While the right side wins at takeoff for the Fort Lauderdale coastline, the left side dominates the majority of this westbound transcontinental route. Over the Gulf Coast and Texas, left-side passengers see the Gulf of Mexico. Crossing the Southwest, the left side tracks closer to the Colorado River corridor and Mojave terrain. On descent into SFO, left side delivers the definitive San Francisco Bay approach view.
Flight Path
The route crosses the Gulf of Mexico coast near the Florida Panhandle, then tracks over Louisiana and Texas. Over west Texas, the Davis Mountains and Guadalupe Mountains are visible. Crossing New Mexico and Arizona, the Colorado Plateau's canyon terrain and the Sonoran Desert appear. Over California, the Mojave Desert transitions to the Central Valley before the Bay Area descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from FLL
RIGHTFLL typically departs westbound on runway 28L/28R, then turns northwest. The right side faces north, giving views over Fort Lauderdale's urban grid, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Atlantic coastline stretching toward Miami. The left side faces south toward the Everglades but the coastline view is more dramatic on the right.
Landing at SFO
LEFTSFO typically lands on runways 28L/28R approaching from the east over the Bay, or on 19L/19R from the north. On the standard 28 approach from the east, the left side faces south and gets a clear view of the San Francisco Bay, the San Mateo Bridge, and the South Bay. On the 19 approach, left side sees downtown San Francisco and the Golden Gate. Either way, left wins for Bay and city views.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco. While the right side wins at takeoff for the Fort Lauderdale coastline, the left side dominates the majority of this westbound transcontinental route. Over the Gulf Coast and Texas, left-side passengers see the Gulf of Mexico. Crossing the Southwest, the left side tracks closer to the Colorado River corridor and Mojave terrain. On descent into SFO, left side delivers the definitive San Francisco Bay approach view.
What can I see during takeoff from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International in Fort Lauderdale?
During takeoff from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL), sit on the Right side for the best views. FLL typically departs westbound on runway 28L/28R, then turns northwest. The right side faces north, giving views over Fort Lauderdale's urban grid, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Atlantic coastline stretching toward Miami. The left side faces south toward the Everglades but the coastline view is more dramatic on the right. Notable sights include: Fort Lauderdale Beach and barrier island, Intracoastal Waterway canal network, Port Everglades cruise terminal, Miami skyline on the southern horizon.
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 typically lands on runways 28L/28R approaching from the east over the Bay, or on 19L/19R from the north. On the standard 28 approach from the east, the left side faces south and gets a clear view of the San Francisco Bay, the San Mateo Bridge, and the South Bay. On the 19 approach, left side sees downtown San Francisco and the Golden Gate. Either way, left wins for Bay and city views. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, San Mateo Bridge, downtown San Francisco skyline, Oakland and the East Bay hills.
How long is the flight from Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco?
The flight from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours.
What does the Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Gulf of Mexico coast near the Florida Panhandle, then tracks over Louisiana and Texas. Over west Texas, the Davis Mountains and Guadalupe Mountains are visible. Crossing New Mexico and Arizona, the Colorado Plateau's canyon terrain and the Sonoran Desert appear. Over California, the Mojave Desert transitions to the Central Valley before the Bay Area descent.