The right side wins on both ends of the flight — coastal China scenery at takeoff and the dramatic Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Area approach at landing — plus better odds of catching Japan's coastline, Kamchatka, or the Aleutian Islands during cruise on clear days.
Flown PVG to SFO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Shanghai to San Francisco is 6,138 miles (9,877 km), a flight of about 11 hours 40 minutes.
Route passes near the Japanese coastline, the Kuril Islands, Kamchatka Peninsula, the Aleutian Island chain, and the Gulf of Alaska before descending along the California coast.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PVG
RIGHTDeparting PVG on a northbound heading before turning toward Japan, the right side offers views over the Yangtze River Delta, Chongming Island, and the mouth of Hangzhou Bay as the coastline curves away. The left side mostly shows the flat, hazy Shanghai suburbs and inland farmland.
Landing at SFO
RIGHTOn the descent into SFO from the north, the right side gives passengers a clear view of the Marin Headlands, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the San Francisco skyline as the aircraft banks to align with the runway over the bay. The left side mostly faces open Pacific Ocean and featureless water until touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to San Francisco. The right side wins on both ends of the flight — coastal China scenery at takeoff and the dramatic Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Area approach at landing — plus better odds of catching Japan's coastline, Kamchatka, or the Aleutian Islands during cruise on clear days.
What can I see during takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
During takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing PVG on a northbound heading before turning toward Japan, the right side offers views over the Yangtze River Delta, Chongming Island, and the mouth of Hangzhou Bay as the coastline curves away. The left side mostly shows the flat, hazy Shanghai suburbs and inland farmland. Notable sights include: Yangtze River Estuary, Chongming Island, Hangzhou Bay coastline, East China Sea.
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 the descent into SFO from the north, the right side gives passengers a clear view of the Marin Headlands, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the San Francisco skyline as the aircraft banks to align with the runway over the bay. The left side mostly faces open Pacific Ocean and featureless water until touchdown. Notable sights include: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline, Marin Headlands, San Francisco Bay.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to San Francisco?
The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 11 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,138 miles (9,877 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Shanghai to San Francisco flight path pass over?
Route passes near the Japanese coastline, the Kuril Islands, Kamchatka Peninsula, the Aleutian Island chain, and the Gulf of Alaska before descending along the California coast.