The takeoff from San Francisco offers more dramatic and iconic scenery (Golden Gate Bridge, Bay, Marin Headlands) than the landing approach into Izmir. While the Aegean approach is pleasant, the San Francisco departure provides the more memorable window experience.
Flown SFO to ADB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Izmir is 6,845 miles (11,016 km), a flight of about 10 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing south of Greenland and Iceland, then over the UK and continental Europe. Notable features include the Atlantic Ocean expanse, the Iberian Peninsula, the Alps (visible on clear days), and the Mediterranean basin before reaching the Aegean approach to Turkey.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTLeft seats offer views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and Marin Headlands during the northwesterly departure climb. Right seats face inland toward the East Bay hills with less dramatic scenery.
Landing at ADB
RIGHTRight seats provide views of the Aegean Sea approach, the Turkish coastline near Izmir, and the Gulf of Izmir during the southeasterly descent. Left seats face inland toward the Anatolian plateau with minimal scenic interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Adnan Menderes (ADB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Izmir. The takeoff from San Francisco offers more dramatic and iconic scenery (Golden Gate Bridge, Bay, Marin Headlands) than the landing approach into Izmir. While the Aegean approach is pleasant, the San Francisco departure provides the more memorable window experience.
What can I see during takeoff from San Francisco International in San Francisco?
During takeoff from San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and Marin Headlands during the northwesterly departure climb. Right seats face inland toward the East Bay hills with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, Pacific Ocean coastline.
What can I see when landing at Adnan Menderes in Izmir?
When landing at Adnan Menderes (ADB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide views of the Aegean Sea approach, the Turkish coastline near Izmir, and the Gulf of Izmir during the southeasterly descent. Left seats face inland toward the Anatolian plateau with minimal scenic interest. Notable sights include: Aegean Sea, Gulf of Izmir, Turkish Mediterranean coastline, Izmir city waterfront.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Izmir?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Adnan Menderes (ADB) takes about 10 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,845 miles (11,016 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Izmir flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing south of Greenland and Iceland, then over the UK and continental Europe. Notable features include the Atlantic Ocean expanse, the Iberian Peninsula, the Alps (visible on clear days), and the Mediterranean basin before reaching the Aegean approach to Turkey.