The Andes departure gives the left side a dramatic, mountainous start that outweighs the brief Melbourne bay view on landing, especially since the entire multi-hour Pacific crossing offers no scenery on either side.
Flight Path
Santiago to Melbourne is 7,019 miles (11,296 km), a flight of about 15 hours 30 minutes.
The flight crosses the open South Pacific Ocean for most of its duration, passing well south of Easter Island and north of the Southern Ocean's higher latitudes, with no landmasses visible for the majority of cruise.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SCL
LEFTDeparting SCL southbound, the Andes rise dramatically just east of the airport, with snow-capped peaks visible during the initial climb before the aircraft turns west over the Pacific. The right side only shows the lower Chilean Coastal Range and quickly fades into open ocean.
Landing at MEL
RIGHTOn approach into Melbourne from the south over Bass Strait, the right side typically offers views of Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne CBD skyline as the aircraft lines up for runway 34. The left side mostly shows flat suburban sprawl with no strong landmarks.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Melbourne International (MEL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santiago to Melbourne. The Andes departure gives the left side a dramatic, mountainous start that outweighs the brief Melbourne bay view on landing, especially since the entire multi-hour Pacific crossing offers no scenery on either side.
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. Departing SCL southbound, the Andes rise dramatically just east of the airport, with snow-capped peaks visible during the initial climb before the aircraft turns west over the Pacific. The right side only shows the lower Chilean Coastal Range and quickly fades into open ocean. Notable sights include: Andes Cordillera, Cerro El Plomo, Maipo Valley foothills, Santiago basin.
What can I see when landing at Melbourne International in Melbourne?
When landing at Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Melbourne from the south over Bass Strait, the right side typically offers views of Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne CBD skyline as the aircraft lines up for runway 34. The left side mostly shows flat suburban sprawl with no strong landmarks. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne CBD skyline, Westgate Bridge, Yarra River mouth.
How long is the flight from Santiago to Melbourne?
The flight from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Melbourne International (MEL) takes about 15 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,019 miles (11,296 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Santiago to Melbourne flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the open South Pacific Ocean for most of its duration, passing well south of Easter Island and north of the Southern Ocean's higher latitudes, with no landmasses visible for the majority of cruise.