Left side scores higher due to the dramatic Andes departure sequence (4.0 for takeoff scenery) combined with consistent mountain and valley views during the cruise phase over South America. Although right side wins at landing with Manhattan's iconic skyline (4.0 for arrival), the 10+ hour cruise phase over the Atlantic Ocean on the right side is visually monotonous open water (max 2.0 for that segment). Left side maintains terrain interest through the Andes climb, then offers varied views of South American geography, Central America, and the Caribbean during cruise before the Atlantic crossing. The takeoff advantage and superior mid-flight scenery outweigh the landing disadvantage.
Flown SCL to LGA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Santiago to New York is 5,128 miles (8,253 km), a flight of about 10 hours 15 minutes.
Andes Mountains (departure climb), Central Valley of Chile, Atacama Desert (northern Chile), Peruvian highlands, Amazon Basin (eastern Peru/Brazil), Caribbean islands (Hispaniola, Puerto Rico visible on approach to eastern seaboard), Atlantic coastline of northeastern United States
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SCL
LEFTLeft side captures the dramatic Andes Mountains immediately after departure from SCL. Aircraft departing southbound on runways 17L/17R climb steeply over the western suburbs, and the left (west-facing) window frames the snow-capped Andes ridge running north-south. Right side shows the flat Central Valley and eastern plains with minimal terrain drama.
Landing at LGA
RIGHTRight side (east-facing) during LGA approach offers superior urban and coastal scenery. Aircraft typically descend from the northwest and turn southeast for runway 04 or northeast for runway 22, positioning right-side passengers to view the Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, and East River during final approach. Left side sees New Jersey's industrial areas and open water with less distinctive landmarks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to La Guardia (LGA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santiago to New York. Left side scores higher due to the dramatic Andes departure sequence (4.0 for takeoff scenery) combined with consistent mountain and valley views during the cruise phase over South America. Although right side wins at landing with Manhattan's iconic skyline (4.0 for arrival), the 10+ hour cruise phase over the Atlantic Ocean on the right side is visually monotonous open water (max 2.0 for that segment). Left side maintains terrain interest through the Andes climb, then offers varied views of South American geography, Central America, and the Caribbean during cruise before the Atlantic crossing. The takeoff advantage and superior mid-flight scenery outweigh the landing disadvantage.
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 captures the dramatic Andes Mountains immediately after departure from SCL. Aircraft departing southbound on runways 17L/17R climb steeply over the western suburbs, and the left (west-facing) window frames the snow-capped Andes ridge running north-south. Right side shows the flat Central Valley and eastern plains with minimal terrain drama. Notable sights include: Andes Mountain Range (snow-capped peaks), Maipo River valley, Santiago urban sprawl transitioning to foothills.
What can I see when landing at La Guardia in New York?
When landing at La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side (east-facing) during LGA approach offers superior urban and coastal scenery. Aircraft typically descend from the northwest and turn southeast for runway 04 or northeast for runway 22, positioning right-side passengers to view the Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, and East River during final approach. Left side sees New Jersey's industrial areas and open water with less distinctive landmarks. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline and East River, Hudson River, Queens and Brooklyn waterfront, Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor.
How long is the flight from Santiago to New York?
The flight from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to La Guardia (LGA) takes about 10 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,128 miles (8,253 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Santiago to New York flight path pass over?
Andes Mountains (departure climb), Central Valley of Chile, Atacama Desert (northern Chile), Peruvian highlands, Amazon Basin (eastern Peru/Brazil), Caribbean islands (Hispaniola, Puerto Rico visible on approach to eastern seaboard), Atlantic coastline of northeastern United States