While left gives better SFO departure views, right side wins overall. It captures the Mojave Desert and Colorado River crossing in the mid-flight, and delivers the superior Fort Lauderdale coastal arrival with the Atlantic, Intracoastal, and Port Everglades all visible on approach.
Flight Path
The route crosses the Sierra Nevada east of SFO, then the Mojave Desert and Sonoran Desert over southern California and Arizona. The Colorado River crossing near the Arizona-California border is visible as a distinct green riparian corridor cutting through brown desert. Over New Mexico and Texas the terrain is flat high desert and scrubland. The Mississippi River delta region and Gulf Coast of Louisiana and Florida's Gulf Coast appear in the final hour before crossing the Florida peninsula.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTSFO typically departs south on runways 28L/28R heading west then turning southeast, or on runways 01L/01R heading north. On the dominant westward departures, a left turn puts the left side facing San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and the Peninsula. Left seats get the Bay and city views during the climb-out bank.
Landing at FLL
RIGHTFLL typically lands on runways 10L/10R heading east, or 28L/28R heading west. On the common eastward approach over land, right-side seats face south toward the Fort Lauderdale coastline, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Atlantic Ocean beaches. The right side gets the full coastal panorama on final approach.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale. While left gives better SFO departure views, right side wins overall. It captures the Mojave Desert and Colorado River crossing in the mid-flight, and delivers the superior Fort Lauderdale coastal arrival with the Atlantic, Intracoastal, and Port Everglades all visible on 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. SFO typically departs south on runways 28L/28R heading west then turning southeast, or on runways 01L/01R heading north. On the dominant westward departures, a left turn puts the left side facing San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and the Peninsula. Left seats get the Bay and city views during the climb-out bank. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, downtown SF skyline, San Mateo Bridge, Oakland Hills.
What can I see when landing at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International in Fort Lauderdale?
When landing at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL), sit on the Right side for the best views. FLL typically lands on runways 10L/10R heading east, or 28L/28R heading west. On the common eastward approach over land, right-side seats face south toward the Fort Lauderdale coastline, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Atlantic Ocean beaches. The right side gets the full coastal panorama on final approach. Notable sights include: Fort Lauderdale beach and coastline, Intracoastal Waterway, Port Everglades, Atlantic Ocean.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL) takes Approximately 5 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 45 minutes westbound, 5 hours eastbound.
What does the San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Sierra Nevada east of SFO, then the Mojave Desert and Sonoran Desert over southern California and Arizona. The Colorado River crossing near the Arizona-California border is visible as a distinct green riparian corridor cutting through brown desert. Over New Mexico and Texas the terrain is flat high desert and scrubland. The Mississippi River delta region and Gulf Coast of Louisiana and Florida's Gulf Coast appear in the final hour before crossing the Florida peninsula.