About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Santiago. While takeoff offers Mount Rainier views, the landing approach into Santiago delivers more sustained and dramatic scenery—the full Andes cordillera is a more impressive visual experience than a single peak. Left seats capture the mountain wall during descent, which lasts longer and provides closer, more detailed views of the terrain.
What can I see during takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International in Seattle?
During takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier during the initial climb-out heading south. The aircraft departs SEA to the south, and Mount Rainier sits roughly 50 miles southeast—a dominant snow-capped peak visible on clear days during the first 15–20 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier (14,410 ft), Cascade Range, Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains to the west.
What can I see when landing at Arturo Merino Benitez International in Santiago?
When landing at Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Andes Mountains during descent into Santiago. The aircraft approaches from the north, and the Andes form a dramatic east-west wall on the left side of the descent path. The snow-capped peaks and deep valleys are visually striking, especially the main cordillera ridgeline. Notable sights include: Andes Mountains (including peaks over 13,000 ft), Maipo River valley, Santiago city sprawl, Coastal Range to the west.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Santiago?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) takes Approximately 9.5–10.5 hours.
What does the Seattle to Santiago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Pacific Ocean for roughly 6–7 hours with no significant landmarks. Approaching the South American coast, passengers may glimpse the Atacama Desert (one of Earth's driest regions) as a tan, featureless expanse before the Andes appear. The Atacama's extreme aridity creates sharp visual contrast with the snow-capped mountains beyond. No major cities or water features are visible during the mid-Pacific portion.