The takeoff departure over the Andes provides more dramatic and visually striking scenery than the landing approach. The cordillera's snow-capped peaks and steep relief are more impressive than the San Joaquin Valley's agricultural landscape.
Flown SCL to BFL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Santiago to Bakersfield is 5,687 miles (9,153 km), a flight of about 11 hours 5 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atacama Desert in northern Chile and southern Peru, with visible salt flats and volcanic peaks. Crossing into the United States, the route passes over the Colorado Plateau and Great Basin, with the Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges visible to the west. The Central Valley of California becomes prominent in the final descent phase.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SCL
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the Andes Mountains rising dramatically to the east of Santiago. The cordillera dominates the eastern horizon during northwestward departure, with snow-capped peaks visible even in summer months.
Landing at BFL
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Sierra Nevada and the southern San Joaquin Valley's agricultural grid during descent into Bakersfield. The mountain range forms a dramatic eastern boundary, and the valley's geometric crop patterns are visually distinctive.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Meadows Fld (BFL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santiago to Bakersfield. The takeoff departure over the Andes provides more dramatic and visually striking scenery than the landing approach. The cordillera's snow-capped peaks and steep relief are more impressive than the San Joaquin Valley's agricultural landscape.
What can I see during takeoff from Arturo Merino Benitez International in Santiago?
During takeoff from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of the Andes Mountains rising dramatically to the east of Santiago. The cordillera dominates the eastern horizon during northwestward departure, with snow-capped peaks visible even in summer months. Notable sights include: Andes Mountains (Cordillera Principal), Santiago urban sprawl to the west, Maipo River valley, Central Valley floor.
What can I see when landing at Meadows Fld in Bakersfield?
When landing at Meadows Fld (BFL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Sierra Nevada and the southern San Joaquin Valley's agricultural grid during descent into Bakersfield. The mountain range forms a dramatic eastern boundary, and the valley's geometric crop patterns are visually distinctive. Notable sights include: Sierra Nevada (southern range), San Joaquin Valley agricultural fields, Kern River, Bakersfield urban area.
How long is the flight from Santiago to Bakersfield?
The flight from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Meadows Fld (BFL) takes about 11 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,687 miles (9,153 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Santiago to Bakersfield flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atacama Desert in northern Chile and southern Peru, with visible salt flats and volcanic peaks. Crossing into the United States, the route passes over the Colorado Plateau and Great Basin, with the Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges visible to the west. The Central Valley of California becomes prominent in the final descent phase.