The right side wins because the SFO-LAX route hugs the California coastline for most of the flight, giving continuous views of the Pacific shoreline from departure near Pacifica through cruise past Big Sur and into the Malibu coast on approach, while the left side only shows inland valleys and city sprawl.
Flight Path
Santa Cruz Mountains, Monterey Bay, Big Sur coastline, Point Conception, Santa Barbara Channel and Channel Islands
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
RIGHTClimbing out of SFO southbound, the right side faces west toward the Pacific, showing the San Mateo coastal bluffs near Pacifica and Half Moon Bay as the aircraft turns to parallel the shoreline. The left side only offers views of the flatter East Bay hills and Silicon Valley sprawl.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTOn the descent into LAX, the flight path curves down past Santa Monica Bay, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the Malibu coastline and the Santa Monica Pier before the turn onto final approach. The left side mostly shows the dense, flat LA basin sprawl with less distinct geography.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Los Angeles. The right side wins because the SFO-LAX route hugs the California coastline for most of the flight, giving continuous views of the Pacific shoreline from departure near Pacifica through cruise past Big Sur and into the Malibu coast on approach, while the left side only shows inland valleys and city sprawl.
What can I see during takeoff from San Francisco International in San Francisco?
During takeoff from San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Climbing out of SFO southbound, the right side faces west toward the Pacific, showing the San Mateo coastal bluffs near Pacifica and Half Moon Bay as the aircraft turns to parallel the shoreline. The left side only offers views of the flatter East Bay hills and Silicon Valley sprawl. Notable sights include: Pacifica coastal cliffs, Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains, San Francisco Bay shoreline.
What can I see when landing at Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
When landing at Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the descent into LAX, the flight path curves down past Santa Monica Bay, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the Malibu coastline and the Santa Monica Pier before the turn onto final approach. The left side mostly shows the dense, flat LA basin sprawl with less distinct geography. Notable sights include: Malibu coastline, Santa Monica Bay, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Catalina Island silhouette.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes 1h 25m.
What does the San Francisco to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
Santa Cruz Mountains, Monterey Bay, Big Sur coastline, Point Conception, Santa Barbara Channel and Channel Islands