Right side wins at both ends of the flight — the Andes at departure and the Miami coastline at arrival. During the cruise over the Amazon basin and Caribbean, neither side offers dramatically more, but the right side also gets better views of the Colombian and Venezuelan coastline as the route curves north.
Flown SCL to MIA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Santiago to Miami is 4,137 miles (6,658 km), a flight of about 9 hours 30 minutes.
The route crosses the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, then the Bolivian and Peruvian Andes, before descending over the Amazon basin in Brazil and Colombia. The flight then crosses the Caribbean Sea over Colombia and Venezuela, passing near the Lesser Antilles before approaching Florida from the south over Cuba and the Florida Straits.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SCL
RIGHTSCL's primary departure runway 17/35 means northbound departures on runway 35 climb out heading north, putting the Andes directly to the right (east). The entire front range of the Andes including Aconcagua (6,961m) and the surrounding cordillera fills the right window during climb. Left side gets the flat Pacific coastal plain and eventually the ocean.
Landing at MIA
RIGHTMIA's primary arrival runways 08L/08R have aircraft approaching from the west over the Everglades, meaning the right side faces north toward Miami Beach, the downtown skyline, Biscayne Bay, and the barrier islands. Left side faces south toward Homestead and agricultural land with little visual interest.
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 Miami International (MIA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santiago to Miami. Right side wins at both ends of the flight — the Andes at departure and the Miami coastline at arrival. During the cruise over the Amazon basin and Caribbean, neither side offers dramatically more, but the right side also gets better views of the Colombian and Venezuelan coastline as the route curves north.
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's primary departure runway 17/35 means northbound departures on runway 35 climb out heading north, putting the Andes directly to the right (east). The entire front range of the Andes including Aconcagua (6,961m) and the surrounding cordillera fills the right window during climb. Left side gets the flat Pacific coastal plain and eventually the ocean. Notable sights include: Aconcagua (highest peak in the Americas at 6,961m), the Santiago metropolitan sprawl in the valley below, Cerro El Plomo above the city, the snow-capped main Andean cordillera ridge line.
What can I see when landing at Miami International in Miami?
When landing at Miami International (MIA), sit on the Right side for the best views. MIA's primary arrival runways 08L/08R have aircraft approaching from the west over the Everglades, meaning the right side faces north toward Miami Beach, the downtown skyline, Biscayne Bay, and the barrier islands. Left side faces south toward Homestead and agricultural land with little visual interest. Notable sights include: Miami downtown skyline and Brickell high-rises, Biscayne Bay and its causeways, Miami Beach barrier island, Port of Miami with cruise ships.
How long is the flight from Santiago to Miami?
The flight from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Miami International (MIA) takes about 9 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,137 miles (6,658 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Santiago to Miami flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, then the Bolivian and Peruvian Andes, before descending over the Amazon basin in Brazil and Colombia. The flight then crosses the Caribbean Sea over Colombia and Venezuela, passing near the Lesser Antilles before approaching Florida from the south over Cuba and the Florida Straits.