While landing views on the left are spectacular, the right-side departure from Mumbai offers more immediate and varied scenery. However, this is a long transpacific flight where the most dramatic viewing occurs during the final approach to SFO on the left side. Choose right for better overall coverage of both departure and the flight's geography.
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Flight Path
Bombay to San Francisco is 8,395 miles (13,511 km), a flight of about 16 hours.
This route crosses the Arabian Sea, the Middle East (Persian Gulf region or overland through Iran/Afghanistan), the Hindu Kush and Pamir mountain ranges, Central Asia, Russia, the Arctic regions, Alaska, and the North Pacific. Notable visible features include: the Zagros Mountains in Iran, the snow-capped peaks of the Hindu Kush and Pamir ranges, the vast Siberian landscape, the Alaska Range, and the North Pacific coastline approaching North America. The flight typically follows a great-circle route that passes over or near the Caspian Sea region, southern Russia, and the Aleutian Islands.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BOM
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Mumbai's coastal geography immediately after departure. You'll see the Arabian Sea, the city's western sprawl, and the Sahyadri Mountains inland to the east as the aircraft climbs northwestward on its typical departure routing.
Landing at SFO
LEFTLeft-side seats provide the best views during approach to SFO. You'll see the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Strait, Marin Headlands, and the San Francisco Peninsula's distinctive geography as the aircraft descends from the northeast on its standard approach pattern.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chhatrapati Shivaji International (BOM) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bombay to San Francisco. While landing views on the left are spectacular, the right-side departure from Mumbai offers more immediate and varied scenery. However, this is a long transpacific flight where the most dramatic viewing occurs during the final approach to SFO on the left side. Choose right for better overall coverage of both departure and the flight's geography.
What can I see during takeoff from Chhatrapati Shivaji International in Bombay?
During takeoff from Chhatrapati Shivaji International (BOM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Mumbai's coastal geography immediately after departure. You'll see the Arabian Sea, the city's western sprawl, and the Sahyadri Mountains inland to the east as the aircraft climbs northwestward on its typical departure routing. Notable sights include: Arabian Sea coastline, Mumbai city grid and harbor, Sahyadri Mountains (Western Ghats) to the east, Thane Creek and mangrove areas north of the airport.
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 approach to SFO. You'll see the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Strait, Marin Headlands, and the San Francisco Peninsula's distinctive geography as the aircraft descends from the northeast on its standard approach pattern. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay with its characteristic shape, Golden Gate Strait and suspension bridge, Marin Headlands (rolling mountains north of the strait), San Francisco Peninsula and downtown skyline.
How long is the flight from Bombay to San Francisco?
The flight from Chhatrapati Shivaji International (BOM) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 16 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 8,395 miles (13,511 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Bombay to San Francisco flight path pass over?
This route crosses the Arabian Sea, the Middle East (Persian Gulf region or overland through Iran/Afghanistan), the Hindu Kush and Pamir mountain ranges, Central Asia, Russia, the Arctic regions, Alaska, and the North Pacific. Notable visible features include: the Zagros Mountains in Iran, the snow-capped peaks of the Hindu Kush and Pamir ranges, the vast Siberian landscape, the Alaska Range, and the North Pacific coastline approaching North America. The flight typically follows a great-circle route that passes over or near the Caspian Sea region, southern Russia, and the Aleutian Islands.