SCL

Best window seat landing at Arturo Merino Benitez International

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

LandingLEFT

Andes Cordillera with snow-capped peaks, Santiago's urban grid in the valley, Maipo River valley

🛬 Landing at Santiago (SCL)

Best sideLeft
WhyLanding on 17R means approaching from the north on a southbound heading, which puts the Andes mountain range on the left side of the aircraft. The view includes the dramatic snow-capped peaks rising abruptly east of the city, a striking contrast to the flat Santiago basin below.
Look forAndes Cordillera with snow-capped peaks, Santiago's urban grid in the valley, Maipo River valley, Cerro San Cristobal hill near the city center
Left window seat view during landing at Santiago (SCL), Andes Cordillera with snow-capped peaks, Santiago's urban grid in the valley, Maipo River valley, Cerro San Cristobal hill near the city centerLeft Side
Right window seat view during landing at Santiago (SCL), Andes Cordillera with snow-capped peaks, Santiago's urban grid in the valley, Maipo River valley, Cerro San Cristobal hill near the city centerRight Side
SantiagoPhoto: Matheus Triaquim

Chile's busiest airport and the main hub for South America's southwestern coast, SCL underwent a major terminal expansion completed in 2021, adding a new international terminal to handle growing traffic. It serves as the primary gateway between South America and destinations across the Pacific, North America, and Europe.

⛰️ Elevation1,555 ft
🛫 Runways2 (17L/35R, 17R/35L)
✈️ HubLATAM Airlines, Sky Airline, JetSMART

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views landing at Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL)?

When landing at Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Landing on 17R means approaching from the north on a southbound heading, which puts the Andes mountain range on the left side of the aircraft. The view includes the dramatic snow-capped peaks rising abruptly east of the city, a striking contrast to the flat Santiago basin below. Notable sights include: Andes Cordillera with snow-capped peaks, Santiago's urban grid in the valley, Maipo River valley, Cerro San Cristobal hill near the city center.

What can I see when arriving at Santiago?

Arriving at Arturo Merino Benitez International in Santiago, passengers on the Left side enjoy views of Andes Cordillera with snow-capped peaks, Santiago's urban grid in the valley, Maipo River valley, Cerro San Cristobal hill near the city center. Landing on 17R means approaching from the north on a southbound heading, which puts the Andes mountain range on the left side of the aircraft. The view includes the dramatic snow-capped peaks rising abruptly east of the city, a striking contrast to the flat Santiago basin below.

What factors affect the best window seat landing at Arturo Merino Benitez International?

The best window seat landing at Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) depends on several factors: the approach path and runway in use, geographic features around Santiago (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening arrivals often offer the best lighting.