Left side wins both ends of the flight. During the transcontinental cruise at altitude, the left side also tends to offer better views of the Sierra Nevada approaching California, with the range's western escarpment and snowfields visible on the left as the aircraft descends into the Bay Area. Right side has the Rockies during mid-flight but the left side payoff at both origin and destination is stronger.
Flown NGU to SFO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Norfolk to San Francisco is 2,508 miles (4,036 km), a flight of about 5 hours 45 minutes.
The flight tracks roughly along the 37th parallel westward. Notable features include the Appalachian ridgelines over Virginia and West Virginia, the flat agricultural expanse of the Ohio and Mississippi river valleys, the Ozark Plateau in Missouri, the Texas Panhandle and Oklahoma plains, the Sangre de Cristo and Rocky Mountain ranges over New Mexico and Colorado visible to the north and south, the Colorado Plateau and its canyon systems over Utah and Nevada, and finally the Sierra Nevada's eastern escarpment and snowfields before descending into the Central Valley of California.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from NGU
LEFTDeparting Norfolk NAS, aircraft typically use runways oriented northeast-southwest. A left-side seat gives you views over Hampton Roads harbor, the Chesapeake Bay mouth, and the Norfolk Naval Station piers — one of the largest naval bases in the world with dozens of warships visible. The Elizabeth River and downtown Norfolk skyline also pass on the left during the climbing turn westward.
Landing at SFO
LEFTSFO's primary arrival runways (28L/28R) bring aircraft in from the east over the Bay. A left-side seat on this approach gives you a direct view down San Francisco Bay, with the Bay Bridge, downtown San Francisco skyline, and Alcatraz clearly visible to the north-left. The approach track passes directly over the bay surface before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Norfolk Ns (NGU) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Norfolk to San Francisco. Left side wins both ends of the flight. During the transcontinental cruise at altitude, the left side also tends to offer better views of the Sierra Nevada approaching California, with the range's western escarpment and snowfields visible on the left as the aircraft descends into the Bay Area. Right side has the Rockies during mid-flight but the left side payoff at both origin and destination is stronger.
What can I see during takeoff from Norfolk Ns in Norfolk?
During takeoff from Norfolk Ns (NGU), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Norfolk NAS, aircraft typically use runways oriented northeast-southwest. A left-side seat gives you views over Hampton Roads harbor, the Chesapeake Bay mouth, and the Norfolk Naval Station piers — one of the largest naval bases in the world with dozens of warships visible. The Elizabeth River and downtown Norfolk skyline also pass on the left during the climbing turn westward. Notable sights include: Hampton Roads harbor, Norfolk Naval Station piers, Chesapeake Bay mouth, Elizabeth River confluence.
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 primary arrival runways (28L/28R) bring aircraft in from the east over the Bay. A left-side seat on this approach gives you a direct view down San Francisco Bay, with the Bay Bridge, downtown San Francisco skyline, and Alcatraz clearly visible to the north-left. The approach track passes directly over the bay surface before touchdown. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Bay Bridge, downtown San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz Island.
How long is the flight from Norfolk to San Francisco?
The flight from Norfolk Ns (NGU) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 5 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,508 miles (4,036 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Norfolk to San Francisco flight path pass over?
The flight tracks roughly along the 37th parallel westward. Notable features include the Appalachian ridgelines over Virginia and West Virginia, the flat agricultural expanse of the Ohio and Mississippi river valleys, the Ozark Plateau in Missouri, the Texas Panhandle and Oklahoma plains, the Sangre de Cristo and Rocky Mountain ranges over New Mexico and Colorado visible to the north and south, the Colorado Plateau and its canyon systems over Utah and Nevada, and finally the Sierra Nevada's eastern escarpment and snowfields before descending into the Central Valley of California.