The right side delivers a more scenic full-flight package: a glimpse of Detroit's skyline and Lake St. Clair on departure, the Rocky Mountains, Great Salt Lake, and Sierra Nevada during cruise, and a bay-side skyline view of San Francisco on arrival, while the left side is dominated by flat farmland and desert basins with fewer standout features.
Flight Path
The route crosses the Great Plains of Nebraska, the Rocky Mountains near southern Wyoming, the Great Salt Lake and Wasatch Range in Utah, the Basin and Range desert terrain of Nevada, and the Sierra Nevada near Lake Tahoe before descending into the San Francisco Bay Area.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from DTW
RIGHTDTW departures typically use runway 22, climbing southwest before banking right onto a westbound course, which swings the nose toward downtown Detroit. This brings the Detroit River, the Renaissance Center skyline, and Lake St. Clair into view on the right side before the plane settles onto its westward track.
Landing at SFO
RIGHTArrivals from the east typically get vectored across the East Bay before turning onto final approach over San Francisco Bay, putting the city on the right side of the aircraft. Passengers get a clear look at the San Francisco skyline, the Bay Bridge, and the Golden Gate before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to San Francisco. The right side delivers a more scenic full-flight package: a glimpse of Detroit's skyline and Lake St. Clair on departure, the Rocky Mountains, Great Salt Lake, and Sierra Nevada during cruise, and a bay-side skyline view of San Francisco on arrival, while the left side is dominated by flat farmland and desert basins with fewer standout features.
What can I see during takeoff from Detroit Metro Wayne Co in Detroit?
During takeoff from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW), sit on the Right side for the best views. DTW departures typically use runway 22, climbing southwest before banking right onto a westbound course, which swings the nose toward downtown Detroit. This brings the Detroit River, the Renaissance Center skyline, and Lake St. Clair into view on the right side before the plane settles onto its westward track. Notable sights include: Downtown Detroit skyline, Detroit River, Ambassador Bridge, Lake St. Clair.
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. Arrivals from the east typically get vectored across the East Bay before turning onto final approach over San Francisco Bay, putting the city on the right side of the aircraft. Passengers get a clear look at the San Francisco skyline, the Bay Bridge, and the Golden Gate before touchdown. Notable sights include: San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, Marin Headlands.
How long is the flight from Detroit to San Francisco?
The flight from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes 4h 55m.
What does the Detroit to San Francisco flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Great Plains of Nebraska, the Rocky Mountains near southern Wyoming, the Great Salt Lake and Wasatch Range in Utah, the Basin and Range desert terrain of Nevada, and the Sierra Nevada near Lake Tahoe before descending into the San Francisco Bay Area.