While the takeoff from SFO favors the left, the landing approach into London City Airport provides more dramatic and recognizable urban scenery on the right side. The Thames, Canary Wharf, and Tower Bridge are iconic landmarks that make the final descent visually rewarding. For a transatlantic flight, the landing experience outweighs the takeoff.
Flown SFO to LCY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to London is 5,367 miles (8,638 km), a flight of about 10 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean with no significant landmarks visible for roughly 6-7 hours. Over the Atlantic, passengers may see the southern tip of Greenland and Iceland's coastline if the aircraft follows a northern great-circle route. As the flight approaches Europe, the Irish coast becomes visible, followed by the Welsh coastline and the English Channel. The North Sea and the east coast of England appear in the final 1-2 hours before descent into London.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands as the aircraft climbs northwestward out of SFO. Right-side views are blocked by the peninsula and urban sprawl.
Landing at LCY
RIGHTRight-side seats provide views of the Thames estuary, London's eastern approach, and the city's skyline as the aircraft descends toward London City Airport. The airport sits on a peninsula in the Thames, so right-side views capture the river and surrounding urban landscape.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to City (LCY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to London. While the takeoff from SFO favors the left, the landing approach into London City Airport provides more dramatic and recognizable urban scenery on the right side. The Thames, Canary Wharf, and Tower Bridge are iconic landmarks that make the final descent visually rewarding. For a transatlantic flight, the landing experience outweighs the takeoff.
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 seats offer views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands as the aircraft climbs northwestward out of SFO. Right-side views are blocked by the peninsula and urban sprawl. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, Mount Tamalpais.
What can I see when landing at City in London?
When landing at City (LCY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats provide views of the Thames estuary, London's eastern approach, and the city's skyline as the aircraft descends toward London City Airport. The airport sits on a peninsula in the Thames, so right-side views capture the river and surrounding urban landscape. Notable sights include: Thames estuary, Canary Wharf district, Tower Bridge area, London's East End urban sprawl.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to London?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to City (LCY) takes about 10 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,367 miles (8,638 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean with no significant landmarks visible for roughly 6-7 hours. Over the Atlantic, passengers may see the southern tip of Greenland and Iceland's coastline if the aircraft follows a northern great-circle route. As the flight approaches Europe, the Irish coast becomes visible, followed by the Welsh coastline and the English Channel. The North Sea and the east coast of England appear in the final 1-2 hours before descent into London.