The left side wins on both ends of the flight — the Andes at departure and Sydney's coastal geography at arrival — while the right side is dominated by nearly featureless ocean and inland suburbs for almost the entire route.
Flown SCL to BWU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Santiago to Sydney is 7,054 miles (11,352 km), a flight of about 12 hours 45 minutes.
The route crosses the vast South Pacific Ocean with no landmasses for most of the crossing; Easter Island lies near the flight path but well below the horizon at cruise altitude and is not reliably visible.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SCL
LEFTDeparting SCL to the south before the long turn toward the Pacific, the left side offers a dramatic view of the snow-capped Andes rising sharply just east of the Santiago valley, including peaks near Aconcagua's range. The right side only shows the lower Chilean Coastal Range and the ocean beyond, which is far less dramatic.
Landing at BWU
LEFTOn approach to Bankstown from the east, the left side gives passengers a brief but genuine view of Sydney's coastline and Botany Bay before the aircraft turns inland toward the airport, while the right side mostly shows featureless outer suburban rooftops.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Sydney Bankstown (BWU)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santiago to Sydney. The left side wins on both ends of the flight — the Andes at departure and Sydney's coastal geography at arrival — while the right side is dominated by nearly featureless ocean and inland suburbs for almost the entire route.
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. Departing SCL to the south before the long turn toward the Pacific, the left side offers a dramatic view of the snow-capped Andes rising sharply just east of the Santiago valley, including peaks near Aconcagua's range. The right side only shows the lower Chilean Coastal Range and the ocean beyond, which is far less dramatic. Notable sights include: Andes Cordillera, Santiago basin, Maipo river valley, Aconcagua massif in the distance.
What can I see when landing at Sydney Bankstown in Sydney?
When landing at Sydney Bankstown (BWU), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to Bankstown from the east, the left side gives passengers a brief but genuine view of Sydney's coastline and Botany Bay before the aircraft turns inland toward the airport, while the right side mostly shows featureless outer suburban rooftops. Notable sights include: Botany Bay, Sydney coastline, Georges River, outer Sydney suburbs.
How long is the flight from Santiago to Sydney?
The flight from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Sydney Bankstown (BWU) takes about 12 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,054 miles (11,352 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Santiago to Sydney flight path pass over?
The route crosses the vast South Pacific Ocean with no landmasses for most of the crossing; Easter Island lies near the flight path but well below the horizon at cruise altitude and is not reliably visible.