While the takeoff offers dramatic Andean views from the right, the landing approach into San Francisco provides more extensive and iconic scenery. The San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate, and Sierra Nevada views from the left side during descent are more visually rewarding and geographically significant than the Bogotá departure.
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Flight Path
Bogota to San Francisco is 3,789 miles (6,098 km), a flight of about 7 hours 40 minutes.
The flight path crosses Central America and the Caribbean, passing over or near the Yucatan Peninsula, the Gulf of Mexico, and the southern United States. Notable midpoint features include the Yucatan's flat limestone terrain, the Gulf of Mexico's open water, the Texas coastline, and the Rocky Mountain foothills as the aircraft approaches the western United States. The Sierra Nevada becomes visible approximately 1 hour before landing.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BOG
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Cordillera Oriental (Eastern Range) of the Colombian Andes as the aircraft climbs northwestward out of Bogotá. The mountains rise dramatically from the high plateau and provide striking relief against the sky during the initial climb.
Landing at SFO
LEFTLeft-side seats provide the best views during the descent into San Francisco. As the aircraft approaches from the east and begins its descent over the Central Valley, left-side passengers see the Sierra Nevada foothills, then the San Francisco Bay itself with its distinctive shape, the Golden Gate Strait, and the San Francisco Peninsula.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Eldorado International (BOG) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bogota to San Francisco. While the takeoff offers dramatic Andean views from the right, the landing approach into San Francisco provides more extensive and iconic scenery. The San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate, and Sierra Nevada views from the left side during descent are more visually rewarding and geographically significant than the Bogotá departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Eldorado International in Bogota?
During takeoff from Eldorado International (BOG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Cordillera Oriental (Eastern Range) of the Colombian Andes as the aircraft climbs northwestward out of Bogotá. The mountains rise dramatically from the high plateau and provide striking relief against the sky during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Cordillera Oriental peaks, Bogotá urban sprawl below, Río Magdalena valley to the northwest, high-altitude páramo grasslands.
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. Left-side seats provide the best views during the descent into San Francisco. As the aircraft approaches from the east and begins its descent over the Central Valley, left-side passengers see the Sierra Nevada foothills, then the San Francisco Bay itself with its distinctive shape, the Golden Gate Strait, and the San Francisco Peninsula. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay (with Oakland and Berkeley shorelines visible), Golden Gate Strait, San Francisco Peninsula, Sierra Nevada foothills in the distance.
How long is the flight from Bogota to San Francisco?
The flight from Eldorado International (BOG) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 7 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,789 miles (6,098 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Bogota to San Francisco flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses Central America and the Caribbean, passing over or near the Yucatan Peninsula, the Gulf of Mexico, and the southern United States. Notable midpoint features include the Yucatan's flat limestone terrain, the Gulf of Mexico's open water, the Texas coastline, and the Rocky Mountain foothills as the aircraft approaches the western United States. The Sierra Nevada becomes visible approximately 1 hour before landing.