San Francisco to Florianopolis is 6,567 miles (10,569 km), a flight of about 10 hours.
While left wins on departure, right dominates the landing sequence with Florianópolis's striking coastal geography. The landing views are more visually distinctive than the takeoff, making right the better overall choice for this route.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the continental United States (Great Plains, Mississippi River valley visible from altitude), then the Atlantic Ocean for approximately 5 hours. Notable midpoint landmarks include the Appalachian Mountains during initial eastbound climb, the Atlantic coastline of the Carolinas, and then open ocean. As the aircraft approaches South America, the Brazilian coastline becomes visible—the flight descends over the Atlantic approaching Santa Catarina state, with the Serra Geral mountains visible inland from the coast before final approach to Florianópolis.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTLeft side offers views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Strait, and the Marin Headlands as the aircraft climbs northwestward over water before turning south. Right side faces inland hills with less dramatic scenery.
Landing at FLN
RIGHTRight side provides views of Florianópolis's barrier island geography, the Atlantic coastline, and Hercilio Luz International Airport's approach over Baía Norte (North Bay). Left side faces inland terrain with less distinctive features.
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 Hercilio Luz (FLN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Florianopolis. While left wins on departure, right dominates the landing sequence with Florianópolis's striking coastal geography. The landing views are more visually distinctive than the takeoff, making right the better overall choice for this route.
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. Left side offers views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Strait, and the Marin Headlands as the aircraft climbs northwestward over water before turning south. Right side faces inland hills with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Strait, Marin Headlands, Pacific Ocean coastline.
What can I see when landing at Hercilio Luz in Florianopolis?
When landing at Hercilio Luz (FLN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of Florianópolis's barrier island geography, the Atlantic coastline, and Hercilio Luz International Airport's approach over Baía Norte (North Bay). Left side faces inland terrain with less distinctive features. Notable sights include: Baía Norte (North Bay), Florianópolis barrier island, Atlantic Ocean coastline, Hercilio Luz Bridge.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Florianopolis?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Hercilio Luz (FLN) takes about 10 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 6,567 miles (10,569 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Florianopolis flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the continental United States (Great Plains, Mississippi River valley visible from altitude), then the Atlantic Ocean for approximately 5 hours. Notable midpoint landmarks include the Appalachian Mountains during initial eastbound climb, the Atlantic coastline of the Carolinas, and then open ocean. As the aircraft approaches South America, the Brazilian coastline becomes visible—the flight descends over the Atlantic approaching Santa Catarina state, with the Serra Geral mountains visible inland from the coast before final approach to Florianópolis.