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 Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to San Francisco. While the right side wins at takeoff, the left side delivers the more dramatic payoff: the full San Francisco Bay approach is one of the great urban arrival views in commercial aviation, and left-side seats also get better views of the Aleutian Island chain during the North Pacific crossing. The left side edges it overall.
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. PVG's primary departure runways (34L/34R) head roughly northward, so a right-side seat faces east over the Yangtze River estuary and the sprawling Chongming Island. You get a clear view of the massive river mouth and the transition from dense urban Shanghai to open water. Notable sights include: Yangtze River estuary, Chongming Island, Pudong skyline receding to the southwest, East China Sea coastline.
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) approach from the east over the Bay, so a left-side seat faces south toward the San Francisco Peninsula and gives you the best view of the Bay, the city of San Francisco, and the Golden Gate Bridge as you descend. Right-side seats look north toward less distinctive East Bay terrain. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, San Francisco city and peninsula, Golden Gate Bridge, San Mateo-Hayward Bridge.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to San Francisco?
The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes Approximately 11 to 12 hours eastbound.
What does the Shanghai to San Francisco flight path pass over?
The great circle route arcs northeast over the Yellow Sea, across northern Japan (Hokkaido), then out over the North Pacific. The flight passes south of the Aleutian Islands chain, which may be visible as dark volcanic peaks rising from the ocean on clear days. The bulk of the crossing is open North Pacific Ocean with occasional cloud systems. The route descends toward the California coast north of San Francisco before turning south for the Bay Area approach.