Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santiago to La Serena. While takeoff favors left for Andean views, the landing approach dominates this short flight. Right seats capture the dramatic Pacific coastline and the visual transition from the high desert to the sea—the most distinctive geographic feature of this route.

During takeoff from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL), sit on the Left side for the best views. SCL typically departs northbound (runways 07L/07R or 25L/25R depending on wind). Left seats face west toward the Andes as you climb, offering immediate views of the cordillera's western escarpment. Right seats see the city and eastern sprawl initially. Notable sights include: Andes Mountains (western face), Santiago metropolitan area, Mapocho River valley, Cerro San Cristóbal.

When landing at La Florida (LSC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approach to La Serena (LSC) typically uses runway 18 (southbound landing). Right seats face west during descent, capturing the Pacific coastline and the transition from the Atacama Desert to the coastal plain. Left seats see inland desert and mountains. Notable sights include: Pacific Ocean, La Serena coastal city, Atacama Desert foothills, Coquimbo Bay.

The flight from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to La Florida (LSC) takes Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.

The flight path tracks north-northwest along the western slope of the Andes, gradually descending. You'll pass over the Aconcagua River valley and the transition zone where the high cordillera gives way to lower coastal ranges. The Atacama Desert's northern edge becomes visible as you approach La Serena, with increasingly sparse vegetation and exposed rock formations. The Pacific coastline emerges on the western horizon around 30 minutes into the flight, growing more prominent as you descend toward landing.