While takeoff offers modest regional interest, the landing approach into SFO provides superior scenery: San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Strait, and the Sierra Nevada foothills create a dramatic and geographically distinctive finale. Left-side seats capture this approach sequence most effectively.
Flown EMA to SFO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
East Midlands to San Francisco is 5,261 miles (8,466 km), a flight of about 10 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic over the North Atlantic shipping lanes and Greenland's southern tip (visible on clear days), then over the Canadian Arctic Archipelago and northern Canada. Over the continental US, the route typically passes over the Great Lakes region, then the Rocky Mountains (including the Continental Divide), and finally the Sierra Nevada range before descent into the San Francisco Bay Area. The Appalachian Mountains are visible during the eastern US portion of the flight.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from EMA
RIGHTRight side offers views of the East Midlands urban sprawl and the Nottinghamshire/Leicestershire landscape as the aircraft climbs westward. Left side faces toward the North Sea and offers less distinctive scenery during initial climb.
Landing at SFO
LEFTLeft side provides excellent views of the San Francisco Bay during descent and approach. The aircraft descends from the east over the Sierra Nevada foothills, and left-side seats capture the bay's distinctive shape, the Golden Gate Strait, and the San Francisco Peninsula as the aircraft turns for final approach into SFO.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from East Midlands (EMA) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from East Midlands to San Francisco. While takeoff offers modest regional interest, the landing approach into SFO provides superior scenery: San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Strait, and the Sierra Nevada foothills create a dramatic and geographically distinctive finale. Left-side seats capture this approach sequence most effectively.
What can I see during takeoff from East Midlands in East Midlands?
During takeoff from East Midlands (EMA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the East Midlands urban sprawl and the Nottinghamshire/Leicestershire landscape as the aircraft climbs westward. Left side faces toward the North Sea and offers less distinctive scenery during initial climb. Notable sights include: Nottingham city center, Leicester urban area, Charnwood Forest hills, Trent Valley.
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 provides excellent views of the San Francisco Bay during descent and approach. The aircraft descends from the east over the Sierra Nevada foothills, and left-side seats capture the bay's distinctive shape, the Golden Gate Strait, and the San Francisco Peninsula as the aircraft turns for final approach into SFO. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Strait, Sierra Nevada foothills, San Francisco Peninsula urban area.
How long is the flight from East Midlands to San Francisco?
The flight from East Midlands (EMA) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 10 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,261 miles (8,466 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the East Midlands to San Francisco flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic over the North Atlantic shipping lanes and Greenland's southern tip (visible on clear days), then over the Canadian Arctic Archipelago and northern Canada. Over the continental US, the route typically passes over the Great Lakes region, then the Rocky Mountains (including the Continental Divide), and finally the Sierra Nevada range before descent into the San Francisco Bay Area. The Appalachian Mountains are visible during the eastern US portion of the flight.