About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Macdill Afb (MCF) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tampa to San Francisco. While the right side wins at takeoff for Tampa Bay views, the left side delivers the more spectacular arrival into SFO with the full San Francisco Bay panorama, the city skyline, and the Bay Bridge on approach. Across the cruise portion heading northwest, the left side also tracks closer to the Gulf Coast initially and later offers better views of the Sierra Nevada as you cross into California.
What can I see during takeoff from Macdill Afb in Tampa?
During takeoff from Macdill Afb (MCF), sit on the Right side for the best views. MacDill sits on a peninsula jutting into Tampa Bay. Departures typically head northwest or north, and the right side gives you a clear look back over Tampa Bay, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and the St. Petersburg peninsula. The left side faces inland toward suburban Tampa with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Tampa Bay, Sunshine Skyway Bridge, St. Petersburg peninsula, Hillsborough Bay.
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. SFO's runways 28L and 28R are the primary landing runways, with aircraft approaching from the east over the Bay. On the left side you get a direct view of San Francisco Bay, the San Francisco city skyline, and the Bay Bridge as you descend over the water. The right side faces south toward the Peninsula suburbs with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, San Francisco city skyline, Bay Bridge, Marin Headlands.
How long is the flight from Tampa to San Francisco?
The flight from Macdill Afb (MCF) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours.
What does the Tampa to San Francisco flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Gulf Coast near Pensacola, then tracks over the Mississippi Delta region and Louisiana lowlands. Over Texas the flight passes north of Houston across the Hill Country. New Mexico and Arizona high desert follow, with the Colorado Plateau and its canyon systems visible in good visibility. The Sierra Nevada range marks the California entry, with the Central Valley spread out before the Bay Area descent.