Right side scores 3.5 vs left's 2.5 due to superior coastal and water scenery on both departure and arrival. Taichung's harbor and Taiwan Strait provide visual interest during takeoff, while the San Francisco Bay approach offers dramatic water, urban, and hill scenery during landing. Left side faces more inland, less distinctive terrain throughout the flight.
Flown RMQ to SFO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Taichung to San Francisco is 6,524 miles (10,499 km), a flight of about 11 hours 15 minutes.
Pacific Ocean (open water dominates 5+ hours of cruise), Aleutian Islands region (distant northern horizon during mid-cruise, rarely visible), California coast approaching SFO (Sierra Nevada mountains visible inland during descent, coastal ranges near approach)
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from RMQ
RIGHTRight side captures Taichung's coastal geography and urban harbor during climb-out. The Taiwan Strait and western coastline provide immediate visual interest as the aircraft departs northeastward, whereas the left side faces inland terrain with less dramatic features during initial climb.
Landing at SFO
RIGHTRight side offers superior approach scenery into SFO. Descending from the east over the San Francisco Bay, right-side passengers see the bay's eastern shoreline, Oakland hills, and the approach path over water toward the runway. Left side faces inland hills and lacks the dramatic water and urban harbor views.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Taichung International Airport / Ching Chuang Kang Air Base (RMQ) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Taichung to San Francisco. Right side scores 3.5 vs left's 2.5 due to superior coastal and water scenery on both departure and arrival. Taichung's harbor and Taiwan Strait provide visual interest during takeoff, while the San Francisco Bay approach offers dramatic water, urban, and hill scenery during landing. Left side faces more inland, less distinctive terrain throughout the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Taichung International Airport / Ching Chuang Kang Air Base in Taichung?
During takeoff from Taichung International Airport / Ching Chuang Kang Air Base (RMQ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side captures Taichung's coastal geography and urban harbor during climb-out. The Taiwan Strait and western coastline provide immediate visual interest as the aircraft departs northeastward, whereas the left side faces inland terrain with less dramatic features during initial climb. Notable sights include: Taichung Harbor and port facilities, Taiwan Strait coastline, Central Mountain Range (distant eastern horizon), urban sprawl of Taichung city.
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. Right side offers superior approach scenery into SFO. Descending from the east over the San Francisco Bay, right-side passengers see the bay's eastern shoreline, Oakland hills, and the approach path over water toward the runway. Left side faces inland hills and lacks the dramatic water and urban harbor views. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay (eastern shore and water approach), Oakland Hills, San Mateo Bridge or Bay Bridge (depending on exact approach vector), SFO runway complex and bay perimeter.
How long is the flight from Taichung to San Francisco?
The flight from Taichung International Airport / Ching Chuang Kang Air Base (RMQ) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 11 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,524 miles (10,499 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Taichung to San Francisco flight path pass over?
Pacific Ocean (open water dominates 5+ hours of cruise), Aleutian Islands region (distant northern horizon during mid-cruise, rarely visible), California coast approaching SFO (Sierra Nevada mountains visible inland during descent, coastal ranges near approach)