The left side wins overall thanks to the strong, iconic departure sequence over San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge, which outweighs the right side's comparatively flatter Shanghai-area approach; the long transpacific cruise itself is ocean-dominated and roughly neutral for both sides.
Flown SFO to PVG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Shanghai is 6,138 miles (9,877 km), a flight of about 13 hours 45 minutes.
Gulf of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands along the northern Pacific routing, followed by the coastline of Japan and the Korean peninsula before the descent toward the Yangtze River estuary near Shanghai.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTDeparting SFO on the eastern runways, the aircraft climbs out over the bay and typically banks north to join the coastal routing toward Alaska, putting San Francisco's skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands in view on the left side. The right side mostly shows the flatter East Bay hills and suburban sprawl around Oakland.
Landing at PVG
RIGHTOn final approach into Pudong, arriving flights commonly descend from the north over the Yangtze estuary before aligning with the north-south runways, and a southbound landing puts Shanghai's Pudong skyline and the Huangpu River on the right side of the aircraft. The left side instead faces the flatter, less distinctive delta farmland and Chongming Island.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Shanghai. The left side wins overall thanks to the strong, iconic departure sequence over San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge, which outweighs the right side's comparatively flatter Shanghai-area approach; the long transpacific cruise itself is ocean-dominated and roughly neutral for both sides.
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. Departing SFO on the eastern runways, the aircraft climbs out over the bay and typically banks north to join the coastal routing toward Alaska, putting San Francisco's skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands in view on the left side. The right side mostly shows the flatter East Bay hills and suburban sprawl around Oakland. Notable sights include: San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, Pacific coastline.
What can I see when landing at Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
When landing at Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Right side for the best views. On final approach into Pudong, arriving flights commonly descend from the north over the Yangtze estuary before aligning with the north-south runways, and a southbound landing puts Shanghai's Pudong skyline and the Huangpu River on the right side of the aircraft. The left side instead faces the flatter, less distinctive delta farmland and Chongming Island. Notable sights include: Yangtze River estuary, Huangpu River, Pudong skyline (Lujiazui towers), Chongming Island.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Shanghai?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes about 13 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,138 miles (9,877 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Shanghai flight path pass over?
Gulf of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands along the northern Pacific routing, followed by the coastline of Japan and the Korean peninsula before the descent toward the Yangtze River estuary near Shanghai.