The left side wins thanks to the strong San Francisco Bay departure sequence and generally facing the more landform-rich northern side of the flight path across North America and the Atlantic, while the right side spends more time over featureless ocean until the final approach.
Flown SFO to DUR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Durban is 10,821 miles (17,415 km), a flight of about 18 hours 30 minutes.
South Atlantic Ocean, with the flight path passing well south of the Amazon basin and eventually crossing the coast of Namibia or Angola before continuing over southern Africa toward Durban
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTDeparting SFO on runway 10 (heading ~118°), the initial turn puts San Francisco's skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands on the left side of the aircraft, while the right side only shows the flatter Peninsula suburbs.
Landing at DUR
RIGHTOn approach into King Shaka International using runway 24, the turn onto final from over the Indian Ocean places Durban's coastline, the Bluff headland, and the green sugarcane hills of KwaZulu-Natal on the right side of the aircraft, while the left side faces open ocean.
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 King Shaka International Airport (DUR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Durban. The left side wins thanks to the strong San Francisco Bay departure sequence and generally facing the more landform-rich northern side of the flight path across North America and the Atlantic, while the right side spends more time over featureless ocean until the 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 on runway 10 (heading ~118°), the initial turn puts San Francisco's skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands on the left side of the aircraft, while the right side only shows the flatter Peninsula suburbs. Notable sights include: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline, Marin Headlands, San Francisco Bay.
What can I see when landing at King Shaka International Airport in Durban?
When landing at King Shaka International Airport (DUR), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into King Shaka International using runway 24, the turn onto final from over the Indian Ocean places Durban's coastline, the Bluff headland, and the green sugarcane hills of KwaZulu-Natal on the right side of the aircraft, while the left side faces open ocean. Notable sights include: Indian Ocean coastline, Durban's Golden Mile beachfront, the Bluff headland, KwaZulu-Natal coastal hills.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Durban?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to King Shaka International Airport (DUR) takes about 18 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 10,821 miles (17,415 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Durban flight path pass over?
South Atlantic Ocean, with the flight path passing well south of the Amazon basin and eventually crossing the coast of Namibia or Angola before continuing over southern Africa toward Durban