San Francisco to Pico is 4,854 miles (7,811 km), a flight of about 10 hours 15 minutes.
While the landing approach favors right seats, the dramatic takeoff scenery from San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge provides more memorable viewing. The transatlantic crossing offers limited scenic landmarks until the final approach to the Azores.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic with few visible landmarks at cruise altitude. Passengers may glimpse the southern tip of Greenland or Iceland's coastline during the northern arc of the great circle route, depending on exact routing and weather. The majority of the flight crosses open ocean with no significant geographic features visible from typical cruise altitudes (33,000-35,000 feet).
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTLeft seats offer views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands during the northwesterly departure climb. Right seats face inland toward the East Bay hills with less dramatic scenery.
Landing at PIX
RIGHTRight seats provide views of the Azores archipelago and the Atlantic approach to Pico Island. The island's distinctive volcanic cone (Mount Pico) is visible during descent on the right side, along with neighboring islands in the chain.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Pico (PIX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Pico. While the landing approach favors right seats, the dramatic takeoff scenery from San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge provides more memorable viewing. The transatlantic crossing offers limited scenic landmarks until the final approach to the Azores.
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. Left seats offer views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands during the northwesterly departure climb. Right seats face inland toward the East Bay hills with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, Pacific Ocean coastline.
What can I see when landing at Pico in Pico?
When landing at Pico (PIX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide views of the Azores archipelago and the Atlantic approach to Pico Island. The island's distinctive volcanic cone (Mount Pico) is visible during descent on the right side, along with neighboring islands in the chain. Notable sights include: Mount Pico (2,351 m volcanic peak), Faial Island, Atlantic Ocean, Pico Island coastline.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Pico?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Pico (PIX) takes about 10 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,854 miles (7,811 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Pico flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic with few visible landmarks at cruise altitude. Passengers may glimpse the southern tip of Greenland or Iceland's coastline during the northern arc of the great circle route, depending on exact routing and weather. The majority of the flight crosses open ocean with no significant geographic features visible from typical cruise altitudes (33,000-35,000 feet).