About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Dubai International (DXB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Dubai. Left side wins both departure and arrival. Over the Pacific and polar route the views are largely ocean and cloud, but the left side delivers the best of both endpoint cities — San Francisco Bay on departure and the Dubai urban landscape and Creek on arrival.
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 typically departs northward on runways 28L/28R heading west then turning, or on runways 01L/01R heading north. On a northeast-bound departure toward the polar route, the left side captures San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and the Bay Bridge. The right side faces the Pacific and the largely featureless ocean. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Bay Bridge, downtown SF skyline, Oakland and the East Bay hills.
What can I see when landing at Dubai International in Dubai?
When landing at Dubai International (DXB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Dubai International's primary arrival runways are 12L/12R, meaning aircraft approach from the northwest over the desert and city. On this heading, the left side faces south toward Dubai Creek, the historic Deira district, and the downtown skyline including the Burj Khalifa. The right side looks north toward the open desert and the Gulf coast near Sharjah. Notable sights include: Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai, Dubai Creek and Deira district, Dubai Marina skyline in the far distance, the geometric grid of Dubai's urban street network.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Dubai?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Dubai International (DXB) takes Approximately 16 to 17 hours nonstop.
What does the San Francisco to Dubai flight path pass over?
The route tracks north over the Pacific toward Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, then crosses the Bering Sea region, descends over Siberia and the vast Russian taiga, crosses Central Asia including Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, then enters Iranian airspace over the Zagros Mountains before descending into the Arabian Gulf region. The Zagros range and the Caspian Sea are the most visually striking geographic features along the mid-to-late portion of the route.