About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Melbourne Essendon (MEB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Melbourne. The left side delivers the iconic San Francisco Bay departure view, which is one of the most visually dramatic urban departures in the world. The landing view from the right is excellent but over a smaller city. Left wins on the strength of the takeoff alone, and also catches the Hawaiian Islands if flying via Honolulu routing.
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's primary departure runways (28L/28R) head west over the Bay then curve northwest. A left-side seat gives you San Francisco city, the Bay Bridge, and the peninsula as you climb out. The right side faces south toward the less interesting San Mateo suburbs. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Bay Bridge, San Francisco city grid and downtown skyline, San Mateo Bridge.
What can I see when landing at Melbourne Essendon in Melbourne?
When landing at Melbourne Essendon (MEB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Essendon Airport sits northwest of Melbourne CBD. Aircraft typically approach from the northwest or southeast. On a northwest approach to runway 26, the right side faces south toward the Melbourne CBD skyline, Port Phillip Bay, and the Yarra River corridor — the most visually rewarding view of the city. Notable sights include: Melbourne CBD skyline, Port Phillip Bay, Yarra River, Dandenong Ranges on the eastern horizon.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Melbourne?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Melbourne Essendon (MEB) takes Approximately 17-19 hours depending on routing and winds, typically operated as a one-stop service via Auckland, Sydney, or Honolulu.
What does the San Francisco to Melbourne flight path pass over?
The route crosses the central Pacific Ocean, passing south of the Hawaiian Islands chain (visible as dark volcanic peaks rising from the ocean on clear days if routing via Honolulu), then continues over the vast open South Pacific with no significant landmasses until approaching New Zealand's North Island or the eastern Australian coast near Sydney, where the Great Dividing Range becomes visible as a low ridge running parallel to the coast before descending into the flat inland plains toward Melbourne