The right side tracks the landward route the entire flight — El Salvador's volcanoes at departure, the mountainous spine of Mexico and Baja California through the middle of the flight, and San Francisco's bay and skyline on arrival — while the left side faces largely featureless open Pacific Ocean for most of the journey.
Flown SAL to SFO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Salvador to San Francisco is 2,641 miles (4,250 km), a flight of about 5 hours 45 minutes.
Sierra Madre Occidental range, Pacific coast of Oaxaca and Guerrero, volcanic peaks near the Guatemala-Mexico border, Baja California peninsula
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAL
RIGHTDeparting SAL's coastal runway, the initial climb and turn toward the northwest puts the volcanic highlands of El Salvador on the right, while the left side only shows open Pacific water. The right side reveals San Salvador's volcanic skyline and crater lake before the route heads inland toward Mexico.
Landing at SFO
RIGHTOn approach to SFO from the south, the coastal route keeps the California shoreline and eventually the San Francisco Bay on the right, culminating in views of the city skyline and Golden Gate Bridge, while the left side faces only open Pacific water during the final turn.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from El Salvador International (SAL) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Salvador to San Francisco. The right side tracks the landward route the entire flight — El Salvador's volcanoes at departure, the mountainous spine of Mexico and Baja California through the middle of the flight, and San Francisco's bay and skyline on arrival — while the left side faces largely featureless open Pacific Ocean for most of the journey.
What can I see during takeoff from El Salvador International in San Salvador?
During takeoff from El Salvador International (SAL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing SAL's coastal runway, the initial climb and turn toward the northwest puts the volcanic highlands of El Salvador on the right, while the left side only shows open Pacific water. The right side reveals San Salvador's volcanic skyline and crater lake before the route heads inland toward Mexico. Notable sights include: San Salvador Volcano (Quetzaltepec), Lake Ilopango, San Vicente Volcano, San Salvador 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. On approach to SFO from the south, the coastal route keeps the California shoreline and eventually the San Francisco Bay on the right, culminating in views of the city skyline and Golden Gate Bridge, while the left side faces only open Pacific water during the final turn. Notable sights include: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline, San Francisco Bay, Marin Headlands.
How long is the flight from San Salvador to San Francisco?
The flight from El Salvador International (SAL) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 5 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,641 miles (4,250 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Salvador to San Francisco flight path pass over?
Sierra Madre Occidental range, Pacific coast of Oaxaca and Guerrero, volcanic peaks near the Guatemala-Mexico border, Baja California peninsula