Right-side seats capture the dramatic Andes departure from Santiago, which is the most visually striking segment of this northbound flight. While the Mexico City approach favors the left, the takeoff experience is more memorable.
Flown SCL to MEX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Santiago to Mexico City is 4,099 miles (6,596 km), a flight of about 8 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atacama Desert (world's driest non-polar region), visible as tan-brown terrain with virtually no vegetation. The Pacific coast remains visible to the left for the first 90 minutes. The Central American volcanic belt becomes visible in the final 90 minutes of approach, with occasional glimpses of volcanic cones in Guatemala and El Salvador on the left side during descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SCL
RIGHTSCL typically departs runway 07 (westbound) or 25 (eastbound). Right-side seats offer the best views during eastbound departures (runway 25), showing the Andes cordillera rising dramatically to the east as you climb. The western approach over the coastal plain is less visually distinctive.
Landing at MEX
LEFTMEX uses runways 05L/05R (eastbound) or 23L/23R (westbound). Left-side seats during approach to runway 05 offer views of Mexico City's urban basin and the surrounding volcanic peaks. The city sprawls across the valley floor with the Sierra Madre Oriental visible beyond.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santiago to Mexico City. Right-side seats capture the dramatic Andes departure from Santiago, which is the most visually striking segment of this northbound flight. While the Mexico City approach favors the left, the takeoff experience is more 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 Right side for the best views. SCL typically departs runway 07 (westbound) or 25 (eastbound). Right-side seats offer the best views during eastbound departures (runway 25), showing the Andes cordillera rising dramatically to the east as you climb. The western approach over the coastal plain is less visually distinctive. Notable sights include: Andes Mountains (eastern escarpment), Mapocho River valley, Santiago urban sprawl, Cerro San Cristóbal.
What can I see when landing at Licenciado Benito Juarez International in Mexico City?
When landing at Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX), sit on the Left side for the best views. MEX uses runways 05L/05R (eastbound) or 23L/23R (westbound). Left-side seats during approach to runway 05 offer views of Mexico City's urban basin and the surrounding volcanic peaks. The city sprawls across the valley floor with the Sierra Madre Oriental visible beyond. Notable sights include: Mexico City urban basin, Popocatépetl volcano (distant), Sierra Madre Oriental, Lake Texcoco remnants.
How long is the flight from Santiago to Mexico City?
The flight from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX) takes about 8 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,099 miles (6,596 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Santiago to Mexico City flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atacama Desert (world's driest non-polar region), visible as tan-brown terrain with virtually no vegetation. The Pacific coast remains visible to the left for the first 90 minutes. The Central American volcanic belt becomes visible in the final 90 minutes of approach, with occasional glimpses of volcanic cones in Guatemala and El Salvador on the left side during descent.