The right side captures the scenic highlights of the whole route: Austin's skyline and Hill Country during departure, the Sierra Nevada and Central Valley during cruise, and San Francisco's bay-side skyline on arrival. The left side spends most of the flight over flat West Texas plains and desert basins with little to distinguish it.
Flown AUS to SFO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Austin to San Francisco is 1,502 miles (2,417 km), a flight of about 3 hours 40 minutes.
The route crosses the arid basins of southeastern New Mexico and eastern Arizona, passing near the Guadalupe Mountains and the Mogollon Rim before the terrain rises toward the Sierra Nevada in California.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from AUS
RIGHTAUS departures head south before banking right toward the west, and that turn swings the right side of the cabin across downtown Austin, Lake Travis, and the Texas Hill Country. The left side only sees flat suburban sprawl east of the field during the initial climb.
Landing at SFO
RIGHTArriving from the east, SFO approaches typically curve over the Bay before lining up on the westerly runways, putting San Francisco's skyline, the Bay Bridge, and Alcatraz on the right side of the aircraft during final descent. The left side mostly faces open bay water and the Peninsula hills with fewer landmarks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Austin to San Francisco. The right side captures the scenic highlights of the whole route: Austin's skyline and Hill Country during departure, the Sierra Nevada and Central Valley during cruise, and San Francisco's bay-side skyline on arrival. The left side spends most of the flight over flat West Texas plains and desert basins with little to distinguish it.
What can I see during takeoff from Austin Bergstrom International in Austin?
During takeoff from Austin Bergstrom International (AUS), sit on the Right side for the best views. AUS departures head south before banking right toward the west, and that turn swings the right side of the cabin across downtown Austin, Lake Travis, and the Texas Hill Country. The left side only sees flat suburban sprawl east of the field during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Downtown Austin skyline, Colorado River, Lake Travis, Texas Hill Country.
What can I see when landing at San Francisco International in San Francisco?
When landing at San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arriving from the east, SFO approaches typically curve over the Bay before lining up on the westerly runways, putting San Francisco's skyline, the Bay Bridge, and Alcatraz on the right side of the aircraft during final descent. The left side mostly faces open bay water and the Peninsula hills with fewer landmarks. Notable sights include: San Francisco skyline, Bay Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Marin Headlands.
How long is the flight from Austin to San Francisco?
The flight from Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 3 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,502 miles (2,417 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Austin to San Francisco flight path pass over?
The route crosses the arid basins of southeastern New Mexico and eastern Arizona, passing near the Guadalupe Mountains and the Mogollon Rim before the terrain rises toward the Sierra Nevada in California.