While the Istanbul departure is genuinely scenic, the right side wins the full flight because the polar-leaning great-circle route passes north over Greenland's ice sheet and Baffin Island's fjords during cruise, then delivers a dramatic San Francisco Bay approach on landing — a rare combination of Arctic and coastal drama unmatched by the left side's plains and open ocean.
Flight Path
Southern Greenland ice cap, Davis Strait, Baffin Island fjords and tundra, Hudson Bay coastline, Canadian Shield wilderness
Great circle distance and headings ›_in_Istanbul.jpg?width=600)
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
LEFTDeparting IST, aircraft typically climb out over the Black Sea side before banking west toward Europe, giving left-side passengers a sweeping look back at the Bosphorus, the historic peninsula, and the Sea of Marmara before the city falls away into the Thracian plains.
Landing at SFO
RIGHTArriving from the north after the transpolar route, flights descend over the East Bay before turning onto final approach, putting San Francisco's skyline, the Bay Bridge, and Alcatraz Island on the right side of the cabin 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 İstanbul Airport (IST) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to San Francisco. While the Istanbul departure is genuinely scenic, the right side wins the full flight because the polar-leaning great-circle route passes north over Greenland's ice sheet and Baffin Island's fjords during cruise, then delivers a dramatic San Francisco Bay approach on landing — a rare combination of Arctic and coastal drama unmatched by the left side's plains and open ocean.
What can I see during takeoff from İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
During takeoff from İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing IST, aircraft typically climb out over the Black Sea side before banking west toward Europe, giving left-side passengers a sweeping look back at the Bosphorus, the historic peninsula, and the Sea of Marmara before the city falls away into the Thracian plains. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Golden Horn, Istanbul's historic peninsula (Topkapı/Hagia Sophia area), Sea of Marmara coastline.
What can I see when landing at San Francisco International in San Francisco?
When landing at San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arriving from the north after the transpolar route, flights descend over the East Bay before turning onto final approach, putting San Francisco's skyline, the Bay Bridge, and Alcatraz Island on the right side of the cabin just before touchdown. Notable sights include: San Francisco skyline, Bay Bridge, Alcatraz Island, San Francisco Bay shoreline.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to San Francisco?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes 13h 10m.
What does the Istanbul to San Francisco flight path pass over?
Southern Greenland ice cap, Davis Strait, Baffin Island fjords and tundra, Hudson Bay coastline, Canadian Shield wilderness