The left side wins overall. The San Francisco Bay departure is one of the most visually rewarding urban departures in the US, and while the right side edges it at Lima, the left side also captures the Peruvian coastline on approach. For the bulk of the flight over the open Pacific, neither side has an advantage, so the spectacular SFO departure tips the balance left.
Flown SFO to LIM? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Lima is 4,511 miles (7,259 km), a flight of about 9 hours.
The route tracks south-southeast over the open Pacific Ocean, passing west of the Baja California Peninsula and the Mexican coast. The flight crosses the ITCZ near the equator, often with significant convective cloud buildups visible below. The Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) may be visible far to the right in clear conditions near the equatorial crossing. The final descent crosses the Peruvian coastal desert, one of the driest places on Earth, visible as a stark tan strip between the ocean and the Andes.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTSFO departures heading south on runways 28L/28R or 19L/19R give the left side a clear view of San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and the Peninsula. You get the Bay Bridge and downtown SF framed against the hills before the aircraft turns south over the coast.
Landing at LIM
RIGHTJorge Chavez sits just west of Lima, and aircraft typically approach from the south or east on runway 15/33. A right-side seat on approach from the south gives you the Pacific coastline, Lima's coastal cliffs (the Miraflores and Barranco districts), and the sprawling city grid spreading inland toward the Andes foothills on the horizon.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Lima. The left side wins overall. The San Francisco Bay departure is one of the most visually rewarding urban departures in the US, and while the right side edges it at Lima, the left side also captures the Peruvian coastline on approach. For the bulk of the flight over the open Pacific, neither side has an advantage, so the spectacular SFO departure tips the balance left.
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 departures heading south on runways 28L/28R or 19L/19R give the left side a clear view of San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and the Peninsula. You get the Bay Bridge and downtown SF framed against the hills before the aircraft turns south over the coast. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, downtown SF skyline, Bay Bridge, San Mateo-Hayward Bridge.
What can I see when landing at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima?
When landing at Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Jorge Chavez sits just west of Lima, and aircraft typically approach from the south or east on runway 15/33. A right-side seat on approach from the south gives you the Pacific coastline, Lima's coastal cliffs (the Miraflores and Barranco districts), and the sprawling city grid spreading inland toward the Andes foothills on the horizon. Notable sights include: Lima coastal cliffs (Costa Verde), Miraflores district, Pacific Ocean shoreline, Andes foothills to the east.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Lima?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) takes about 9 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 4,511 miles (7,259 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Lima flight path pass over?
The route tracks south-southeast over the open Pacific Ocean, passing west of the Baja California Peninsula and the Mexican coast. The flight crosses the ITCZ near the equator, often with significant convective cloud buildups visible below. The Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) may be visible far to the right in clear conditions near the equatorial crossing. The final descent crosses the Peruvian coastal desert, one of the driest places on Earth, visible as a stark tan strip between the ocean and the Andes.