The right side delivers the most spectacular single moment of the flight — the Andes wall on departure from Santiago is genuinely world-class. During the long transoceanic and transatlantic cruise, neither side has a decisive advantage, but the Andes view alone makes right the overall winner for this route.
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Flight Path
Santiago to Frankfurt is 7,519 miles (12,100 km), a flight of about 14 hours 30 minutes.
The route typically tracks northeast from Santiago, crossing the Andes into Argentina, then over the South Atlantic toward West Africa. The flight passes over or near the Brazilian interior (Amazon basin visible as unbroken green canopy), crosses the equatorial Atlantic, passes near the Cape Verde islands, then crosses over the Iberian Peninsula — the Pyrenees and Spanish meseta may be visible — before descending into central Europe over France and the Rhine valley.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SCL
RIGHTSCL's primary departure runway 17/35 means northbound departures on 35 climb out heading north, then the aircraft typically turns east. The right side faces east toward the Andes, giving a dramatic view of the Cordillera including Aconcagua and the snow-capped peaks directly east of Santiago. The left side looks west over the flat Central Valley and coastal range, which is far less dramatic.
Landing at FRA
LEFTFrankfurt's primary landing approach on runway 25L/25R comes in from the east heading west, so the left side faces south toward the Rhine River, the Taunus hills, and Frankfurt's city skyline. The right side looks north over less distinctive suburban terrain. Runway 07 approaches from the west are less common for long-haul arrivals.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Frankfurt Main (FRA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santiago to Frankfurt. The right side delivers the most spectacular single moment of the flight — the Andes wall on departure from Santiago is genuinely world-class. During the long transoceanic and transatlantic cruise, neither side has a decisive advantage, but the Andes view alone makes right the overall winner for this 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 Right side for the best views. SCL's primary departure runway 17/35 means northbound departures on 35 climb out heading north, then the aircraft typically turns east. The right side faces east toward the Andes, giving a dramatic view of the Cordillera including Aconcagua and the snow-capped peaks directly east of Santiago. The left side looks west over the flat Central Valley and coastal range, which is far less dramatic. Notable sights include: Aconcagua (6,961m, visible to the northeast), Tupungato volcano, the urban sprawl of Greater Santiago in the valley below, the snow line of the Cordillera Principal.
What can I see when landing at Frankfurt Main in Frankfurt?
When landing at Frankfurt Main (FRA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Frankfurt's primary landing approach on runway 25L/25R comes in from the east heading west, so the left side faces south toward the Rhine River, the Taunus hills, and Frankfurt's city skyline. The right side looks north over less distinctive suburban terrain. Runway 07 approaches from the west are less common for long-haul arrivals. Notable sights include: Frankfurt city skyline (Bankenviertel skyscrapers), Rhine-Main confluence near Mainz, Taunus hills to the north, Main River winding through the city.
How long is the flight from Santiago to Frankfurt?
The flight from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Frankfurt Main (FRA) takes about 14 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,519 miles (12,100 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Santiago to Frankfurt flight path pass over?
The route typically tracks northeast from Santiago, crossing the Andes into Argentina, then over the South Atlantic toward West Africa. The flight passes over or near the Brazilian interior (Amazon basin visible as unbroken green canopy), crosses the equatorial Atlantic, passes near the Cape Verde islands, then crosses over the Iberian Peninsula — the Pyrenees and Spanish meseta may be visible — before descending into central Europe over France and the Rhine valley.