Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Santiago. While the takeoff offers Lake Michigan views from the left, the landing descent provides more dramatic and sustained scenery. The Andes Mountains during approach are visually spectacular and geographically significant, making the right side the better overall choice for this long-haul route.

During takeoff from Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views of Lake Michigan as the aircraft climbs northwestward from ORD. You'll see the Chicago shoreline, downtown skyline, and the lake's expanse stretching toward the horizon during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Chicago downtown skyline, Des Plaines River valley, Illinois prairie extending westward.

When landing at Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach into Santiago. You'll see the Andes Mountains rising dramatically to the east, with the snow-capped peaks of the central Chilean cordillera dominating the landscape as you descend toward the valley floor. Notable sights include: Andes Mountains (central cordillera), Maipo River valley, Santiago urban sprawl, Cerro San Cristóbal.

The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) takes Approximately 9 hours 15 minutes.

The flight path crosses the continental United States (Great Plains, Rocky Mountains visible from altitude), then over the Pacific Ocean for roughly 5-6 hours. Notable geographic features include the Rocky Mountain range (visible during westbound cruise if flying at lower altitudes), the Pacific coastline of Mexico and Central America (if visible during daylight hours depending on exact routing), and the approach to the Chilean coast with the Atacama Desert region visible before descending into the Santiago basin.