While the left side wins the Bay Area departure, the right side dominates the much longer cruise segment past Mount Shasta and the Oregon-Washington Cascade volcanoes, then closes strong with Seattle's skyline and Mount Rainier on final approach.
Flown SFO to BFI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Seattle is 685 miles (1,102 km), a flight of about 1 hour 50 minutes.
Sacramento Valley farmland, Mount Shasta, southern Oregon Cascade foothills near the Rogue Valley
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTDeparting SFO's eastern runways, the aircraft climbs out over San Francisco Bay before turning north, giving left-side passengers a clear look back at the city skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands. The right side mostly shows the flatter East Bay hills and Oakland during this same turn.
Landing at BFI
RIGHTOn approach to Boeing Field's runway 14, the aircraft descends from the north along the east side of Puget Sound, putting downtown Seattle's skyline, Elliott Bay, and the distant white cone of Mount Rainier on the right side. The left side mainly faces Lake Washington and residential hills with fewer standout landmarks.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Seattle. While the left side wins the Bay Area departure, the right side dominates the much longer cruise segment past Mount Shasta and the Oregon-Washington Cascade volcanoes, then closes strong with Seattle's skyline and Mount Rainier on final approach.
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. Departing SFO's eastern runways, the aircraft climbs out over San Francisco Bay before turning north, giving left-side passengers a clear look back at the city skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands. The right side mostly shows the flatter East Bay hills and Oakland during this same turn. Notable sights include: San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, Marin Headlands.
What can I see when landing at Boeing Fld King Co International in Seattle?
When landing at Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to Boeing Field's runway 14, the aircraft descends from the north along the east side of Puget Sound, putting downtown Seattle's skyline, Elliott Bay, and the distant white cone of Mount Rainier on the right side. The left side mainly faces Lake Washington and residential hills with fewer standout landmarks. Notable sights include: Downtown Seattle skyline, Elliott Bay, Puget Sound, Mount Rainier.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Seattle?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) takes about 1 hour 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 685 miles (1,102 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Seattle flight path pass over?
Sacramento Valley farmland, Mount Shasta, southern Oregon Cascade foothills near the Rogue Valley