While the right side gets a brief but nice glimpse of Hong Kong's skyline on departure, the left side delivers a much longer scenic payoff: the North Pacific crossing runs land-side along the Alaskan and Pacific Northwest coastline, and the approach into SFO culminates in one of the most recognizable landing sequences in commercial aviation, the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco skyline.
Flight Path
The great-circle route crosses the North Pacific south of the Aleutian Islands, passes near the Gulf of Alaska and the Alaska Panhandle, then runs down along the British Columbia and Pacific Northwest coastline before turning inland toward the San Francisco Bay Area.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from HKG
RIGHTDeparting HKG's runways toward the northeast (winter pattern), the climb-out banks the aircraft north over the Pearl River Delta, giving right-side passengers a clear look back at Hong Kong Island's skyline, Victoria Harbour, and Kowloon before the coastline gives way to the mainland.
Landing at SFO
LEFTArriving from the north along the California coast, the final descent into SFO swings the aircraft south with the Pacific shoreline and San Francisco Bay on the left, offering a classic view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city skyline just before touchdown.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hong Kong International (HKG) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Hong Kong to San Francisco. While the right side gets a brief but nice glimpse of Hong Kong's skyline on departure, the left side delivers a much longer scenic payoff: the North Pacific crossing runs land-side along the Alaskan and Pacific Northwest coastline, and the approach into SFO culminates in one of the most recognizable landing sequences in commercial aviation, the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco skyline.
What can I see during takeoff from Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
During takeoff from Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing HKG's runways toward the northeast (winter pattern), the climb-out banks the aircraft north over the Pearl River Delta, giving right-side passengers a clear look back at Hong Kong Island's skyline, Victoria Harbour, and Kowloon before the coastline gives way to the mainland. Notable sights include: Hong Kong Island skyline, Victoria Harbour, Kowloon peninsula, Lantau Island's peaks.
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. Arriving from the north along the California coast, the final descent into SFO swings the aircraft south with the Pacific shoreline and San Francisco Bay on the left, offering a classic view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city skyline just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline, Marin Headlands, Point Reyes coastline.
How long is the flight from Hong Kong to San Francisco?
The flight from Hong Kong International (HKG) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes 11h 35m.
What does the Hong Kong to San Francisco flight path pass over?
The great-circle route crosses the North Pacific south of the Aleutian Islands, passes near the Gulf of Alaska and the Alaska Panhandle, then runs down along the British Columbia and Pacific Northwest coastline before turning inland toward the San Francisco Bay Area.