The left side dominates for most of the flight's duration, tracking the dramatic California coastline — including Big Sur's cliffs and Monterey Bay — during the longer cruise phase, while the right side's bay view during landing is scenic but brief.
Flown LAX to SFO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to San Francisco is 338 miles (543 km), a flight of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
Point Conception, Santa Lucia Mountains and the Big Sur coastline, Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
LEFTDeparting LAX in the typical west-flow pattern, the aircraft climbs out over Santa Monica Bay before turning north up the coast, putting the Pacific and the South Bay beaches on the left. Passengers get a clear view of Palos Verdes, Malibu, and the curving shoreline as the plane banks onto its northbound track.
Landing at SFO
RIGHTOn the descent into SFO from the south, the approach path tracks up the Peninsula before crossing San Francisco Bay, putting the bay, the San Mateo Bridge, and the San Francisco skyline on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly shows the Santa Cruz Mountains and Pacific-facing hills, which are less distinctive.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to San Francisco. The left side dominates for most of the flight's duration, tracking the dramatic California coastline — including Big Sur's cliffs and Monterey Bay — during the longer cruise phase, while the right side's bay view during landing is scenic but brief.
What can I see during takeoff from Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
During takeoff from Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing LAX in the typical west-flow pattern, the aircraft climbs out over Santa Monica Bay before turning north up the coast, putting the Pacific and the South Bay beaches on the left. Passengers get a clear view of Palos Verdes, Malibu, and the curving shoreline as the plane banks onto its northbound track. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, Malibu coastline, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Point Dume.
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. On the descent into SFO from the south, the approach path tracks up the Peninsula before crossing San Francisco Bay, putting the bay, the San Mateo Bridge, and the San Francisco skyline on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly shows the Santa Cruz Mountains and Pacific-facing hills, which are less distinctive. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, San Mateo Bridge, San Francisco skyline, East Bay hills.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to San Francisco?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 338 miles (543 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to San Francisco flight path pass over?
Point Conception, Santa Lucia Mountains and the Big Sur coastline, Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains