Pico to San Francisco is 4,854 miles (7,811 km), a flight of about 10 hours 30 minutes.
Right side wins both ends of the flight. The Pico volcano and Faial channel at departure are genuinely spectacular, and the San Francisco Bay arrival with the skyline and both bridges on the right is one of the best urban approaches in aviation. The transoceanic middle portion offers little regardless of side.
Flight Path
The flight tracks roughly along 38-40°N latitude across the North Atlantic, passing well south of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. The mid-Atlantic portion is open ocean with no land features. As the flight approaches North America, the Sierra Nevada range may be distantly visible on clear days during descent into California, and the Central Valley of California is visible during the final approach corridor.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PIX
RIGHTPico Airport's runway runs roughly east-west. Departing westbound toward North America, the right (north) side gives you a close view of Pico volcano's massive summit and the channel between Pico and Faial islands. The left side faces open ocean almost immediately.
Landing at SFO
RIGHTSFO's primary arrival runways (28L/28R) bring aircraft in from the east over the Bay. The right (north) side gives you the San Francisco city skyline, the Bay Bridge, and the Golden Gate Bridge as you descend over the Bay. The left side faces the Peninsula and South Bay, which is less dramatic.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Pico (PIX) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pico to San Francisco. Right side wins both ends of the flight. The Pico volcano and Faial channel at departure are genuinely spectacular, and the San Francisco Bay arrival with the skyline and both bridges on the right is one of the best urban approaches in aviation. The transoceanic middle portion offers little regardless of side.
What can I see during takeoff from Pico in Pico?
During takeoff from Pico (PIX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Pico Airport's runway runs roughly east-west. Departing westbound toward North America, the right (north) side gives you a close view of Pico volcano's massive summit and the channel between Pico and Faial islands. The left side faces open ocean almost immediately. Notable sights include: Pico volcano summit (2,351m), Faial island across the channel, São Roque do Pico town on the northern coast, the inter-island channel waters.
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. SFO's primary arrival runways (28L/28R) bring aircraft in from the east over the Bay. The right (north) side gives you the San Francisco city skyline, the Bay Bridge, and the Golden Gate Bridge as you descend over the Bay. The left side faces the Peninsula and South Bay, which is less dramatic. Notable sights include: San Francisco city skyline, Bay Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island.
How long is the flight from Pico to San Francisco?
The flight from Pico (PIX) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 10 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,854 miles (7,811 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pico to San Francisco flight path pass over?
The flight tracks roughly along 38-40°N latitude across the North Atlantic, passing well south of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. The mid-Atlantic portion is open ocean with no land features. As the flight approaches North America, the Sierra Nevada range may be distantly visible on clear days during descent into California, and the Central Valley of California is visible during the final approach corridor.