If you book the right seat on the right day, your “regular” commute across the Southern Hemisphere might just become the most scenic flight of your life.
The “Deep South” Route: QF28
While many transoceanic flights stick to the edges of continents, Qantas flight QF28 (Santiago to Sydney) is famous for taking the “Great Circle” route. Because the Earth is a sphere, the shortest path between South America and Australia often requires dipping significantly toward the South Pole.
On March 20, 2026, passengers aboard a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (VH-ZNG) got more than they bargained for. According to Flightradar24 tracking data, the aircraft spent 90 minutes at 36,000 feet directly over the Antarctic landmass.
What Does the Journey Look Like?
For those lucky enough to snag a window seat on the left side of the plane (flying toward Sydney), the show begins long before you hit land:
- 4 Hours In: Sea ice begins to appear, manifesting as giant, floating jigsaw pieces in the dark blue Southern Ocean.
- The Landmass: Unlike the Arctic (which is mostly frozen ocean), Antarctica is a continent of towering mountains and massive glaciers.
Frequent traveler Carlos Eduardo Zorzin, who has flown this route over 10 times, recently shared breathtaking snapshots of a clear, cloudless Antarctic horizon.
Regular Flight vs. Sightseeing Flight
If you want to see the Great White South, you have two primary options:
| Feature | Commercial Route (e.g., QF28) | Qantas Sightseeing Charter |
| Purpose | Getting from A to B (Santiago to Sydney) | Purely for viewing |
| Duration | ~13–14 hours | ~12 hours |
| Flight Path | Depends on winds/weather | Guaranteed loops over the ice |
| Expertise | Standard cabin crew | Antarctic expeditioners on board |
| Cost | Standard international fare | Premium “sightseeing” pricing |
Is it Guaranteed?
In a word: No. Pilots choose their path based on “jet streams” (high-altitude winds). If the winds are stronger further north, the plane will bypass the continent entirely to save fuel. Flying over Antarctica is a game of “weather roulette”—but when you win, you win big.
Best seat locations for viewing on a Boeing 787-9
If you’re booking a trip on the Qantas Boeing 787-9 (specifically the Santiago to Sydney route), seat selection is the difference between a 14-hour movie marathon and a front-row seat to the most remote wilderness on Earth.
Here are the best seat locations for viewing Antarctica, based on the aircraft’s configuration and typical flight paths.
1. The “Magic” Side: Sit on the Left
For the Santiago (SCL) to Sydney (SYD) flight (QF28), you almost always want to be on the left-hand side of the aircraft (the “A” seats).
- Leaving Santiago: You’ll get a stunning view of the Andes mountains as you depart.
- Over Antarctica: As the plane tracks south, the Antarctic coastline and the vast ice sheets will typically appear out of the left-hand windows.
- The Sun Factor: Sitting on the left helps you avoid the harshest direct glare from the sun, which often blazes through the right-side windows on this westbound route.
2. Best Seats by Cabin Class
The Boeing 787-9 “Dreamliner” features massive windows, but your view can still be obstructed by the wings or the “shoulder shells” of the seats.
| Cabin | Best Seats for Views | Why? |
| Business | 1A, 3A, 7A | These are “true” window seats (odd rows) where the seat is flush against the window. Avoid Row 5, as it has a misaligned window. |
| Premium Economy | 20A or 21A | Row 20 is the bulkhead; you get extra legroom and a clear view. Row 21 is also excellent and sits just forward of the wing. |
| Economy | 40A – 43A | These rows are forward of the wing, offering a completely unobstructed view of the ice below. |
| Economy (Rear) | 55A – 58A | If the front is booked, sit far behind the wing. Row 59 is a pair (59A/B), which is great for couples, but closer to the lavatories. |
3. Seats to Avoid
- Rows 44 to 53: These seats sit directly over the massive wings of the 787. While you’ll still see the horizon, your view of the “ground” (the ice) will be significantly blocked.
- Row 44 & 57: These are known “windowless” or “partial window” seats on some Qantas configurations. Check the seat map during booking to ensure your row has a full view.
