While left seats offer superior takeoff views of the San Francisco Bay and Pacific coastline, right seats provide the more dramatic landing experience over the MacDonnell Ranges and red desert landscape. The landing scenery is more distinctive and visually striking than the takeoff, making right the better overall choice for this route.
Flown SFO to ASP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Alice Springs is 7,927 miles (12,757 km), a flight of about 14 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the central Pacific Ocean with no significant landmarks visible for roughly 8-10 hours. After crossing the International Date Line, the approach to Australia brings views of the Great Barrier Reef (if routed via northern Australia), or the Australian interior including the Simpson Desert and MacDonnell Ranges as the aircraft descends toward Alice Springs. The red desert landscape becomes increasingly visible 1-2 hours before landing.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTLeft seats face west and northwest during initial climb, offering views of the Pacific coastline, the Golden Gate Bridge area, and the San Francisco Bay. Right seats turn inland toward the Central Valley with less dramatic scenery.
Landing at ASP
RIGHTRight seats face west during approach to Alice Springs, providing views of the MacDonnell Ranges and the red desert landscape surrounding the airport. Left seats face toward the inland desert with fewer distinctive features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Alice Springs (ASP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Alice Springs. While left seats offer superior takeoff views of the San Francisco Bay and Pacific coastline, right seats provide the more dramatic landing experience over the MacDonnell Ranges and red desert landscape. The landing scenery is more distinctive and visually striking than the takeoff, making right the better overall choice for this route.
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 face west and northwest during initial climb, offering views of the Pacific coastline, the Golden Gate Bridge area, and the San Francisco Bay. Right seats turn inland toward the Central Valley with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: Pacific Ocean coastline, San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge vicinity, Marin Headlands.
What can I see when landing at Alice Springs in Alice Springs?
When landing at Alice Springs (ASP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats face west during approach to Alice Springs, providing views of the MacDonnell Ranges and the red desert landscape surrounding the airport. Left seats face toward the inland desert with fewer distinctive features. Notable sights include: MacDonnell Ranges (East and West), red desert terrain, Todd River valley, Alice Springs town.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Alice Springs?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Alice Springs (ASP) takes about 14 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,927 miles (12,757 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Alice Springs flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the central Pacific Ocean with no significant landmarks visible for roughly 8-10 hours. After crossing the International Date Line, the approach to Australia brings views of the Great Barrier Reef (if routed via northern Australia), or the Australian interior including the Simpson Desert and MacDonnell Ranges as the aircraft descends toward Alice Springs. The red desert landscape becomes increasingly visible 1-2 hours before landing.