About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tocumen International (PTY) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Panama City to Santiago. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic geography: the Panama Canal and Caribbean coast on departure, then the Pacific coastline of Colombia and Ecuador during the cruise segment, followed by the approach to the Andes. Left seats offer only jungle and valley views with less visual interest.
What can I see during takeoff from Tocumen International in Panama City?
During takeoff from Tocumen International (PTY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Tocumen typically departs eastbound (Runway 03R/03L). Right-side seats face toward the Caribbean coast and the Panama Canal approach, offering immediate views of the canal's northern reaches and Gatun Lake. Left seats face inland toward dense jungle with minimal distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Panama Canal (northern section and Gatun Lake), Caribbean coastline, Colón province lowlands, dense tropical forest canopy.
What can I see when landing at Arturo Merino Benitez International in Santiago?
When landing at Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Santiago approaches from the west over the Central Valley (Runway 34L/34R typical). Left-side seats face the Andes Mountains directly ahead during descent, with the snow-capped peaks of the main cordillera dominating the view. Right seats see the flat valley floor and city sprawl but miss the dramatic mountain backdrop. Notable sights include: Andes Mountains (main cordillera with visible snow peaks), Central Valley agricultural plains, Santiago metropolitan area sprawl, Maipo River valley.
How long is the flight from Panama City to Santiago?
The flight from Tocumen International (PTY) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) takes Approximately 5 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Panama City to Santiago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Pacific coast of Colombia and Ecuador, passing west of the Andes cordillera. Notable features visible from cruise altitude include the Pacific coastline, the Chocó region's mountainous terrain in Colombia, and the western slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes. The route then descends toward central Chile, crossing the Atacama Desert's northern reaches before entering the Central Valley and approaching the main Andes cordillera from the west.