The left side wins on both ends of the flight: dramatic San Francisco Bay scenery at departure and a coastal Mumbai skyline view on arrival, while the right side faces mostly open ocean or featureless terrain during these same phases. The long cruise over the Pacific, Siberia, and Central Asia is scenically neutral for both sides, so the departure and arrival bookends decide the winner.
Flown SFO to BOM? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Bombay is 8,395 miles (13,511 km), a flight of about 16 hours 30 minutes.
The route's midpoint lies over the vast plains and taiga of eastern Siberia/Russia, an area of flat, sparsely populated terrain with little distinctive scenery visible from cruising altitude.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTDeparting on runway 10 to the east, aircraft climb over the Bay before banking north toward the polar/Asia routing, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of San Francisco's skyline, the Bay Bridge, and the Marin headlands as the city recedes. The right side mostly shows the flatter East Bay hills and suburbs.
Landing at BOM
LEFTOn approach to Mumbai's runway 09 from over the Arabian Sea, left-side passengers get a clear view of the city's dense coastal skyline, Marine Drive's curve, and the harbor before touchdown. The right side during this approach mostly faces open water until late in the descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Chhatrapati Shivaji International (BOM)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Bombay. The left side wins on both ends of the flight: dramatic San Francisco Bay scenery at departure and a coastal Mumbai skyline view on arrival, while the right side faces mostly open ocean or featureless terrain during these same phases. The long cruise over the Pacific, Siberia, and Central Asia is scenically neutral for both sides, so the departure and arrival bookends decide the winner.
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 on runway 10 to the east, aircraft climb over the Bay before banking north toward the polar/Asia routing, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of San Francisco's skyline, the Bay Bridge, and the Marin headlands as the city recedes. The right side mostly shows the flatter East Bay hills and suburbs. Notable sights include: San Francisco skyline, San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands.
What can I see when landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji International in Bombay?
When landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji International (BOM), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to Mumbai's runway 09 from over the Arabian Sea, left-side passengers get a clear view of the city's dense coastal skyline, Marine Drive's curve, and the harbor before touchdown. The right side during this approach mostly faces open water until late in the descent. Notable sights include: Arabian Sea coastline, Mumbai skyline, Marine Drive, Mumbai harbor.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Bombay?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Chhatrapati Shivaji International (BOM) takes about 16 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 8,395 miles (13,511 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Bombay flight path pass over?
The route's midpoint lies over the vast plains and taiga of eastern Siberia/Russia, an area of flat, sparsely populated terrain with little distinctive scenery visible from cruising altitude.