Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Washington. The left side wins at both ends of the flight. Departure delivers San Francisco Bay and the city skyline, and arrival delivers the Potomac River corridor and the Washington DC monuments. Over the Rockies and Great Plains the views are similar on both sides, so the left seat advantage at departure and arrival tips the decision clearly.

During takeoff from San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Left side for the best views. SFO departures heading east typically use runways 28L/28R or 10L/10R. On an eastbound departure, the left side gives you San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and the Bay Bridge as the aircraft climbs and turns. The right side faces south toward the peninsula with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Bay Bridge, San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz Island.

When landing at Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. IAD arrivals from the west typically approach on runways 01L/01R or 19L/19R, or the east-west 12/30 complex. On a westbound approach from the east, the left side faces south toward the Potomac River, Washington DC monuments, and the National Mall. The right side faces north toward suburban Virginia and Maryland with less iconic scenery. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Washington DC National Mall, Capitol Building, Reagan National Airport.

The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Washington Dulles International (IAD) takes Approximately 5 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 45 minutes westbound, 4 hours 45 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes eastbound.

Sierra Nevada range (visible shortly after departure), Great Basin desert of Nevada and Utah, Rocky Mountains crossing over Colorado or Wyoming depending on routing, the flat expanse of the Great Plains over Kansas and Nebraska, and the Appalachian Mountains appearing as parallel ridgelines roughly an hour before landing at Dulles