The right side wins both the departure, with the Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes framing the climb out of Mexico City, and the arrival, with San Francisco Bay and the city skyline visible during the final turn — while the left side spends more of the flight facing open ocean or the emptier Baja coastline.
Flown MEX to SFO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Mexico City to San Francisco is 1,882 miles (3,029 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
Sierra Madre Occidental mountains, the Sonoran Desert, the Gulf of California, and the Baja California peninsula coastline
Great circle distance and headings ›_(cropped).jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEX
RIGHTMEX departures on runway 05 head northeast before banking left onto a northwesterly course toward SFO, and that turn swings the outside of the aircraft — the right side — toward the volcanoes southeast of the city. Passengers get a clear look at Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl rising over the Valley of Mexico as the sprawling city falls away below.
Landing at SFO
RIGHTArriving from the south, the aircraft crosses the Peninsula and banks to line up with the north-south runways, putting San Francisco Bay and the city itself on the right side during the turn onto final. Passengers see the downtown skyline, the Bay Bridge, and the East Bay hills before the plane settles onto approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Mexico City to San Francisco. The right side wins both the departure, with the Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes framing the climb out of Mexico City, and the arrival, with San Francisco Bay and the city skyline visible during the final turn — while the left side spends more of the flight facing open ocean or the emptier Baja coastline.
What can I see during takeoff from Licenciado Benito Juarez International in Mexico City?
During takeoff from Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX), sit on the Right side for the best views. MEX departures on runway 05 head northeast before banking left onto a northwesterly course toward SFO, and that turn swings the outside of the aircraft — the right side — toward the volcanoes southeast of the city. Passengers get a clear look at Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl rising over the Valley of Mexico as the sprawling city falls away below. Notable sights include: Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes, Sierra de Ajusco, Valley of Mexico basin, Mexico City sprawl.
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. Arriving from the south, the aircraft crosses the Peninsula and banks to line up with the north-south runways, putting San Francisco Bay and the city itself on the right side during the turn onto final. Passengers see the downtown skyline, the Bay Bridge, and the East Bay hills before the plane settles onto approach. Notable sights include: San Francisco skyline, Bay Bridge, San Francisco Bay, East Bay hills.
How long is the flight from Mexico City to San Francisco?
The flight from Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,882 miles (3,029 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Mexico City to San Francisco flight path pass over?
Sierra Madre Occidental mountains, the Sonoran Desert, the Gulf of California, and the Baja California peninsula coastline