Left side scores higher due to the exceptional takeoff experience over San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate—a world-famous geographic feature visible from altitude. While the landing approach on the right offers dramatic Sierra Nevada views, the takeoff advantage and overall variety of water, urban, and mountain scenery during the climb-out phase outweigh the landing-only advantage of the right side.
Flown SFO to BIH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Bishop is 221 miles (355 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Diablo Range foothills, San Joaquin Valley floor, Sierra Nevada crest line, Mono Basin high desert plateau
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTLeft side captures San Francisco Bay's dramatic geography during departure—the bay itself, Golden Gate strait, and Marin Headlands provide immediate visual interest. Right side faces inland toward flat valley terrain with minimal landmarks during initial climb.
Landing at BIH
RIGHTRight side offers superior approach scenery into Bishop—the Sierra Nevada's eastern escarpment dominates the view with dramatic relief, including Mount Tom and the Inyo Range. Left side faces the Owens Valley floor, which is flatter and less visually distinctive during descent.
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 Eastern Sierra Regional Airport (BIH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Bishop. Left side scores higher due to the exceptional takeoff experience over San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate—a world-famous geographic feature visible from altitude. While the landing approach on the right offers dramatic Sierra Nevada views, the takeoff advantage and overall variety of water, urban, and mountain scenery during the climb-out phase outweigh the landing-only advantage of the right side.
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 captures San Francisco Bay's dramatic geography during departure—the bay itself, Golden Gate strait, and Marin Headlands provide immediate visual interest. Right side faces inland toward flat valley terrain with minimal landmarks during initial climb. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge (visible from altitude), Marin Headlands, Oakland/East Bay shoreline.
What can I see when landing at Eastern Sierra Regional Airport in Bishop?
When landing at Eastern Sierra Regional Airport (BIH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers superior approach scenery into Bishop—the Sierra Nevada's eastern escarpment dominates the view with dramatic relief, including Mount Tom and the Inyo Range. Left side faces the Owens Valley floor, which is flatter and less visually distinctive during descent. Notable sights include: Sierra Nevada eastern escarpment, Mount Tom (13,652 ft), Inyo Range, Owens Valley floor.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Bishop?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Eastern Sierra Regional Airport (BIH) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 221 miles (355 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Bishop flight path pass over?
Diablo Range foothills, San Joaquin Valley floor, Sierra Nevada crest line, Mono Basin high desert plateau