The left side wins because it captures the Bay Area's water and hill scenery on departure, likely passes near the Sierra Nevada and southern Rockies during the western portion of cruise, and offers the Tampa Bay coastline view on arrival, while the right side faces less distinctive terrain in both phases.
Flown SFO to MCF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Tampa is 2,393 miles (3,851 km), a flight of about 4 hours 50 minutes.
Southern Rocky Mountain foothills, high desert plateaus of New Mexico, and the Texas Panhandle grasslands along the cruise route
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTDeparting SFO to the east, the left side gives passengers a sweeping look back at the San Francisco Bay, the Berkeley and Marin hills, and the northern reaches of the Bay before the aircraft turns onto its southeastern transcontinental heading. The right side mostly shows the denser, flatter South Bay suburbs.
Landing at MCF
LEFTOn approach into MacDill/Tampa, arrivals typically curve in from the Gulf side, giving the left side a clear view of Tampa Bay, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and the downtown Tampa skyline before the final turn onto runway 04/22. The right side mostly faces inland Florida flatwoods with little visual interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Macdill Afb (MCF)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Tampa. The left side wins because it captures the Bay Area's water and hill scenery on departure, likely passes near the Sierra Nevada and southern Rockies during the western portion of cruise, and offers the Tampa Bay coastline view on arrival, while the right side faces less distinctive terrain in both phases.
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. Departing SFO to the east, the left side gives passengers a sweeping look back at the San Francisco Bay, the Berkeley and Marin hills, and the northern reaches of the Bay before the aircraft turns onto its southeastern transcontinental heading. The right side mostly shows the denser, flatter South Bay suburbs. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Marin Headlands, Berkeley Hills, San Pablo Bay.
What can I see when landing at Macdill Afb in Tampa?
When landing at Macdill Afb (MCF), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into MacDill/Tampa, arrivals typically curve in from the Gulf side, giving the left side a clear view of Tampa Bay, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and the downtown Tampa skyline before the final turn onto runway 04/22. The right side mostly faces inland Florida flatwoods with little visual interest. Notable sights include: Tampa Bay, Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Downtown Tampa skyline, MacDill Air Force Base peninsula.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Tampa?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Macdill Afb (MCF) takes about 4 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,393 miles (3,851 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Tampa flight path pass over?
Southern Rocky Mountain foothills, high desert plateaus of New Mexico, and the Texas Panhandle grasslands along the cruise route