While the landing approach favors the left, the takeoff from Istanbul offers more immediate and dramatic scenery. Right-side seats capture the Sea of Marmara and coastal geography during climb, which is more visually engaging than the predominantly water-based approach to SFO.
Flown SAW to SFO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pendik, Istanbul to San Francisco is 6,724 miles (10,822 km), a flight of about 12 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Black Sea, then traverses central Europe over the Alps (visible as a snow-capped mountain range in winter/spring), continues over the Atlantic Ocean for the majority of the journey, and approaches North America over Newfoundland and the Canadian Maritime provinces before reaching the U.S. West Coast.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAW
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Sea of Marmara and the Asian coastline of Istanbul as the aircraft climbs eastward from Sabiha Gökçen. The water body and coastal geography are immediately visible during the initial climb phase.
Landing at SFO
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach to SFO, showing the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Strait, and the Pacific coastline. The aircraft descends from the north over water, making the left side the optimal viewing position.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pendik, Istanbul to San Francisco. While the landing approach favors the left, the takeoff from Istanbul offers more immediate and dramatic scenery. Right-side seats capture the Sea of Marmara and coastal geography during climb, which is more visually engaging than the predominantly water-based approach to SFO.
What can I see during takeoff from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in Pendik, Istanbul?
During takeoff from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Sea of Marmara and the Asian coastline of Istanbul as the aircraft climbs eastward from Sabiha Gökçen. The water body and coastal geography are immediately visible during the initial climb phase. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus Strait (northern section), Asian Istanbul coastline, Prince Islands archipelago.
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. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach to SFO, showing the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Strait, and the Pacific coastline. The aircraft descends from the north over water, making the left side the optimal viewing position. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Strait, Marin Headlands, Pacific Ocean coastline.
How long is the flight from Pendik, Istanbul to San Francisco?
The flight from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 12 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,724 miles (10,822 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pendik, Istanbul to San Francisco flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Black Sea, then traverses central Europe over the Alps (visible as a snow-capped mountain range in winter/spring), continues over the Atlantic Ocean for the majority of the journey, and approaches North America over Newfoundland and the Canadian Maritime provinces before reaching the U.S. West Coast.