While the takeoff favors left seats, the landing approach into Banjul strongly favors right seats with superior views of the Gambia River estuary and coastal geography. Right seats capture the most visually distinctive segment of this transatlantic route.
Flown SFO to BJL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Banjul is 6,488 miles (10,441 km), a flight of about 14 hours.
The flight path crosses the continental United States (Rocky Mountains visible from altitude around 8 hours into flight), then the Atlantic Ocean for approximately 6 hours. Notable midpoint geography includes the Appalachian Mountains during eastbound departure, then open Atlantic with occasional cloud formations. The approach to West Africa brings views of the Sahara's southern edge and the Senegal River valley before reaching Gambia.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTLeft seats offer views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands during the initial climb-out northwestward over water before the aircraft turns eastbound across the continent.
Landing at BJL
RIGHTRight seats provide views of the Atlantic coastline, the Gambian landscape, and the Gambia River estuary during the descent into Banjul. The approach typically comes from the northwest over water, then turns south toward the runway, giving right-side passengers clear views of the river and coastal features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Banjul International (BJL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Banjul. While the takeoff favors left seats, the landing approach into Banjul strongly favors right seats with superior views of the Gambia River estuary and coastal geography. Right seats capture the most visually distinctive segment of this transatlantic 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 offer views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands during the initial climb-out northwestward over water before the aircraft turns eastbound across the continent. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, Oakland Hills.
What can I see when landing at Banjul International in Banjul?
When landing at Banjul International (BJL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide views of the Atlantic coastline, the Gambian landscape, and the Gambia River estuary during the descent into Banjul. The approach typically comes from the northwest over water, then turns south toward the runway, giving right-side passengers clear views of the river and coastal features. Notable sights include: Gambia River estuary, Atlantic coastline, Banjul city, mangrove wetlands.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Banjul?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Banjul International (BJL) takes about 14 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 6,488 miles (10,441 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Banjul flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the continental United States (Rocky Mountains visible from altitude around 8 hours into flight), then the Atlantic Ocean for approximately 6 hours. Notable midpoint geography includes the Appalachian Mountains during eastbound departure, then open Atlantic with occasional cloud formations. The approach to West Africa brings views of the Sahara's southern edge and the Senegal River valley before reaching Gambia.