The right side captures the Alps and Scandinavian fjords early in cruise, the vast white expanse of the Greenland ice cap and Canadian Arctic islands at high latitude, and finishes with the dramatic Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Area approach — a much more varied and dramatic set of landmarks than the largely oceanic and flat terrain visible from the left for most of the flight.
Flight Path
Alps, Scandinavian coastline, Greenland ice sheet, Canadian Arctic archipelago, Hudson Bay
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CAI
LEFTDeparting CAI on runway 05/23, the aircraft banks southwest early in the climb to pick up its northwest routing toward Europe, putting the Giza Plateau and the Nile's west bank in view on the left side. Right-side passengers mostly see the flat eastern desert with little to distinguish it.
Landing at SFO
RIGHTArriving from the north on a polar-ish routing, SFO approaches typically curve south along the coast before turning east onto runway 28, putting the Marin Headlands, Golden Gate Bridge, and San Francisco skyline on the right side of the aircraft during the turn. Left-side passengers see mostly the flatter East Bay hills and suburban sprawl.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cairo International (CAI) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cairo to San Francisco. The right side captures the Alps and Scandinavian fjords early in cruise, the vast white expanse of the Greenland ice cap and Canadian Arctic islands at high latitude, and finishes with the dramatic Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Area approach — a much more varied and dramatic set of landmarks than the largely oceanic and flat terrain visible from the left for most of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Cairo International in Cairo?
During takeoff from Cairo International (CAI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing CAI on runway 05/23, the aircraft banks southwest early in the climb to pick up its northwest routing toward Europe, putting the Giza Plateau and the Nile's west bank in view on the left side. Right-side passengers mostly see the flat eastern desert with little to distinguish it. Notable sights include: Pyramids of Giza, Nile River and Delta, Cairo cityscape, Western Desert escarpment.
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 north on a polar-ish routing, SFO approaches typically curve south along the coast before turning east onto runway 28, putting the Marin Headlands, Golden Gate Bridge, and San Francisco skyline on the right side of the aircraft during the turn. Left-side passengers see mostly the flatter East Bay hills and suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline, Marin Headlands, San Francisco Bay.
How long is the flight from Cairo to San Francisco?
The flight from Cairo International (CAI) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes 15h 45m.
What does the Cairo to San Francisco flight path pass over?
Alps, Scandinavian coastline, Greenland ice sheet, Canadian Arctic archipelago, Hudson Bay