While the takeoff offers pleasant views of the St. Lawrence and Laurentians, the landing approach into Santiago provides the most dramatic and visually distinctive scenery—the Andes Mountains are a world-class landmark visible for extended periods during descent, making left-side seats the superior choice for this route.
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Flight Path
Montreal to Santiago is 5,452 miles (8,774 km), a flight of about 10 hours.
The flight path crosses the continental United States (typically over the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains if routed via Denver or direct), then over the Gulf of Mexico or Caribbean, and descends through Central America and northern South America. Notable features include the Rocky Mountains (if visible during the westbound leg), the Sierra Madre Occidental in Mexico, the Amazon Basin (vast forested expanse with river systems), and the Andes foothills. The approach to Santiago brings the Central Andes into full view, with the snow-capped peaks of the Chilean range dominating the final descent.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YUL
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the St. Lawrence River and the Laurentian Mountains as the aircraft climbs northwestward out of Montreal. The river curves distinctly below, and the forested ridge of the Laurentians becomes visible within the first 10-15 minutes of flight.
Landing at SCL
LEFTLeft-side seats provide dramatic views of the Andes Mountains during descent into Santiago. The aircraft approaches from the north, and the western slopes of the Andes dominate the left side of the cabin, with the snow-capped peaks of the Central Chile range visible 30-50 miles away on the horizon.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Montreal to Santiago. While the takeoff offers pleasant views of the St. Lawrence and Laurentians, the landing approach into Santiago provides the most dramatic and visually distinctive scenery—the Andes Mountains are a world-class landmark visible for extended periods during descent, making left-side seats the superior choice for this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Montreal International Dorval in Montreal?
During takeoff from Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the St. Lawrence River and the Laurentian Mountains as the aircraft climbs northwestward out of Montreal. The river curves distinctly below, and the forested ridge of the Laurentians becomes visible within the first 10-15 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River, Laurentian Mountains, Montreal urban sprawl (receding southward), Île-Jésus.
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 dramatic views of the Andes Mountains during descent into Santiago. The aircraft approaches from the north, and the western slopes of the Andes dominate the left side of the cabin, with the snow-capped peaks of the Central Chile range visible 30-50 miles away on the horizon. Notable sights include: Andes Mountains (Central Chile range), Maipo River valley, Santiago urban basin, Coastal Range (distant, to the west).
How long is the flight from Montreal to Santiago?
The flight from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) takes about 10 hours. 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 Montreal to Santiago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the continental United States (typically over the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains if routed via Denver or direct), then over the Gulf of Mexico or Caribbean, and descends through Central America and northern South America. Notable features include the Rocky Mountains (if visible during the westbound leg), the Sierra Madre Occidental in Mexico, the Amazon Basin (vast forested expanse with river systems), and the Andes foothills. The approach to Santiago brings the Central Andes into full view, with the snow-capped peaks of the Chilean range dominating the final descent.