While landing favors the right, the 9+ hour flight path crosses the Andes, Amazon Basin, Caribbean, and Atlantic—all better viewed from the left side during the long daylight cruise phase. The dramatic Andean climb-out and extended views of South American geography outweigh the landing advantage.
Flown SCL to YUL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Santiago to Montreal is 5,452 miles (8,774 km), a flight of about 10 hours 10 minutes.
Andes mountain chain (first 1-2 hours post-departure, left side); Amazon Basin rainforest canopy (4-5 hours, left side as aircraft crosses into northern South America); Caribbean islands including Trinidad and Tobago or Hispaniola depending on routing (6-7 hours); Atlantic Ocean with occasional weather systems and shipping lanes (final 3-4 hours); no major landmarks visible during the long transatlantic cruise at night or in poor visibility conditions typical for this route
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SCL
LEFTSantiago's main runways (34L/34R) depart eastbound toward the Andes. Left seats face north initially, providing direct views of the Cordillera de los Andes rising dramatically from the Central Valley. Right seats see the flat agricultural plains and sprawl of greater Santiago.
Landing at YUL
RIGHTApproach to YUL typically uses runways 06L/06R or 24L/24R depending on wind. For eastbound arrivals, right seats face south over the St. Lawrence River and Montreal's downtown core. Left seats see the northern suburbs and Laurentian foothills. Right provides superior views of the river, city landmarks, and approach path.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santiago to Montreal. While landing favors the right, the 9+ hour flight path crosses the Andes, Amazon Basin, Caribbean, and Atlantic—all better viewed from the left side during the long daylight cruise phase. The dramatic Andean climb-out and extended views of South American geography outweigh the landing advantage.
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. Santiago's main runways (34L/34R) depart eastbound toward the Andes. Left seats face north initially, providing direct views of the Cordillera de los Andes rising dramatically from the Central Valley. Right seats see the flat agricultural plains and sprawl of greater Santiago. Notable sights include: Cordillera de los Andes (snow-capped peaks including Cerro San Cristóbal visible at 5,430 ft), Mapocho River valley cutting through Santiago's urban grid, Precordillera foothills, Central Valley agricultural patchwork.
What can I see when landing at Montreal International Dorval in Montreal?
When landing at Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approach to YUL typically uses runways 06L/06R or 24L/24R depending on wind. For eastbound arrivals, right seats face south over the St. Lawrence River and Montreal's downtown core. Left seats see the northern suburbs and Laurentian foothills. Right provides superior views of the river, city landmarks, and approach path. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River (Fleuve Saint-Laurent) with its broad expanse and islands, Montreal downtown skyline with Mount Royal at center, Île Sainte-Hélène and Île Notre-Dame in the river, suburban sprawl of Greater Montreal.
How long is the flight from Santiago to Montreal?
The flight from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL) takes about 10 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,452 miles (8,774 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Santiago to Montreal flight path pass over?
Andes mountain chain (first 1-2 hours post-departure, left side); Amazon Basin rainforest canopy (4-5 hours, left side as aircraft crosses into northern South America); Caribbean islands including Trinidad and Tobago or Hispaniola depending on routing (6-7 hours); Atlantic Ocean with occasional weather systems and shipping lanes (final 3-4 hours); no major landmarks visible during the long transatlantic cruise at night or in poor visibility conditions typical for this route