The right side scores higher due to the exceptional landing approach into Santiago. While the Nairobi departure offers pleasant highland scenery, the Andes approach is genuinely dramatic—snow-capped peaks, a major metropolitan area nestled against a world-class mountain range, and strong visual variety. The 14+ hours of cruise over the Atlantic and African interior on both sides are ocean-dominated and featureless, so the landing experience becomes the decisive factor. Right-side seats capture one of commercial aviation's most visually striking approaches.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for approximately 8-9 hours with no significant landmarks visible. Departure from Nairobi heads northeast over the Indian Ocean, then the aircraft turns west-southwest over the Atlantic. The mid-Atlantic crossing offers only open ocean. As the aircraft approaches South America, the Andes Mountains become visible on the horizon 1-2 hours before landing, with the Central Valley and Santiago appearing in the final descent phase.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from NBO
LEFTNairobi departure offers views of the East African highlands and the city itself during climb-out. The left side captures the escarpment terrain and volcanic plateaus surrounding NBO before heading over the Indian Ocean.
Landing at SCL
RIGHTThe approach to Santiago from the northeast offers dramatic views of the Andes Mountains, which dominate the landing sequence. The right side captures the snow-capped peaks, the Central Valley floor, and the city nestled against the cordillera—one of the world's most visually striking airport approaches.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Nairobi to Santiago. The right side scores higher due to the exceptional landing approach into Santiago. While the Nairobi departure offers pleasant highland scenery, the Andes approach is genuinely dramatic—snow-capped peaks, a major metropolitan area nestled against a world-class mountain range, and strong visual variety. The 14+ hours of cruise over the Atlantic and African interior on both sides are ocean-dominated and featureless, so the landing experience becomes the decisive factor. Right-side seats capture one of commercial aviation's most visually striking approaches.
What can I see during takeoff from Jomo Kenyatta International in Nairobi?
During takeoff from Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Nairobi departure offers views of the East African highlands and the city itself during climb-out. The left side captures the escarpment terrain and volcanic plateaus surrounding NBO before heading over the Indian Ocean. Notable sights include: Nairobi city grid, East African Rift Valley escarpment, Mount Kenya (distant, weather permitting), volcanic highlands of central Kenya.
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. The approach to Santiago from the northeast offers dramatic views of the Andes Mountains, which dominate the landing sequence. The right side captures the snow-capped peaks, the Central Valley floor, and the city nestled against the cordillera—one of the world's most visually striking airport approaches. Notable sights include: Andes Mountains (snow-capped peaks), Central Valley agricultural plains, Santiago city sprawl, Maipo River valley.
How long is the flight from Nairobi to Santiago?
The flight from Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) takes 14h 35m.
What does the Nairobi to Santiago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for approximately 8-9 hours with no significant landmarks visible. Departure from Nairobi heads northeast over the Indian Ocean, then the aircraft turns west-southwest over the Atlantic. The mid-Atlantic crossing offers only open ocean. As the aircraft approaches South America, the Andes Mountains become visible on the horizon 1-2 hours before landing, with the Central Valley and Santiago appearing in the final descent phase.