The right side wins on both ends of the flight: Moreton Bay's islands and Brisbane's skyline at departure, and San Francisco's bay and city skyline at arrival, giving it more consistent landmark variety than the left side's flatter, less distinctive views.
Flight Path
The route crosses the vast open Pacific Ocean for the majority of the flight, with no landmasses visible for many hours; the great-circle path passes well south of Hawaii through open water before the California coastline comes into view near the end of the flight.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BNE
RIGHTDeparting Brisbane to the south before turning out over the coast, right-side windows catch Moreton Bay's sandy islands and the city skyline receding behind, while the left side mostly shows the flatter Gold Coast hinterland.
Landing at SFO
RIGHTOn the descent into SFO from the Pacific, the approach path curves over the peninsula, putting San Francisco's skyline and the bay on the right side, while the left side mainly shows the ocean-facing hills and suburban sprawl of the peninsula's western edge.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Brisbane International (BNE) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Brisbane to San Francisco. The right side wins on both ends of the flight: Moreton Bay's islands and Brisbane's skyline at departure, and San Francisco's bay and city skyline at arrival, giving it more consistent landmark variety than the left side's flatter, less distinctive views.
What can I see during takeoff from Brisbane International in Brisbane?
During takeoff from Brisbane International (BNE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Brisbane to the south before turning out over the coast, right-side windows catch Moreton Bay's sandy islands and the city skyline receding behind, while the left side mostly shows the flatter Gold Coast hinterland. Notable sights include: Brisbane CBD skyline, Moreton Bay, Moreton Island, North Stradbroke Island.
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. On the descent into SFO from the Pacific, the approach path curves over the peninsula, putting San Francisco's skyline and the bay on the right side, while the left side mainly shows the ocean-facing hills and suburban sprawl of the peninsula's western edge. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, San Francisco skyline, San Bruno Mountain, Golden Gate Bridge.
How long is the flight from Brisbane to San Francisco?
The flight from Brisbane International (BNE) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes 13h 25m.
What does the Brisbane to San Francisco flight path pass over?
The route crosses the vast open Pacific Ocean for the majority of the flight, with no landmasses visible for many hours; the great-circle path passes well south of Hawaii through open water before the California coastline comes into view near the end of the flight.