The left side wins on the strength of the San Francisco takeoff sequence, which offers the only truly dramatic, landmark-dense scenery in the flight; the rest of the route crosses remote Arctic and Central Asian terrain with limited landmark visibility from either side.
Flown SFO to BLR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Bangalore is 8,692 miles (13,988 km), a flight of about 17 hours 45 minutes.
Route passes over the Gulf of Alaska, the Alaska Range near Anchorage, the Bering Sea, Siberian tundra of the Russian Far East, and the northern edge of the Tibetan Plateau before descending into peninsular India.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTSFO departures for this route climb out east over the Bay before banking left onto the northbound great-circle track toward Alaska. That left turn swings the San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, and Marin Headlands into view on the left side before the coastline fades behind.
Landing at BLR
RIGHTOn approach into Bangalore, aircraft typically turn to align with the east-west runways after descending from the north, and this turn brings the sprawling grid of Bangalore's outer suburbs and scattered rain-fed lakes into view on the right side. The terrain is flat Deccan plateau, so the urban pattern is the main visual interest.
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 Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Bangalore. The left side wins on the strength of the San Francisco takeoff sequence, which offers the only truly dramatic, landmark-dense scenery in the flight; the rest of the route crosses remote Arctic and Central Asian terrain with limited landmark visibility from either 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. SFO departures for this route climb out east over the Bay before banking left onto the northbound great-circle track toward Alaska. That left turn swings the San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, and Marin Headlands into view on the left side before the coastline fades behind. Notable sights include: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline, Marin Headlands, Point Reyes coastline.
What can I see when landing at Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru in Bangalore?
When landing at Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Bangalore, aircraft typically turn to align with the east-west runways after descending from the north, and this turn brings the sprawling grid of Bangalore's outer suburbs and scattered rain-fed lakes into view on the right side. The terrain is flat Deccan plateau, so the urban pattern is the main visual interest. Notable sights include: Bangalore urban sprawl, scattered tanks (reservoirs), red-earth agricultural plots, Kempegowda International Airport terminal complex.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Bangalore?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR) takes about 17 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 8,692 miles (13,988 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Bangalore flight path pass over?
Route passes over the Gulf of Alaska, the Alaska Range near Anchorage, the Bering Sea, Siberian tundra of the Russian Far East, and the northern edge of the Tibetan Plateau before descending into peninsular India.