While the left offers excellent Andes scenery on departure, the right side delivers more consistent visual interest over the full flight—mountain views during climb-out are brief, but the right side captures the dramatic Lake Ontario approach and Toronto waterfront during descent, which provides a more memorable final impression and longer viewing window.
Flown SCL to YTZ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Santiago to Toronto is 5,349 miles (8,609 km), a flight of about 9 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Caribbean Sea and passes over or near the Yucatan Peninsula, then continues over the Gulf of Mexico and southeastern United States (Mississippi River valley, Appalachian Mountains visible on clear days), before reaching the Great Lakes region. Significant landmarks include the Yucatan's flat limestone platform, the Mississippi River delta, and the Ohio River valley.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SCL
LEFTLeft side captures the Andes Mountains immediately after departure, with the main cordillera rising dramatically to the east. The spine of the range is visible for the first 30-40 minutes of climb, providing sustained mountain scenery as you gain altitude over central Chile.
Landing at YTZ
RIGHTRight side provides views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto waterfront during descent. As you approach from the southwest, the right wing shows the lake's expanse, the Toronto Islands, and the downtown skyline rising from the shoreline—a distinctive urban-water interface visible from 5,000-15,000 feet.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to City Centre (YTZ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santiago to Toronto. While the left offers excellent Andes scenery on departure, the right side delivers more consistent visual interest over the full flight—mountain views during climb-out are brief, but the right side captures the dramatic Lake Ontario approach and Toronto waterfront during descent, which provides a more memorable final impression and longer viewing window.
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. Left side captures the Andes Mountains immediately after departure, with the main cordillera rising dramatically to the east. The spine of the range is visible for the first 30-40 minutes of climb, providing sustained mountain scenery as you gain altitude over central Chile. Notable sights include: Andes Mountains (main cordillera), Santiago urban sprawl below, Mapocho River valley, pre-Andean foothills.
What can I see when landing at City Centre in Toronto?
When landing at City Centre (YTZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto waterfront during descent. As you approach from the southwest, the right wing shows the lake's expanse, the Toronto Islands, and the downtown skyline rising from the shoreline—a distinctive urban-water interface visible from 5,000-15,000 feet. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario, Toronto Islands, downtown Toronto skyline, Scarborough Bluffs (eastern shoreline).
How long is the flight from Santiago to Toronto?
The flight from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to City Centre (YTZ) takes about 9 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,349 miles (8,609 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Santiago to Toronto flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Caribbean Sea and passes over or near the Yucatan Peninsula, then continues over the Gulf of Mexico and southeastern United States (Mississippi River valley, Appalachian Mountains visible on clear days), before reaching the Great Lakes region. Significant landmarks include the Yucatan's flat limestone platform, the Mississippi River delta, and the Ohio River valley.