Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Richmond to San Francisco. Left side wins both ends of the flight. During the cruise over the Rockies and Sierra Nevada, left side also tends to offer slightly better views of the central Sierra Nevada peaks as the flight path arcs slightly south of due west, making left the consistent choice for the full journey.

During takeoff from Richmond International (RIC), sit on the Left side for the best views. RIC typically departs westbound on runway 16/34 or 02/20. Climbing out heading west or northwest, the left (south) side gives you a clear view back over the James River winding through Richmond, plus the broader Piedmont landscape. The right side faces north toward suburban sprawl with less visual interest. Notable sights include: James River and its bends through Richmond, downtown Richmond skyline, Lake Chesdin to the south, Piedmont farmland patchwork.

When landing at San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Left side for the best views. SFO's dominant arrival runways are 28L/28R, approaching from the east over the Bay. On left side seats, you get a prolonged view of the San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge, and the San Francisco peninsula as the aircraft descends over the water. Right side faces south toward the less scenic South Bay and San Jose sprawl. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Bay Bridge (eastern span visible), San Francisco city skyline and hills, San Mateo Bridge.

The flight from Richmond International (RIC) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours.

Appalachian ridges briefly visible after departure, then flat Ohio and Indiana farmland, Mississippi River crossing near St. Louis, Great Plains of Kansas and Colorado, Rocky Mountains including the Front Range and Colorado Rockies, Utah desert plateau and canyon country, Nevada Basin and Range terrain, Sierra Nevada crossing near Lake Tahoe visible to the north, Central Valley of California on descent