The right side delivers the more dramatic and memorable departure view over Auckland's harbour and volcanic islands. The transpacific crossing offers little to see from either side, so the takeoff experience is the deciding factor, and right wins clearly.
Flight Path
The route tracks northeast across the South Pacific, passing over or near Tonga and Samoa in the early portion, then crossing the vast open expanse of the central Pacific with no land visible for roughly 6 to 8 hours. The flight may pass within range of the Hawaiian Islands chain depending on routing, with Maui and the Big Island occasionally visible on the left side during daylight. The final approach crosses the California coast near the Bay Area.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from AKL
RIGHTAuckland departures on runway 23L/23R head southwest, putting the right side facing northwest toward the Waitemata Harbour, the Auckland CBD skyline, and the Waitematā's inner gulf. You get a clear look at the Sky Tower and the harbour bridge before the aircraft turns north over the Hauraki Gulf.
Landing at SFO
LEFTSFO arrivals typically use runways 28L/28R, approaching from the east over the Bay. The left side faces south toward the San Mateo Bridge, the South Bay, and the Peninsula, while both sides see the Bay, but left gives a cleaner look at the bay's southern reach and the airport's position on its landfill peninsula.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Auckland International (AKL) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Auckland to San Francisco. The right side delivers the more dramatic and memorable departure view over Auckland's harbour and volcanic islands. The transpacific crossing offers little to see from either side, so the takeoff experience is the deciding factor, and right wins clearly.
What can I see during takeoff from Auckland International in Auckland?
During takeoff from Auckland International (AKL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Auckland departures on runway 23L/23R head southwest, putting the right side facing northwest toward the Waitemata Harbour, the Auckland CBD skyline, and the Waitematā's inner gulf. You get a clear look at the Sky Tower and the harbour bridge before the aircraft turns north over the Hauraki Gulf. Notable sights include: Auckland CBD and Sky Tower, Waitemata Harbour and Harbour Bridge, Rangitoto Island (volcanic cone in the Hauraki Gulf), Waiheke Island.
What can I see when landing at San Francisco International in San Francisco?
When landing at San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Left side for the best views. SFO arrivals typically use runways 28L/28R, approaching from the east over the Bay. The left side faces south toward the San Mateo Bridge, the South Bay, and the Peninsula, while both sides see the Bay, but left gives a cleaner look at the bay's southern reach and the airport's position on its landfill peninsula. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay (South Bay), San Mateo Bridge, San Francisco Peninsula suburban grid, Oakland Hills in the distance.
How long is the flight from Auckland to San Francisco?
The flight from Auckland International (AKL) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes Approximately 12 to 13 hours.
What does the Auckland to San Francisco flight path pass over?
The route tracks northeast across the South Pacific, passing over or near Tonga and Samoa in the early portion, then crossing the vast open expanse of the central Pacific with no land visible for roughly 6 to 8 hours. The flight may pass within range of the Hawaiian Islands chain depending on routing, with Maui and the Big Island occasionally visible on the left side during daylight. The final approach crosses the California coast near the Bay Area.