While takeoff favors left seats for the You Yangs and western views, the landing approach offers superior geography on the right—the Dandenong Ranges are a more dramatic and sustained feature, and the approach path naturally aligns right-seat passengers with the bay and eastern suburbs. Right wins overall for the longer, more rewarding visual experience.
Flown MEL to LIM? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Melbourne to Lima is 8,059 miles (12,970 km), a flight of about 14 hours 30 minutes.
Flight crosses the Tasman Sea for 2,000+ miles with minimal landmarks. Approaching South America, the Andes Mountains become visible on the left (western) side during descent into Lima—the high peaks of the Peruvian Andes form a dramatic ridge running north-south. The Pacific coastal desert and Lima's sprawl appear on approach. The Humboldt Current's cooler waters create visible cloud patterns off the Peruvian coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEL
LEFTMelbourne typically departs runway 27 (westbound) or 09 (eastbound). Left seats offer views of Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges to the east during eastbound departures, or the You Yangs and Western Port Bay during westbound ops. Westbound departures are more common, making left seats ideal for seeing the You Yangs granite peaks and the sprawl of Melbourne's western suburbs receding.
Landing at LIM
RIGHTApproach to Melbourne typically uses runways 27 or 09 depending on wind. Right-seat passengers on final approach see the Dandenong Ranges clearly to the east, plus the suburban approach corridor over the eastern suburbs and Port Phillip Bay. The descent path offers excellent views of the bay's eastern shoreline and the city's eastern sprawl before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne International (MEL) to Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Lima. While takeoff favors left seats for the You Yangs and western views, the landing approach offers superior geography on the right—the Dandenong Ranges are a more dramatic and sustained feature, and the approach path naturally aligns right-seat passengers with the bay and eastern suburbs. Right wins overall for the longer, more rewarding visual experience.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne International in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Melbourne typically departs runway 27 (westbound) or 09 (eastbound). Left seats offer views of Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges to the east during eastbound departures, or the You Yangs and Western Port Bay during westbound ops. Westbound departures are more common, making left seats ideal for seeing the You Yangs granite peaks and the sprawl of Melbourne's western suburbs receding. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay (immediate south), You Yangs granite range (southwest, 30 miles), Dandenong Ranges (east, forested ridge), Melbourne CBD skyline (north).
What can I see when landing at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima?
When landing at Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approach to Melbourne typically uses runways 27 or 09 depending on wind. Right-seat passengers on final approach see the Dandenong Ranges clearly to the east, plus the suburban approach corridor over the eastern suburbs and Port Phillip Bay. The descent path offers excellent views of the bay's eastern shoreline and the city's eastern sprawl before touchdown. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay (west and south of approach path), Dandenong Ranges (east, forested ridgeline), Yarra River valley (north, threading through suburbs), Williamstown and bay entrance (southwest).
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Lima?
The flight from Melbourne International (MEL) to Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) takes about 14 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 8,059 miles (12,970 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Melbourne to Lima flight path pass over?
Flight crosses the Tasman Sea for 2,000+ miles with minimal landmarks. Approaching South America, the Andes Mountains become visible on the left (western) side during descent into Lima—the high peaks of the Peruvian Andes form a dramatic ridge running north-south. The Pacific coastal desert and Lima's sprawl appear on approach. The Humboldt Current's cooler waters create visible cloud patterns off the Peruvian coast.