The takeoff view of the Andes from the left side is more dramatic and geographically distinctive than the landing approach. While the landing offers the estuary, the climb-out provides sustained views of one of the world's highest mountain ranges at close range.
Flown MDZ to AEP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Mendoza to Buenos Aires is 608 miles (979 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the flat Cuyo plain and Pampas region. Notable features include the Salado del Sur river valley (visible as a linear depression in the landscape around 1 hour into flight), the transition from arid western terrain to increasingly green agricultural land, and the Rio Paraná river system approaching Buenos Aires. At cruise altitude (around 25,000 feet), individual landmarks become difficult to distinguish, but the general terrain transition from brown/tan (west) to green (east) is visible. No major mountain ranges cross this route after leaving the Andes foothills.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDZ
LEFTMDZ typically departs runway 04 (northeast heading). Left-side seats face the Andes as you climb out, with the high peaks of the Cordillera Principal rising dramatically to your left. Right seats see the flat Cuyo plain extending eastward with minimal relief.
Landing at AEP
RIGHTAEP approaches from the west on runway 15 (southeast heading). Right-side seats provide views of the Río de la Plata estuary and the city's western districts as you descend. Left seats see the city interior and lack the water perspective that makes this approach distinctive.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from El Plumerillo (MDZ) to Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Mendoza to Buenos Aires. The takeoff view of the Andes from the left side is more dramatic and geographically distinctive than the landing approach. While the landing offers the estuary, the climb-out provides sustained views of one of the world's highest mountain ranges at close range.
What can I see during takeoff from El Plumerillo in Mendoza?
During takeoff from El Plumerillo (MDZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. MDZ typically departs runway 04 (northeast heading). Left-side seats face the Andes as you climb out, with the high peaks of the Cordillera Principal rising dramatically to your left. Right seats see the flat Cuyo plain extending eastward with minimal relief. Notable sights include: Cordillera Principal peaks (Aconcagua massif region), Río Mendoza valley floor, pre-Andean foothills, eastern Cuyo plain.
What can I see when landing at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery in Buenos Aires?
When landing at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP), sit on the Right side for the best views. AEP approaches from the west on runway 15 (southeast heading). Right-side seats provide views of the Río de la Plata estuary and the city's western districts as you descend. Left seats see the city interior and lack the water perspective that makes this approach distinctive. Notable sights include: Río de la Plata estuary (muddy brown water), Palermo and Belgrano districts, Puerto Madero waterfront development, Aeroparque's position on the river peninsula.
How long is the flight from Mendoza to Buenos Aires?
The flight from El Plumerillo (MDZ) to Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 608 miles (979 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Mendoza to Buenos Aires flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the flat Cuyo plain and Pampas region. Notable features include the Salado del Sur river valley (visible as a linear depression in the landscape around 1 hour into flight), the transition from arid western terrain to increasingly green agricultural land, and the Rio Paraná river system approaching Buenos Aires. At cruise altitude (around 25,000 feet), individual landmarks become difficult to distinguish, but the general terrain transition from brown/tan (west) to green (east) is visible. No major mountain ranges cross this route after leaving the Andes foothills.