New Orleans to San Francisco is 1,907 miles (3,069 km), a flight of about 3 hours 55 minutes.
The right side tracks slightly north of the great-circle route, offering distant views of the Grand Canyon region and southern Rockies during cruise, plus a dramatic Bay Area arrival with the San Francisco skyline and Golden Gate Bridge — far more varied and dramatic than the flatter southern-side views over Texas and the Mojave.
Flight Path
West Texas plains, New Mexico high desert, Grand Canyon region and Colorado Plateau, Mojave Desert edges near the California-Nevada border
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSY
RIGHTDeparting MSY on runway 29 heading northwest, the right side gives a brief glimpse of Lake Pontchartrain's northern shoreline and the Mississippi River delta before the aircraft turns onto its westbound cruise track. The left side mostly shows flat Louisiana bayou with little contrast.
Landing at SFO
RIGHTOn approach into SFO from the east, the aircraft crosses the Sierra Nevada and Central Valley before descending over the northern Bay Area, giving right-side passengers views of the San Francisco skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Marin headlands as the plane lines up for the northern runways. The left side mainly shows the flatter South Bay and San Jose suburbs.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New Orleans to San Francisco. The right side tracks slightly north of the great-circle route, offering distant views of the Grand Canyon region and southern Rockies during cruise, plus a dramatic Bay Area arrival with the San Francisco skyline and Golden Gate Bridge — far more varied and dramatic than the flatter southern-side views over Texas and the Mojave.
What can I see during takeoff from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International in New Orleans?
During takeoff from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing MSY on runway 29 heading northwest, the right side gives a brief glimpse of Lake Pontchartrain's northern shoreline and the Mississippi River delta before the aircraft turns onto its westbound cruise track. The left side mostly shows flat Louisiana bayou with little contrast. Notable sights include: Lake Pontchartrain, Mississippi River bends, New Orleans metro 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. On approach into SFO from the east, the aircraft crosses the Sierra Nevada and Central Valley before descending over the northern Bay Area, giving right-side passengers views of the San Francisco skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Marin headlands as the plane lines up for the northern runways. The left side mainly shows the flatter South Bay and San Jose suburbs. Notable sights include: San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, San Francisco Bay.
How long is the flight from New Orleans to San Francisco?
The flight from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 3 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,907 miles (3,069 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New Orleans to San Francisco flight path pass over?
West Texas plains, New Mexico high desert, Grand Canyon region and Colorado Plateau, Mojave Desert edges near the California-Nevada border