Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Philadelphia. Left side wins both departure and arrival. During the flight, the left side also faces generally north, giving views of the Sierra Nevada, Great Basin, Rockies, and eventually the Appalachians as the route tracks northeast across the continent.

During takeoff from San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Left side for the best views. SFO typically departs westward over the Bay on runways 28L/28R, then turns north or east. A left window seat gives you San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and the Bay Bridge as the aircraft banks eastward. The Golden Gate Bridge may also be visible to the northwest depending on the turn. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Bay Bridge, San Francisco city skyline, Golden Gate Bridge (northwest, turn-dependent).

When landing at Philadelphia International (PHL), sit on the Left side for the best views. PHL typically lands on runways 27L/27R approaching from the east, meaning the aircraft tracks westward over South Jersey and crosses the Delaware River. A left seat gives you the Delaware River, the Philadelphia skyline, and Center City as you cross final approach. Right seats face south toward flat South Jersey farmland. Notable sights include: Delaware River, Philadelphia Center City skyline, Benjamin Franklin Bridge, Sports complex stadiums (south Philadelphia).

The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Philadelphia International (PHL) takes Approximately 5 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 45 minutes westbound; 5 hours eastbound.

Sierra Nevada range (California-Nevada border), Great Basin desert (Nevada-Utah), Wasatch Range near Salt Lake City, Rocky Mountains (Colorado), Great Plains (Kansas-Missouri), Mississippi River valley, Ohio River valley, Appalachian Mountains (Pennsylvania)