The right side offers the more consistently scenic experience: a chance at London skyline views on departure, the North Atlantic route passing near southern Greenland and Labrador during cruise, and a Bay Area skyline view on arrival, compared to the left side's plainer countryside and ocean views.
Flight Path
Southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet and coastal fjords, the Labrador Sea, and the lake-studded Canadian Shield over Quebec/Ontario before the route crosses into the northern Great Plains and Rockies.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
RIGHTDeparting Gatwick on runway 26 the aircraft climbs west then arcs northwest toward the Atlantic track, giving right-side passengers a brief look back over the North Downs and, if visibility is good, the distant London skyline to the north before the turn. The left side mostly sees unremarkable Surrey and Hampshire farmland.
Landing at SFO
RIGHTSFO arrivals from the east typically curve south of the airport before turning onto final approach heading north-northeast, putting San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge, and the Oakland/San Francisco skyline on the right side of the aircraft. The left side instead faces the open Pacific and the foggy Pacifica coastline, which is far less distinctive.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to San Francisco. The right side offers the more consistently scenic experience: a chance at London skyline views on departure, the North Atlantic route passing near southern Greenland and Labrador during cruise, and a Bay Area skyline view on arrival, compared to the left side's plainer countryside and ocean views.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Gatwick on runway 26 the aircraft climbs west then arcs northwest toward the Atlantic track, giving right-side passengers a brief look back over the North Downs and, if visibility is good, the distant London skyline to the north before the turn. The left side mostly sees unremarkable Surrey and Hampshire farmland. Notable sights include: North Downs, distant London skyline, Surrey/Sussex countryside patchwork.
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. SFO arrivals from the east typically curve south of the airport before turning onto final approach heading north-northeast, putting San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge, and the Oakland/San Francisco skyline on the right side of the aircraft. The left side instead faces the open Pacific and the foggy Pacifica coastline, which is far less distinctive. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Bay Bridge, downtown San Francisco skyline, Oakland waterfront.
How long is the flight from London to San Francisco?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes 10h 30m.
What does the London to San Francisco flight path pass over?
Southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet and coastal fjords, the Labrador Sea, and the lake-studded Canadian Shield over Quebec/Ontario before the route crosses into the northern Great Plains and Rockies.