Left side wins at both ends of the flight. The Andes departure view is one of the most dramatic in South America, and the London approach from the west gives the best urban and Thames views on arrival. During the long overwater Atlantic crossing the difference is negligible, but the bookend views make left the clear choice for the full journey.
Flight Path
After crossing the Andes, the route tracks northeast over the Brazilian interior and Amazon basin — a vast unbroken green canopy with river meanders visible on clear days. The flight then crosses the Atlantic Ocean, passing near the equator roughly over the mid-Atlantic. As it approaches Europe, the Iberian Peninsula may be visible with the Portuguese coast and the Tagus estuary near Lisbon before crossing the Bay of Biscay and southern England.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SCL
LEFTSCL's primary departure runway is 17/35, with northbound departures on 35 being common. A left-side seat faces east toward the Andes, giving you a direct view of the Cordillera including peaks like Aconcagua and the snow-capped ridgeline above Santiago. The city itself spreads across the valley floor directly below on the left side during the climbing turn.
Landing at LHR
LEFTHeathrow's dominant arrival flow is from the west on runways 27L/27R, meaning aircraft approach over Windsor and central London tracking eastward. A left-side seat faces north, giving views over the Thames, central London landmarks, and the city's northern districts during the descent. Right-side passengers look south over Surrey suburbs with far less to see.
Landmarks on this routeAll 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 Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santiago to London. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. The Andes departure view is one of the most dramatic in South America, and the London approach from the west gives the best urban and Thames views on arrival. During the long overwater Atlantic crossing the difference is negligible, but the bookend views make left the clear choice 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 Left side for the best views. SCL's primary departure runway is 17/35, with northbound departures on 35 being common. A left-side seat faces east toward the Andes, giving you a direct view of the Cordillera including peaks like Aconcagua and the snow-capped ridgeline above Santiago. The city itself spreads across the valley floor directly below on the left side during the climbing turn. Notable sights include: Andes Cordillera with Aconcagua (6,961m) to the northeast, Santiago urban grid in the Maipo Valley, Cerro San Cristóbal and its urban park, Cajón del Maipo canyon mouth to the southeast.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Heathrow's dominant arrival flow is from the west on runways 27L/27R, meaning aircraft approach over Windsor and central London tracking eastward. A left-side seat faces north, giving views over the Thames, central London landmarks, and the city's northern districts during the descent. Right-side passengers look south over Surrey suburbs with far less to see. Notable sights include: River Thames snaking through central London, Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park to the west, Wembley Stadium arch visible to the north, M25 motorway ring visible as a broad arc.
How long is the flight from Santiago to London?
The flight from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Heathrow (LHR) takes Approximately 14 to 15 hours.
What does the Santiago to London flight path pass over?
After crossing the Andes, the route tracks northeast over the Brazilian interior and Amazon basin — a vast unbroken green canopy with river meanders visible on clear days. The flight then crosses the Atlantic Ocean, passing near the equator roughly over the mid-Atlantic. As it approaches Europe, the Iberian Peninsula may be visible with the Portuguese coast and the Tagus estuary near Lisbon before crossing the Bay of Biscay and southern England.