Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Reno to San Francisco. The left seat wins overall because the Sierra Nevada departure view — particularly Mount Rose and the Lake Tahoe glimpse — is more dramatic than the South Bay approach view on the right. On the left you also track the Sierra crest westward during cruise before the Central Valley opens up, while the right side sees mostly flat agricultural land and the less scenic South Bay on descent.

During takeoff from Reno Tahoe International (RNO), sit on the Left side for the best views. RNO typically departs westbound on runway 16R/34L or 16L/34R. On a westbound departure climbing out over the Truckee Meadows, the left side faces south toward the Sierra Nevada, giving you a clear look at the high peaks including the Mount Rose massif and the Carson Range. The right side looks north over suburban Sparks and the dry Great Basin. Notable sights include: Mount Rose (10,776 ft) and the Carson Range ridge, Lake Tahoe visible in the notch to the southwest, Truckee Meadows valley floor below, Sierra Nevada high country snowfields.

When landing at San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Right side for the best views. SFO approaches typically come in from the east or southeast over the Bay, landing on runways 28L/28R heading west. On final approach from the east, the right side of the aircraft faces north, giving you a direct view down San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge, and the San Francisco city peninsula. The left side looks south over the less scenic South Bay and suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay and the Bay Bridge, San Francisco city skyline and the peninsula, Alcatraz Island in the bay, the East Bay hills behind Oakland.

The flight from Reno Tahoe International (RNO) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes Approximately 55 to 70 minutes.

After crossing the Sierra Nevada crest west of Reno, the flight descends over the western Sierra foothills and then the flat floor of the Sacramento Valley. The Sacramento River is visible as a winding line through agricultural land. The Coast Ranges form a low ridge on the western horizon before the Bay Area comes into view. The entire Sierra crossing takes only about 15 minutes at cruise altitude.