The right side delivers the most spectacular single moment of the flight: the close-up view of the Mont Blanc massif and the Alps during departure. The landing approach view from the left is excellent but more familiar. For the full flight experience, the Alpine departure on the right is the standout.
Flown GVA to SFO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Geneva to San Francisco is 5,822 miles (9,370 km), a flight of about 11 hours 30 minutes.
The route tracks northwest over France, crosses the English Channel near the UK coast, then heads across the North Atlantic passing south of Greenland and Iceland. Over Canada the flight crosses Labrador and Quebec, then tracks across Ontario and the Great Lakes before crossing the northern Rockies and Sierra Nevada into California. Greenland's ice sheet may be visible from altitude on the northern Atlantic leg, and the Canadian Rockies are visible during the descent toward the Pacific coast.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from GVA
RIGHTGeneva Cointrin typically departs on runway 23 heading southwest, then routes northwest over France. The right side faces south toward the Alps, giving a clear view of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix massif as the aircraft climbs and turns. The left side looks toward the Jura ridge and the city of Geneva itself, which is less dramatic.
Landing at SFO
LEFTSFO typically lands on runways 28L/28R approaching from the east over the Bay Area, or on 19L/19R from the north. On the standard easterly approach over the bay, the left side faces north and gives a clear view of San Francisco city, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Marin County. The right side looks south toward the peninsula and South Bay, which is less iconic.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Geneva Cointrin (GVA) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Geneva to San Francisco. The right side delivers the most spectacular single moment of the flight: the close-up view of the Mont Blanc massif and the Alps during departure. The landing approach view from the left is excellent but more familiar. For the full flight experience, the Alpine departure on the right is the standout.
What can I see during takeoff from Geneva Cointrin in Geneva?
During takeoff from Geneva Cointrin (GVA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Geneva Cointrin typically departs on runway 23 heading southwest, then routes northwest over France. The right side faces south toward the Alps, giving a clear view of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix massif as the aircraft climbs and turns. The left side looks toward the Jura ridge and the city of Geneva itself, which is less dramatic. Notable sights include: Mont Blanc massif, Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) curving east toward Lausanne, the Chamonix valley, Geneva city and its lakefront.
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 Area, or on 19L/19R from the north. On the standard easterly approach over the bay, the left side faces north and gives a clear view of San Francisco city, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Marin County. The right side looks south toward the peninsula and South Bay, which is less iconic. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco city skyline, Marin Headlands.
How long is the flight from Geneva to San Francisco?
The flight from Geneva Cointrin (GVA) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 11 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,822 miles (9,370 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Geneva to San Francisco flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest over France, crosses the English Channel near the UK coast, then heads across the North Atlantic passing south of Greenland and Iceland. Over Canada the flight crosses Labrador and Quebec, then tracks across Ontario and the Great Lakes before crossing the northern Rockies and Sierra Nevada into California. Greenland's ice sheet may be visible from altitude on the northern Atlantic leg, and the Canadian Rockies are visible during the descent toward the Pacific coast.