About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to San Francisco. Left side wins both the departure over Paris and the arrival into SFO. During the transatlantic and transcontinental cruise, the left side also faces south, giving better views of Greenland's ice sheet and the Canadian Rockies on the descent toward California, making it the stronger choice for the full journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
During takeoff from Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Left side for the best views. CDG typically departs westward on runways 26L/26R or northward on 09/27 configuration. A left (south-facing) seat gives you views over Paris city center as the aircraft banks right after departure, with the Seine river snaking through the city and the Eiffel Tower visible on clear days. The dense urban grid of Paris and its ring road (Périphérique) are clearly identifiable. Notable sights include: Paris city center and Seine river bends, Eiffel Tower (on clear days from banking altitude), La Défense business district tower cluster, Bois de Boulogne forest patch west of the city.
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. SFO predominantly lands on runways 28L/28R (heading west) or 19L/19R (heading south). On the standard westward approach over the Bay, left-side seats face south and get a clear view of the San Francisco Peninsula, the city skyline, and the Bay Bridge. The right side faces north toward the less scenic East Bay hills. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay and its blue expanse, San Francisco city skyline and downtown grid, San Mateo Bridge stretching across the southern Bay, Peninsula suburban sprawl from San Jose to Daly City.
How long is the flight from Paris to San Francisco?
The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes Approximately 11 to 12 hours.
What does the Paris to San Francisco flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest over the English Channel, then across southern England and Ireland, before heading over the North Atlantic. Greenland's southern ice cap and fjord coastline are visible roughly 3-4 hours in. The route then crosses northern Canada over Labrador and Quebec, the vast boreal forest and Hudson Bay watershed visible below. Descending into the US, the Canadian Rockies and then the Sierra Nevada appear before the final approach over the Bay Area.