While the left side wins the dramatic Golden Gate departure, the right side gets glimpses of the East Asian coastline (Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines) during the long cruise as the route parallels the mainland, plus the far more visually rewarding Singapore skyline and strait on arrival.
Flight Path
North Pacific open ocean north of Hawaii, the eastern coastline of Japan (Honshu/Kyushu), the Philippine Sea, Taiwan's mountainous coast, Luzon in the Philippines, and the South China Sea approaching the Malay Peninsula
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTSFO departures climb out over San Francisco Bay, and on the left the Golden Gate Bridge, the SF skyline, and the Marin Headlands unfold directly below as the aircraft banks toward the Pacific. The right side only shows the South Bay suburbs and San Jose sprawl, which is far less distinctive.
Landing at SIN
RIGHTOn final approach into Changi the aircraft descends over the Singapore Strait, and the right side offers a sweeping view of the Marina Bay Sands and CBD skyline with the strait's shipping lanes crowded with anchored tankers. The left side faces open sea and the flatter Riau Islands or Malaysian coast, which is comparatively featureless.
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 Singapore Changi (SIN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Singapore. While the left side wins the dramatic Golden Gate departure, the right side gets glimpses of the East Asian coastline (Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines) during the long cruise as the route parallels the mainland, plus the far more visually rewarding Singapore skyline and strait on arrival.
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 departures climb out over San Francisco Bay, and on the left the Golden Gate Bridge, the SF skyline, and the Marin Headlands unfold directly below as the aircraft banks toward the Pacific. The right side only shows the South Bay suburbs and San Jose sprawl, which is far less distinctive. Notable sights include: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz Island, Marin Headlands.
What can I see when landing at Singapore Changi in Singapore?
When landing at Singapore Changi (SIN), sit on the Right side for the best views. On final approach into Changi the aircraft descends over the Singapore Strait, and the right side offers a sweeping view of the Marina Bay Sands and CBD skyline with the strait's shipping lanes crowded with anchored tankers. The left side faces open sea and the flatter Riau Islands or Malaysian coast, which is comparatively featureless. Notable sights include: Marina Bay Sands, Singapore CBD skyline, Singapore Strait shipping lanes, Sentosa Island.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Singapore?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Singapore Changi (SIN) takes 17h 20m.
What does the San Francisco to Singapore flight path pass over?
North Pacific open ocean north of Hawaii, the eastern coastline of Japan (Honshu/Kyushu), the Philippine Sea, Taiwan's mountainous coast, Luzon in the Philippines, and the South China Sea approaching the Malay Peninsula