The right side wins on both ends of the flight — the Philadelphia skyline at takeoff and the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and city skyline on arrival — while also aligning with the northward bow of the transcontinental route that keeps the Rockies, Great Salt Lake, and Sierra Nevada in view during cruise.
Flight Path
Appalachian ridgelines over Pennsylvania, the Great Lakes basin near Chicago, the Rocky Mountains over Wyoming/Colorado, the Great Salt Lake and Wasatch Range in Utah, Nevada's high desert basins, and the Sierra Nevada before descending into the Central Valley toward San Francisco.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHL
RIGHTPHL's westbound departure off runway 27 climbs out with Center City Philadelphia sitting just north of the airport, putting the skyline and Delaware/Schuylkill riverfront squarely in view on the right side. Left-side passengers mostly see flat South Jersey suburbs and farmland.
Landing at SFO
RIGHTArrivals into SFO from the east typically swing north over the Bay before turning south to land on the 1/19 runway complex, so right-side passengers get a clear view down the peninsula toward the Golden Gate Bridge, downtown San Francisco, and Alcatraz. Left-side passengers mainly see the East Bay hills and Oakland.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Philadelphia International (PHL) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Philadelphia to San Francisco. The right side wins on both ends of the flight — the Philadelphia skyline at takeoff and the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and city skyline on arrival — while also aligning with the northward bow of the transcontinental route that keeps the Rockies, Great Salt Lake, and Sierra Nevada in view during cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from Philadelphia International in Philadelphia?
During takeoff from Philadelphia International (PHL), sit on the Right side for the best views. PHL's westbound departure off runway 27 climbs out with Center City Philadelphia sitting just north of the airport, putting the skyline and Delaware/Schuylkill riverfront squarely in view on the right side. Left-side passengers mostly see flat South Jersey suburbs and farmland. Notable sights include: Philadelphia skyline (City Hall, Comcast towers), Schuylkill River, Delaware River bend, South Jersey lowlands.
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. Arrivals into SFO from the east typically swing north over the Bay before turning south to land on the 1/19 runway complex, so right-side passengers get a clear view down the peninsula toward the Golden Gate Bridge, downtown San Francisco, and Alcatraz. Left-side passengers mainly see the East Bay hills and Oakland. Notable sights include: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz Island, Marin Headlands.
How long is the flight from Philadelphia to San Francisco?
The flight from Philadelphia International (PHL) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes 6h 15m.
What does the Philadelphia to San Francisco flight path pass over?
Appalachian ridgelines over Pennsylvania, the Great Lakes basin near Chicago, the Rocky Mountains over Wyoming/Colorado, the Great Salt Lake and Wasatch Range in Utah, Nevada's high desert basins, and the Sierra Nevada before descending into the Central Valley toward San Francisco.