About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santiago to Buenos Aires. Right-side seats capture the dramatic Andes departure and the Río de la Plata estuary approach. While the landing view is stronger on the left, the spectacular eastbound climb over the Central Cordillera gives right seats the edge for the full journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Arturo Merino Benitez International in Santiago?
During takeoff from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL), sit on the Right side for the best views. SCL typically departs eastbound (runways 07L/07R). Right-side seats face the Andes immediately after climb-out, with the snow-capped peaks of the Central Chilean cordillera rising dramatically to starboard. Left seats see the Pacific and coastal plains receding westward. Notable sights include: Andes cordillera (snow-capped peaks at 13,000-19,000 ft elevation), Maipo River valley running north-south below, Santiago urban sprawl to the west, Aconcagua massif visible on the horizon to the south.
What can I see when landing at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery in Buenos Aires?
When landing at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP), sit on the Left side for the best views. AEP sits on the Río de la Plata's western shore and typically lands westbound (runways 13/31). Left-side seats during descent see the river's brown waters, the city's distinctive neighborhoods (La Boca, San Telmo, Recoleta), and the approach path over the water. Right seats see the flat pampas extending inland. Notable sights include: Río de la Plata estuary (muddy brown water, 35 miles wide at this point), Buenos Aires waterfront districts (La Boca's colorful buildings, Puerto Madero's modern towers), Costanera Sur parkland, Palermo neighborhood grid.
How long is the flight from Santiago to Buenos Aires?
The flight from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Santiago to Buenos Aires flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the high Andes (peaks visible at 35,000 ft cruising altitude, including Aconcagua at 22,835 ft on the left/south side), then descends over the Argentine pampas. The transition from the cordillera to flat terrain occurs roughly 90 minutes into the flight. The Río Paraná and its tributaries become visible in the final descent phase, feeding into the Río de la Plata estuary.