With roughly 13 hours of open Pacific Ocean in cruise contributing little scenic difference to either side, the deciding factor is the landing sequence into Lima, where the Andes foothills and coastal desert give a more dramatic and geographically distinct view than the ocean-side seat would offer, even though the right side has a stronger takeoff view over Sydney Harbour.
Flown SYD to LIM? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sydney to Lima is 7,950 miles (12,794 km), a flight of about 13 hours 40 minutes.
The route crosses the vast South Pacific Ocean, passing well south of French Polynesia and north of the higher southern latitudes, with no significant landmasses or landmarks visible for the majority of the cruise phase.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SYD
RIGHTSydney typically departs to the north before turning east toward the Pacific, putting Sydney Harbour, the CBD skyline, and the northern beaches on the right side of the aircraft during climb-out. This is one of the most recognizable urban/coastal views in the world from an aircraft.
Landing at LIM
LEFTApproaching Lima from the north on the standard runway 16 approach, the descent path runs roughly southward with the city of Lima and the dry foothills of the Andes visible on the left side, while the Pacific Ocean dominates the right. The desert-mountain contrast against the coastal city is a distinctive final approach view.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sydney to Lima. With roughly 13 hours of open Pacific Ocean in cruise contributing little scenic difference to either side, the deciding factor is the landing sequence into Lima, where the Andes foothills and coastal desert give a more dramatic and geographically distinct view than the ocean-side seat would offer, even though the right side has a stronger takeoff view over Sydney Harbour.
What can I see during takeoff from Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
During takeoff from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Sydney typically departs to the north before turning east toward the Pacific, putting Sydney Harbour, the CBD skyline, and the northern beaches on the right side of the aircraft during climb-out. This is one of the most recognizable urban/coastal views in the world from an aircraft. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Sydney CBD skyline, Manly and northern beaches coastline.
What can I see when landing at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima?
When landing at Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching Lima from the north on the standard runway 16 approach, the descent path runs roughly southward with the city of Lima and the dry foothills of the Andes visible on the left side, while the Pacific Ocean dominates the right. The desert-mountain contrast against the coastal city is a distinctive final approach view. Notable sights include: Andes foothills, Lima cityscape and Miraflores coastline, Rímac River valley, Pacific coastal desert bluffs.
How long is the flight from Sydney to Lima?
The flight from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) takes about 13 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,950 miles (12,794 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sydney to Lima flight path pass over?
The route crosses the vast South Pacific Ocean, passing well south of French Polynesia and north of the higher southern latitudes, with no significant landmasses or landmarks visible for the majority of the cruise phase.