The landing approach offers more dramatic and varied scenery with the Strait of Magellan, Magallanes Ranges, and Punta Arenas city. The takeoff has merit for East Falkland views, but the landing sequence provides superior visual interest for the majority of the flight's final phase.
Flown MPN to PUQ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Mount Pleasant to Punta Arenas is 529 miles (851 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Drake Passage crossing with open Southern Ocean; no significant land features visible during the mid-flight segment over open water between the Falkland Islands and South American mainland; occasional icebergs possible in winter months but not guaranteed; the flight path crosses one of the world's roughest maritime zones at altitude, offering expansive views of the Southern Ocean's wave patterns and occasional cloud formations.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MPN
LEFTLeft side offers views of East Falkland's rugged coastline and the Darwin Hills as the aircraft climbs westward. Right side faces open South Atlantic with no significant landmarks for the first 30 minutes.
Landing at PUQ
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Strait of Magellan's northern shore and the Magallanes Ranges as the aircraft descends toward Punta Arenas. Left side shows open water with minimal visual interest during final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Mount Pleasant (MPN) to Carlos Ibanez Del Campo International (PUQ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Mount Pleasant to Punta Arenas. The landing approach offers more dramatic and varied scenery with the Strait of Magellan, Magallanes Ranges, and Punta Arenas city. The takeoff has merit for East Falkland views, but the landing sequence provides superior visual interest for the majority of the flight's final phase.
What can I see during takeoff from Mount Pleasant in Mount Pleasant?
During takeoff from Mount Pleasant (MPN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of East Falkland's rugged coastline and the Darwin Hills as the aircraft climbs westward. Right side faces open South Atlantic with no significant landmarks for the first 30 minutes. Notable sights include: East Falkland coastline, Darwin Hills, Lafonia Peninsula, Falkland Sound.
What can I see when landing at Carlos Ibanez Del Campo International in Punta Arenas?
When landing at Carlos Ibanez Del Campo International (PUQ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Strait of Magellan's northern shore and the Magallanes Ranges as the aircraft descends toward Punta Arenas. Left side shows open water with minimal visual interest during final approach. Notable sights include: Strait of Magellan, Magallanes Ranges, Brunswick Peninsula, Punta Arenas city and harbor.
How long is the flight from Mount Pleasant to Punta Arenas?
The flight from Mount Pleasant (MPN) to Carlos Ibanez Del Campo International (PUQ) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 529 miles (851 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Mount Pleasant to Punta Arenas flight path pass over?
Drake Passage crossing with open Southern Ocean; no significant land features visible during the mid-flight segment over open water between the Falkland Islands and South American mainland; occasional icebergs possible in winter months but not guaranteed; the flight path crosses one of the world's roughest maritime zones at altitude, offering expansive views of the Southern Ocean's wave patterns and occasional cloud formations.