The left seat wins overall because the San Francisco Bay departure is one of the most spectacular urban departures in the world, and for the transatlantic cruise the left side faces south toward the North Atlantic with occasional views of Greenland's ice sheet and Iceland's coastline depending on routing. The Edinburgh arrival right-seat advantage is real but shorter in duration.
Flown SFO to EDI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Edinburgh is 5,051 miles (8,128 km), a flight of about 10 hours 30 minutes.
The great circle route tracks north over the Pacific Coast of Oregon and Washington, then across southern British Columbia and Alberta, over Hudson Bay or the Canadian Shield depending on winds, across Labrador and the North Atlantic, clipping the southern tip of Greenland or passing near Iceland, then across the Scottish Highlands before descending into Edinburgh. Left-side passengers may see the Rocky Mountain foothills early in the flight, Greenland's ice cap edge, and the Scottish Highlands on descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTSFO's primary departure runways (28L/28R) head west over the bay then turn north. A left seat gives you San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and the Bay Bridge as you climb out and bank. Right side faces the peninsula suburbs with less visual interest.
Landing at EDI
RIGHTEdinburgh Airport uses runway 06/24 predominantly. Arrivals on runway 06 approach from the west-southwest, meaning a right seat faces north toward the Firth of Forth, Edinburgh Castle on its volcanic rock, and Arthur's Seat. Left side looks south toward the Pentland Hills with less urban drama.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Edinburgh (EDI)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Edinburgh. The left seat wins overall because the San Francisco Bay departure is one of the most spectacular urban departures in the world, and for the transatlantic cruise the left side faces south toward the North Atlantic with occasional views of Greenland's ice sheet and Iceland's coastline depending on routing. The Edinburgh arrival right-seat advantage is real but shorter in duration.
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's primary departure runways (28L/28R) head west over the bay then turn north. A left seat gives you San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and the Bay Bridge as you climb out and bank. Right side faces the peninsula suburbs with less visual interest. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Bay Bridge, San Francisco city skyline, Marin Headlands.
What can I see when landing at Edinburgh in Edinburgh?
When landing at Edinburgh (EDI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Edinburgh Airport uses runway 06/24 predominantly. Arrivals on runway 06 approach from the west-southwest, meaning a right seat faces north toward the Firth of Forth, Edinburgh Castle on its volcanic rock, and Arthur's Seat. Left side looks south toward the Pentland Hills with less urban drama. Notable sights include: Firth of Forth, Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat, Forth Road and Rail Bridges.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Edinburgh?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Edinburgh (EDI) takes about 10 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,051 miles (8,128 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Edinburgh flight path pass over?
The great circle route tracks north over the Pacific Coast of Oregon and Washington, then across southern British Columbia and Alberta, over Hudson Bay or the Canadian Shield depending on winds, across Labrador and the North Atlantic, clipping the southern tip of Greenland or passing near Iceland, then across the Scottish Highlands before descending into Edinburgh. Left-side passengers may see the Rocky Mountain foothills early in the flight, Greenland's ice cap edge, and the Scottish Highlands on descent.