The left side wins primarily on the strength of the San Francisco takeoff sequence, with the Golden Gate Bridge and city skyline directly below, plus a slightly more interesting Orlando-area landing view. The right side is dominated by flatter, less distinctive terrain during both takeoff and landing.
Flight Path
The route crosses the Sierra Nevada near Lake Tahoe, the Great Basin desert of Nevada, the southern Rocky Mountains near New Mexico, and the flat plains of Texas and Louisiana before reaching the Gulf Coast and central Florida.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTDeparting SFO to the east, the aircraft's initial climb puts San Francisco's skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands on the left (north) side of the plane. The right side only shows the flatter South Bay and San Jose suburbs, which is far less dramatic.
Landing at MCO
LEFTOn approach into MCO from the northwest, the left side offers views of Orlando's chain of lakes and the northern edge of the theme park district, giving at least some visual interest before touchdown. The right side over this stretch is mostly featureless pine flatwoods and highway corridors.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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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 Orlando International (MCO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Orlando. The left side wins primarily on the strength of the San Francisco takeoff sequence, with the Golden Gate Bridge and city skyline directly below, plus a slightly more interesting Orlando-area landing view. The right side is dominated by flatter, less distinctive terrain during both takeoff and landing.
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 aircraft's initial climb puts San Francisco's skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands on the left (north) side of the plane. The right side only shows the flatter South Bay and San Jose suburbs, which is far less dramatic. Notable sights include: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline, Marin Headlands, San Francisco Bay.
What can I see when landing at Orlando International in Orlando?
When landing at Orlando International (MCO), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into MCO from the northwest, the left side offers views of Orlando's chain of lakes and the northern edge of the theme park district, giving at least some visual interest before touchdown. The right side over this stretch is mostly featureless pine flatwoods and highway corridors. Notable sights include: Orlando lake chain, Lake Apopka, northern theme park rooftops, flat central Florida scrubland.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Orlando?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Orlando International (MCO) takes 5h 15m.
What does the San Francisco to Orlando flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Sierra Nevada near Lake Tahoe, the Great Basin desert of Nevada, the southern Rocky Mountains near New Mexico, and the flat plains of Texas and Louisiana before reaching the Gulf Coast and central Florida.