The departure from Santiago offers more dramatic and sustained visual interest with the Andes cordillera in full view during the critical first 30 minutes of flight. While the Lisbon landing provides good estuary views, the takeoff scenery is more geographically distinctive and memorable.
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Flight Path
Santiago to Lisbon is 6,360 miles (10,235 km), a flight of about 14 hours.
The flight crosses the South Atlantic at high altitude. Notable waypoints include the Brazilian coast near Rio de Janeiro (if visible during daylight), the mid-Atlantic ridge region (not visible from altitude), and the African coast approaching Morocco. The route typically passes south of the Azores. Most of the transatlantic crossing occurs over open ocean with no visible landmarks; the most interesting midpoint views occur during daylight hours over the Brazilian coast (if timing permits) and the approach to the African continent near the Strait of Gibraltar region.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SCL
LEFTSCL typically departs northbound (Runway 35L/35R). Left seats face west toward the Andes, offering immediate views of the cordillera's snow-capped peaks rising directly from the Central Valley. Right seats see the flat agricultural plains extending eastward, which are less visually distinctive.
Landing at LIS
RIGHTLIS uses Runway 03 (northbound approach over the Tagus estuary). Right seats face west across the Tagus River and its wide estuary, providing extended views of Lisbon's waterfront, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and the Sintra hills beyond. Left seats see the approach corridor over land with less distinctive features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Lisboa (LIS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santiago to Lisbon. The departure from Santiago offers more dramatic and sustained visual interest with the Andes cordillera in full view during the critical first 30 minutes of flight. While the Lisbon landing provides good estuary views, the takeoff scenery is more geographically distinctive and memorable.
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 typically departs northbound (Runway 35L/35R). Left seats face west toward the Andes, offering immediate views of the cordillera's snow-capped peaks rising directly from the Central Valley. Right seats see the flat agricultural plains extending eastward, which are less visually distinctive. Notable sights include: Andes Mountains (western cordillera with visible snow peaks), Mapocho River valley (running north-south through Santiago), Central Valley agricultural grid, Cerro San Cristóbal (urban peak visible within city limits).
What can I see when landing at Lisboa in Lisbon?
When landing at Lisboa (LIS), sit on the Right side for the best views. LIS uses Runway 03 (northbound approach over the Tagus estuary). Right seats face west across the Tagus River and its wide estuary, providing extended views of Lisbon's waterfront, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and the Sintra hills beyond. Left seats see the approach corridor over land with less distinctive features. Notable sights include: Tagus River estuary (wide, distinctive waterway), 25 de Abril Bridge (iconic red suspension bridge), Sintra hills (forested ridge visible beyond the city), Lisbon's Baixa district and waterfront (urban density along the north bank).
How long is the flight from Santiago to Lisbon?
The flight from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Lisboa (LIS) takes about 14 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 6,360 miles (10,235 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Santiago to Lisbon flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the South Atlantic at high altitude. Notable waypoints include the Brazilian coast near Rio de Janeiro (if visible during daylight), the mid-Atlantic ridge region (not visible from altitude), and the African coast approaching Morocco. The route typically passes south of the Azores. Most of the transatlantic crossing occurs over open ocean with no visible landmarks; the most interesting midpoint views occur during daylight hours over the Brazilian coast (if timing permits) and the approach to the African continent near the Strait of Gibraltar region.