Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santiago to San Francisco. While the left offers dramatic Andes views at takeoff, the right side provides superior scenery for most of the flight and exceptional bay views during landing. The approach to SFO is the visual highlight of this route.

During takeoff from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer immediate views of the Andes Mountains as the aircraft climbs out from Santiago. The aircraft departs northeastward, and the western slopes of the Andes dominate the left side during initial climb. Notable sights include: Andes Mountains (eastern skyline), Mapocho River valley (below), Santiago urban sprawl (receding behind), Cordillera de la Costa foothills (western side).

When landing at San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats provide excellent views during approach to SFO. The aircraft descends from the northeast over the San Francisco Bay, and right-side passengers see the bay, Golden Gate strait, and the San Francisco peninsula clearly during the final approach vectors. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay (central water body), Golden Gate Strait (northern entrance), San Francisco Peninsula (urban area), Marin Headlands (north of Golden Gate).

The flight from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes Approximately 8 hours 15 minutes.

The flight crosses the Pacific Ocean for approximately 6 hours with minimal landmarks. Notable geographic waypoints include: the Atacama Desert coast (visible briefly after leaving Chilean airspace), the vast open Pacific (no visible features), and the California coast approaching North America (Point Reyes, Farallon Islands, and coastal ridges become visible approximately 1 hour before landing). The Andes departure and San Francisco Bay arrival are the primary scenic bookends of this transoceanic route.