Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Hong Kong to San Francisco. The left side delivers the spectacular Hong Kong departure with Victoria Harbour and the city skyline, which is one of the most dramatic urban takeoff views in the world. The transpacific crossing offers little on either side over open ocean, and the SFO arrival views are good but not exceptional. The Hong Kong departure experience tips the balance to the left seat.

During takeoff from Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Left side for the best views. HKG typically departs eastward on runway 07L/07R, then turns northeast toward the Pacific. The left side faces north, giving views over Lantau Island, the dense urban sprawl of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, and Victoria Harbour. Right side faces south over open South China Sea with little to see. Notable sights include: Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island skyline, Kowloon Peninsula, Lantau Island and Tung Chung valley, Lion Rock ridge above Kowloon.

When landing at San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Right 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 common easterly approach (ILS 28), the right side faces south, giving clear views of the San Francisco Bay, the San Mateo Bridge, and the Santa Cruz Mountains. Left side faces north toward Oakland and is partially obscured by the fuselage angle. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, San Mateo Bridge, Santa Cruz Mountains to the south, downtown San Francisco skyline to the northwest.

The flight from Hong Kong International (HKG) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes Approximately 11 to 12 hours.

The great circle route tracks northeast over the South China Sea, crosses the Japanese archipelago (Kyushu and Honshu may be visible in clear conditions), then arcs across the North Pacific passing south of the Aleutian Islands chain. The route crosses the dateline roughly midway and approaches the California coast near Point Reyes or the Marin Headlands before descending into SFO. The vast majority of the flight is over open Pacific Ocean with no land features visible.