Left side wins both ends of this north-south coastal flight. During the cruise portion flying up the Pacific Coast corridor, the left side also faces east toward the Cascades and Central Valley, giving occasional views of Mount Shasta, Mount Rainier appearing on the horizon as you approach Washington, and the Sacramento Valley. The right side faces the open Pacific for most of the flight.
Flown SFO to PAE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Everett is 711 miles (1,144 km), a flight of about 1 hour 40 minutes.
The flight tracks roughly up the California and Oregon coast corridor. Notable features include the Sacramento Valley visible to the east, Mount Shasta (14,179 ft) as a prominent snow-capped volcanic cone in northern California, the Klamath Mountains and Siskiyou range crossing into Oregon, the Willamette Valley and Portland metro area at roughly the two-thirds point, and Mount Rainier (14,411 ft) becoming visible on the horizon as you enter Washington state. The Cascades run parallel to the route on the left (east) side throughout.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTSFO's primary departure runways (28L/28R) head west then aircraft turn northward, putting the left side facing east toward the Bay. You get a clear view of San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge, and downtown San Francisco as you climb out. The right side faces the Pacific and the largely featureless peninsula coast.
Landing at PAE
LEFTPAE's primary approach from the south on runway 34L/34R brings aircraft in from the south heading north, with the left side facing west toward Puget Sound and the Olympic Peninsula. The right side faces east toward the Cascades, but the left gives you the dramatic view of Puget Sound's waterways and the city of Everett directly below on final.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Snohomish Co (PAE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Everett. Left side wins both ends of this north-south coastal flight. During the cruise portion flying up the Pacific Coast corridor, the left side also faces east toward the Cascades and Central Valley, giving occasional views of Mount Shasta, Mount Rainier appearing on the horizon as you approach Washington, and the Sacramento Valley. The right side faces the open Pacific for most of the flight.
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 then aircraft turn northward, putting the left side facing east toward the Bay. You get a clear view of San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge, and downtown San Francisco as you climb out. The right side faces the Pacific and the largely featureless peninsula coast. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Bay Bridge, downtown San Francisco skyline, Oakland and the East Bay hills.
What can I see when landing at Snohomish Co in Everett?
When landing at Snohomish Co (PAE), sit on the Left side for the best views. PAE's primary approach from the south on runway 34L/34R brings aircraft in from the south heading north, with the left side facing west toward Puget Sound and the Olympic Peninsula. The right side faces east toward the Cascades, but the left gives you the dramatic view of Puget Sound's waterways and the city of Everett directly below on final. Notable sights include: Puget Sound, Port of Everett and naval station, Whidbey Island, Olympic Peninsula mountains on the horizon.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Everett?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Snohomish Co (PAE) takes about 1 hour 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 711 miles (1,144 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Everett flight path pass over?
The flight tracks roughly up the California and Oregon coast corridor. Notable features include the Sacramento Valley visible to the east, Mount Shasta (14,179 ft) as a prominent snow-capped volcanic cone in northern California, the Klamath Mountains and Siskiyou range crossing into Oregon, the Willamette Valley and Portland metro area at roughly the two-thirds point, and Mount Rainier (14,411 ft) becoming visible on the horizon as you enter Washington state. The Cascades run parallel to the route on the left (east) side throughout.