Right-side seats deliver superior scenery on both legs: the Andes at takeoff and the approach to Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables at landing. Left seats miss the dramatic mountain departure entirely.
Flown SCL to ZQN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Santiago to Queenstown International is 5,861 miles (9,433 km), a flight of about 11 hours 25 minutes.
The flight crosses the southern Pacific Ocean for the majority of the journey. Passengers will see open ocean for roughly 4.5 hours. As the aircraft approaches New Zealand airspace, the Southern Alps become visible on the horizon, with the flight path bringing the aircraft over the South Island's central mountain ranges. The Cook Strait and Tasman Sea separate the two countries. No significant landmarks are visible during the mid-ocean portion, but the approach to New Zealand reveals the South Island's mountainous spine, particularly visible from the east as the aircraft descends toward Queenstown.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SCL
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Andes Mountains immediately after departure. Santiago climbs eastward toward the cordillera, and right-side passengers get direct views of the snow-capped peaks that dominate the eastern skyline.
Landing at ZQN
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best approach views into Queenstown. Aircraft descend from the northeast over Lake Wakatipu, and left-side passengers see the dramatic lake, surrounding mountains, and the town nestled on the shoreline as the aircraft makes its final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Queenstown (ZQN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santiago to Queenstown International. Right-side seats deliver superior scenery on both legs: the Andes at takeoff and the approach to Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables at landing. Left seats miss the dramatic mountain departure entirely.
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. Right-side seats capture the Andes Mountains immediately after departure. Santiago climbs eastward toward the cordillera, and right-side passengers get direct views of the snow-capped peaks that dominate the eastern skyline. Notable sights include: Andes Mountains (Cordillera Principal), Santiago urban sprawl to the west, Maipo River valley, pre-cordilleran foothills.
What can I see when landing at Queenstown in Queenstown International?
When landing at Queenstown (ZQN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best approach views into Queenstown. Aircraft descend from the northeast over Lake Wakatipu, and left-side passengers see the dramatic lake, surrounding mountains, and the town nestled on the shoreline as the aircraft makes its final approach. Notable sights include: Lake Wakatipu (long alpine lake), The Remarkables mountain range, Coronet Peak, Queenstown town center on the lakeshore.
How long is the flight from Santiago to Queenstown International?
The flight from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Queenstown (ZQN) takes about 11 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,861 miles (9,433 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Santiago to Queenstown International flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the southern Pacific Ocean for the majority of the journey. Passengers will see open ocean for roughly 4.5 hours. As the aircraft approaches New Zealand airspace, the Southern Alps become visible on the horizon, with the flight path bringing the aircraft over the South Island's central mountain ranges. The Cook Strait and Tasman Sea separate the two countries. No significant landmarks are visible during the mid-ocean portion, but the approach to New Zealand reveals the South Island's mountainous spine, particularly visible from the east as the aircraft descends toward Queenstown.