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. While the right side wins at takeoff for Orlando's lakes and Disney, the left side dominates the majority of the westbound flight — offering views of the Gulf Coast, Texas hill country, New Mexico desert, Arizona canyon lands, and the spectacular San Francisco Bay arrival. The left side delivers more sustained geographic interest across the full route.
What can I see during takeoff from Orlando International in Orlando?
During takeoff from Orlando International (MCO), sit on the Right side for the best views. MCO typically departs northwest on runway 18L/36R or west on 17/35. A right-side seat gives you views over downtown Orlando, the chain of lakes running through the city, and Walt Disney World's distinctive layout visible to the southwest. Left side faces mostly flat suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Downtown Orlando skyline, Walt Disney World resort complex, Lake Tohopekaliga, the interconnected lakes of the Orlando chain.
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 approaches typically come in from the east or southeast over the Bay, landing on runways 28L/28R heading west. A left-side seat gives you the full panorama of San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge, and the San Francisco city peninsula as you descend. Right side faces south toward the peninsula suburbs with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, San Francisco city skyline and peninsula, Bay Bridge, San Mateo Bridge.
How long is the flight from Orlando to San Francisco?
The flight from Orlando International (MCO) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes Approximately 5 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 45 minutes.
What does the Orlando to San Francisco flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northwest over the Gulf of Mexico coast near Pensacola, then crosses Louisiana and Texas with the Hill Country and Edwards Plateau visible, continues over New Mexico's high desert and the Rio Grande valley, crosses Arizona where the Mogollon Rim and potentially the Grand Canyon region appear to the north, then traverses the Mojave Desert and crosses the Sierra Nevada range before descending into the Central Valley and approaching the Bay Area