With roughly twelve hours of open Pacific in between, the two sides are nearly equal, but the right side's extended departure view — from the South Bay across the Santa Cruz Mountains to the Big Sur coast — edges out the shorter, though still scenic, Auckland approach on the left.
Flown SFO to AKL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Auckland is 6,530 miles (10,510 km), a flight of about 13 hours 10 minutes.
The route crosses thousands of miles of open Pacific Ocean, passing roughly over the Line Islands region of Kiribati near the equator and well east of the Cook Islands, with no significant landmasses visible for most of the cruise phase.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
RIGHTSFO departures on the eastern runways climb out over the bay before turning south to align with the transpacific track. That turn puts the right side facing down the Peninsula toward San Jose, then across the Santa Cruz Mountains to the Big Sur coastline, giving a longer and more varied view than the East Bay hills on the left.
Landing at AKL
LEFTArrivals into Auckland from the northeast track down the Hauraki Gulf before turning onto final approach for runway 23L. The left side faces the gulf and city, revealing the volcanic cone of Rangitoto Island, Waiheke Island, and the Auckland skyline along the Waitemata Harbour.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Auckland International (AKL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Auckland. With roughly twelve hours of open Pacific in between, the two sides are nearly equal, but the right side's extended departure view — from the South Bay across the Santa Cruz Mountains to the Big Sur coast — edges out the shorter, though still scenic, Auckland approach on the left.
What can I see during takeoff from San Francisco International in San Francisco?
During takeoff from San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Right side for the best views. SFO departures on the eastern runways climb out over the bay before turning south to align with the transpacific track. That turn puts the right side facing down the Peninsula toward San Jose, then across the Santa Cruz Mountains to the Big Sur coastline, giving a longer and more varied view than the East Bay hills on the left. Notable sights include: South San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains, Monterey Bay, Big Sur coastline.
What can I see when landing at Auckland International in Auckland?
When landing at Auckland International (AKL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arrivals into Auckland from the northeast track down the Hauraki Gulf before turning onto final approach for runway 23L. The left side faces the gulf and city, revealing the volcanic cone of Rangitoto Island, Waiheke Island, and the Auckland skyline along the Waitemata Harbour. Notable sights include: Rangitoto Island, Waiheke Island, Auckland CBD skyline, Auckland Harbour Bridge.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Auckland?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Auckland International (AKL) takes about 13 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,530 miles (10,510 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Auckland flight path pass over?
The route crosses thousands of miles of open Pacific Ocean, passing roughly over the Line Islands region of Kiribati near the equator and well east of the Cook Islands, with no significant landmasses visible for most of the cruise phase.