With roughly fifteen hours of open Pacific Ocean dominating the cruise phase on both sides, the flight's scenic value comes almost entirely from the takeoff and landing sequences, and the left side wins both — San Francisco Bay and skyline on departure, Melbourne's CBD and Port Phillip Bay on arrival.
Flown SFO to MEB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Melbourne is 7,862 miles (12,652 km), a flight of about 16 hours 45 minutes.
Open South Pacific Ocean, crossing near the equator and international date line, with no land visible for most of the mid-flight hours until descent toward the Australian coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTAs the aircraft climbs east over San Francisco Bay and banks south toward the Pacific corridor, the left side offers a sweeping view of the San Francisco skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands before the turn takes the plane out over open water. The right side mostly shows the East Bay hills and flatter suburban terrain with less visual interest.
Landing at MEB
LEFTOn approach into Melbourne Essendon, the descent path over the city's northern and eastern suburbs gives left-side passengers a view of the Melbourne CBD skyline and the wide expanse of Port Phillip Bay before the final turn onto runway 26. The right side mainly shows flat agricultural land and outer suburbs with little distinguishing scenery.
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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. With roughly fifteen hours of open Pacific Ocean dominating the cruise phase on both sides, the flight's scenic value comes almost entirely from the takeoff and landing sequences, and the left side wins both — San Francisco Bay and skyline on departure, Melbourne's CBD and Port Phillip Bay on arrival.
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. As the aircraft climbs east over San Francisco Bay and banks south toward the Pacific corridor, the left side offers a sweeping view of the San Francisco skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands before the turn takes the plane out over open water. The right side mostly shows the East Bay hills and flatter suburban terrain with less visual interest. Notable sights include: San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, Marin Headlands.
What can I see when landing at Melbourne Essendon in Melbourne?
When landing at Melbourne Essendon (MEB), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Melbourne Essendon, the descent path over the city's northern and eastern suburbs gives left-side passengers a view of the Melbourne CBD skyline and the wide expanse of Port Phillip Bay before the final turn onto runway 26. The right side mainly shows flat agricultural land and outer suburbs with little distinguishing scenery. Notable sights include: Melbourne CBD skyline, Port Phillip Bay, Yarra River, Dandenong Ranges (distant).
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Melbourne?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Melbourne Essendon (MEB) takes about 16 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,862 miles (12,652 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Melbourne flight path pass over?
Open South Pacific Ocean, crossing near the equator and international date line, with no land visible for most of the mid-flight hours until descent toward the Australian coast.