountain approaches in commercial aviation. Notable sights include: Andes Cordillera peaks, Cerro El Plomo, the Maipo river valley, Santiago's eastern foothill suburbs.
How long is the flight from Madrid to Santiago?
The flight from Barajas (MAD) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) takes about 13 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,661 miles (10,719 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Madrid to Santiago flight path pass over?
Mid-Atlantic open ocean, the Brazilian coastline near Natal/Recife, the western Amazon basin fringe, and the eastern edge of the Andes before descent into the Santiago basin