The left side wins on both ends — a slightly better departure over Florida's lakes and Gulf coast, and a spectacular arrival over the Sierra foothills, Central Valley, and San Francisco Bay with the city and bridges in full view.
Flight Path
Gulf Coast states, Mississippi River, Texas panhandle, New Mexico desert, and the southern Rocky Mountains before descending into the Sierra Nevada and California's Central Valley
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MCO
LEFTDeparting MCO westbound, the left side offers views over the Florida interior lakes and eventually the Gulf coast, while catching glimpses of Tampa Bay's shoreline. It's a mild start but sets up better scenery than the right side's flat central Florida scrubland.
Landing at SFO
LEFTApproaching SFO from the east, the left side captures the dramatic descent over the Sierra Nevada foothills, the Central Valley, and then the San Francisco Bay itself with the city skyline and bridges coming into view. This is one of the most scenic approaches in the US.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
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 Orlando International (MCO) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Orlando to San Francisco. The left side wins on both ends — a slightly better departure over Florida's lakes and Gulf coast, and a spectacular arrival over the Sierra foothills, Central Valley, and San Francisco Bay with the city and bridges in full view.
What can I see during takeoff from Orlando International in Orlando?
During takeoff from Orlando International (MCO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing MCO westbound, the left side offers views over the Florida interior lakes and eventually the Gulf coast, while catching glimpses of Tampa Bay's shoreline. It's a mild start but sets up better scenery than the right side's flat central Florida scrubland. Notable sights include: Orlando's lake district, Tampa Bay, Gulf of Mexico coastline.
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. Approaching SFO from the east, the left side captures the dramatic descent over the Sierra Nevada foothills, the Central Valley, and then the San Francisco Bay itself with the city skyline and bridges coming into view. This is one of the most scenic approaches in the US. Notable sights include: Sierra Nevada foothills, San Francisco Bay, Bay Bridge, San Francisco skyline.
How long is the flight from Orlando to San Francisco?
The flight from Orlando International (MCO) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes 5h 30m.
What does the Orlando to San Francisco flight path pass over?
Gulf Coast states, Mississippi River, Texas panhandle, New Mexico desert, and the southern Rocky Mountains before descending into the Sierra Nevada and California's Central Valley