While landing views on the right are pleasant, the takeoff experience on the left—featuring the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, and Marin Headlands—is more iconic and visually striking. The left side captures one of the world's most recognizable landmarks immediately after departure.
Flown SFO to BDL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Windsor Locks is 2,618 miles (4,214 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Sierra Nevada mountains (visible as a distant ridge of peaks during the climb phase over central California), then transitions over the Great Basin and Rocky Mountains. Notable midpoint features include the Great Salt Lake (visible as a large, pale blue body of water in northern Utah), the Wasatch Range east of Salt Lake City, and the Colorado Rockies. Over the Great Plains, the landscape becomes increasingly flat with scattered clouds. As the aircraft approaches the Northeast, the Appalachian Mountains appear as low, forested ridges running northeast-southwest, with river valleys cutting through them. The Connecticut River valley becomes visible during descent into New England.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands as the aircraft climbs northeastward out of SFO. Right side faces inland toward less distinctive terrain.
Landing at BDL
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Connecticut River valley, Hartford skyline, and the New England landscape during descent into Bradley. Left side faces less distinctive terrain to the north.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Bradley International (BDL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Windsor Locks. While landing views on the right are pleasant, the takeoff experience on the left—featuring the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, and Marin Headlands—is more iconic and visually striking. The left side captures one of the world's most recognizable landmarks immediately after departure.
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 side offers immediate views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands as the aircraft climbs northeastward out of SFO. Right side faces inland toward less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, Mount Tamalpais.
What can I see when landing at Bradley International in Windsor Locks?
When landing at Bradley International (BDL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Connecticut River valley, Hartford skyline, and the New England landscape during descent into Bradley. Left side faces less distinctive terrain to the north. Notable sights include: Connecticut River, Hartford skyline, New England deciduous forest, Mount Higby ridge.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Windsor Locks?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Bradley International (BDL) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,618 miles (4,214 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Windsor Locks flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Sierra Nevada mountains (visible as a distant ridge of peaks during the climb phase over central California), then transitions over the Great Basin and Rocky Mountains. Notable midpoint features include the Great Salt Lake (visible as a large, pale blue body of water in northern Utah), the Wasatch Range east of Salt Lake City, and the Colorado Rockies. Over the Great Plains, the landscape becomes increasingly flat with scattered clouds. As the aircraft approaches the Northeast, the Appalachian Mountains appear as low, forested ridges running northeast-southwest, with river valleys cutting through them. The Connecticut River valley becomes visible during descent into New England.