Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to San Salvador. While the left side wins at takeoff for San Francisco Bay views, the right side delivers the more dramatic and sustained scenery: Pacific coastline views during the cruise over Baja California and Mexico, and the spectacular volcanic chain on approach into El Salvador. The right side also catches the Mexican and Central American Pacific coast during descent.

During takeoff from San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Left side for the best views. SFO typically departs southward on runways 28L/28R or northward on 01L/01R. On the common southbound departure over the Bay, the left side gives you San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and the Peninsula. On a westbound departure, the left side faces south toward the Santa Cruz Mountains and the bay. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, San Francisco city skyline and downtown, San Mateo Bridge, Santa Cruz Mountains.

When landing at El Salvador International (SAL), sit on the Right side for the best views. SAL approaches from the Pacific side, typically landing on runway 07 heading eastward. The right side on approach gives views of the Pacific coast of El Salvador, volcanic peaks including Santa Ana and Izalco, and the coastal lowlands. The left side faces north toward inland terrain. Notable sights include: Pacific Ocean coastline of El Salvador, Izalco volcano, Santa Ana volcano, coastal lowland plain.

The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to El Salvador International (SAL) takes Approximately 6 to 7 hours.

The flight tracks southeast over the Pacific Ocean parallel to the Baja California Peninsula, then crosses the Mexican coast near Manzanillo or Acapulco. It continues over the Sierra Madre del Sur and the Pacific lowlands of Oaxaca and Chiapas before crossing into Guatemala and descending toward El Salvador. The Guatemalan volcanic chain including Tajumulco and Santiaguito may be visible on the right side during descent.