About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to New Orleans. Left side wins both departure and arrival. At SFO you get the Bay and city, and approaching MSY you get the Mississippi River curves and downtown. The right side offers comparatively little at both ends.
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 typically departs south or west over the Bay, then turns east. Left side seats get views of San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and the Bay Bridge as the aircraft climbs and banks. Right side looks toward the Peninsula suburbs. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Bay Bridge, San Francisco city skyline, San Mateo Bridge.
What can I see when landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International in New Orleans?
When landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), sit on the Left side for the best views. MSY typically lands on runways oriented east-west. On approach from the west, left side seats look south toward the Mississippi River as it curves through New Orleans, plus Lake Pontchartrain to the north is visible on the right. On approach from the east, left side gets the city and the river bends. Left generally wins for the Mississippi and downtown. Notable sights include: Mississippi River and its distinctive meander through New Orleans, Lake Pontchartrain, New Orleans downtown skyline, Lake Borgne to the southeast.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to New Orleans?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) takes Approximately 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes.
What does the San Francisco to New Orleans flight path pass over?
The route tracks southeast across the Central Valley of California, then over the Mojave Desert and into Arizona. Over New Mexico and Texas the terrain is flat high desert and then the Gulf Coastal Plain. The Sierra Nevada is visible early in the climb on the left side to the northeast. Over west Texas the Guadalupe Mountains and the Pecos River valley are occasionally visible. The route skirts north of Houston before descending into Louisiana over the flat bayou country and the Atchafalaya Basin wetlands, which are visually striking from altitude — a vast mosaic of water channels, marsh, and cypress swamp visible on both sides.