Both sides get one strong highlight, but the Andes are visible for a sustained stretch of the descent into Santiago, while the Sydney Harbour view lasts only a minute or two before the aircraft turns out over open water for the rest of the flight.
Flight Path
Sydney to Santiago is 7,047 miles (11,340 km), a flight of about 12 hours 30 minutes.
The great-circle route bulges far south of both cities, crossing one of the most remote stretches of the South Pacific — open ocean at high southern latitude with no islands, coastlines, or landmarks for roughly ten hours, among the most isolated commercial flight paths on Earth.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SYD
RIGHTDeparting Sydney on the northerly runway, the aircraft climbs directly over the harbour before banking right to head out over the Tasman Sea, putting Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, and the CBD skyline on the right side of the cabin. It's a brief but iconic urban view before eleven-plus hours of open ocean.
Landing at SCL
LEFTArriving into Santiago from the north on a southbound heading, the descent path puts the high spine of the Andes on the left side of the aircraft for an extended period, with snow-capped peaks rising close beside the flight path as the plane drops into the Santiago valley. This is one of South America's most dramatic approaches, far outlasting the brief harbour view at takeoff.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sydney to Santiago. Both sides get one strong highlight, but the Andes are visible for a sustained stretch of the descent into Santiago, while the Sydney Harbour view lasts only a minute or two before the aircraft turns out over open water for the rest of the flight.
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. Departing Sydney on the northerly runway, the aircraft climbs directly over the harbour before banking right to head out over the Tasman Sea, putting Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, and the CBD skyline on the right side of the cabin. It's a brief but iconic urban view before eleven-plus hours of open ocean. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Sydney CBD skyline, Manly/North Head coastline.
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. Arriving into Santiago from the north on a southbound heading, the descent path puts the high spine of the Andes on the left side of the aircraft for an extended period, with snow-capped peaks rising close beside the flight path as the plane drops into the Santiago valley. This is one of South America's most dramatic approaches, far outlasting the brief harbour view at takeoff. Notable sights include: Andes Cordillera snow-capped peaks, Maipo river valley, Santiago city grid, Aconcagua massif in the distance.
How long is the flight from Sydney to Santiago?
The flight from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) takes about 12 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,047 miles (11,340 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sydney to Santiago flight path pass over?
The great-circle route bulges far south of both cities, crossing one of the most remote stretches of the South Pacific — open ocean at high southern latitude with no islands, coastlines, or landmarks for roughly ten hours, among the most isolated commercial flight paths on Earth.