ZQN SCL Queenstown to Arturo Merino Benitez International

Which side of the plane from Queenstown International to Santiago

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Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Queenstown (ZQN) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Queenstown International to Santiago. Right-side seats deliver superior scenery on both legs: the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu during departure are visually dramatic, and the right side also captures excellent views of the Andes during the long southern ocean crossing and approach. Left wins only on final descent into Santiago.

What can I see during takeoff from Queenstown in Queenstown International?

During takeoff from Queenstown (ZQN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the dramatic Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs eastward over Queenstown, positioning right-side passengers for direct views of the jagged peaks and deep blue lake that define the region. Notable sights include: Lake Wakatipu (long alpine lake directly below), The Remarkables (sharp mountain range to the east), Cecil Peak (prominent peak southeast of the lake), Crown Range (western ridgeline).

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 offer the best views during approach to Santiago. The aircraft descends from the north over the Andes, and left-side passengers see the dramatic western face of the Andes cordillera, the Central Valley, and the approach into Santiago's basin from an optimal angle. Notable sights include: Andes Mountains (main cordillera with snow-capped peaks), Central Valley of Chile (agricultural flatlands), Maipo River valley (major river system), Santiago city sprawl (urban area in the basin).

How long is the flight from Queenstown International to Santiago?

The flight from Queenstown (ZQN) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) takes Approximately 5 hours 15 minutes.

What does the Queenstown International to Santiago flight path pass over?

The flight path crosses the Tasman Sea (open ocean with no landmarks) for roughly 2 hours, then approaches the South Island of New Zealand's west coast. Passengers may glimpse the West Coast region (Westland) and Southern Alps peaks from altitude during the southern leg. The aircraft then tracks across the southern Pacific toward South America, with no significant landmarks visible over open ocean. As the flight approaches the South American continent, the Andes Mountains become visible on the eastern horizon approximately 1 hour before landing, with the cordillera growing progressively larger and more detailed as the aircraft descends toward Santiago.