New York to San Francisco is 2,573 miles (4,141 km), a flight of about 6 hours 15 minutes.
The right side wins overall because the transcontinental cruise portion, which dominates this long flight, tracks along a northern great-circle route giving views of the Great Lakes basin, the Rocky Mountain front range, and the Sierra Nevada — far more dramatic and varied than the mostly flat or oceanic scenery on the left.
Flight Path
Great Lakes region near Lake Erie and Lake Michigan, the Great Plains of Nebraska and Wyoming, the Rocky Mountains, the Great Salt Lake, and the Sierra Nevada range before descending into the Bay Area
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGA
RIGHTDeparting LGA to the northeast before turning west, the right side offers a last look at the Long Island Sound and Connecticut shoreline before the turn inland, while the left side just shows Queens rooftops and haze.
Landing at SFO
LEFTOn the descent into SFO from the east, the final turn onto the north-south runways puts the San Francisco skyline, the Bay, and the hills of the Peninsula on the left side, while the right side faces open bay water and the East Bay flatlands with less to see.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from La Guardia (LGA) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to San Francisco. The right side wins overall because the transcontinental cruise portion, which dominates this long flight, tracks along a northern great-circle route giving views of the Great Lakes basin, the Rocky Mountain front range, and the Sierra Nevada — far more dramatic and varied than the mostly flat or oceanic scenery on the left.
What can I see during takeoff from La Guardia in New York?
During takeoff from La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing LGA to the northeast before turning west, the right side offers a last look at the Long Island Sound and Connecticut shoreline before the turn inland, while the left side just shows Queens rooftops and haze. Notable sights include: Long Island Sound, Whitestone Bridge, Westchester County shoreline.
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. On the descent into SFO from the east, the final turn onto the north-south runways puts the San Francisco skyline, the Bay, and the hills of the Peninsula on the left side, while the right side faces open bay water and the East Bay flatlands with less to see. Notable sights include: San Francisco skyline, San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands.
How long is the flight from New York to San Francisco?
The flight from La Guardia (LGA) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 6 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,573 miles (4,141 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to San Francisco flight path pass over?
Great Lakes region near Lake Erie and Lake Michigan, the Great Plains of Nebraska and Wyoming, the Rocky Mountains, the Great Salt Lake, and the Sierra Nevada range before descending into the Bay Area