While takeoff offers excellent Bay Area geography, the landing approach over the Parnaíba River delta—a genuinely distinctive and rarely-seen landscape—provides the more memorable and geographically unique experience for this long transoceanic route.
Flown SFO to THE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Teresina is 5,865 miles (9,438 km), a flight of about 12 hours.
The flight path crosses the central Pacific (no significant landmarks visible), then approaches South America over the Amazon Basin and its river systems. During descent into northeastern Brazil, the transition from dense rainforest to cerrado scrubland and the Parnaíba River system become visible. The delta itself is the most striking geographic feature in the final 200 miles of approach.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTSFO typically departs westbound over the Pacific (Runways 28L/R) or northbound over the Bay (Runways 01L/R). Left seats capture the San Francisco Bay's eastern shoreline, the Oakland Hills, and the Diablo Range receding inland—all prominent during initial climb.
Landing at THE
RIGHTTHE uses Runway 09 (eastbound approach). Right-side seats face south and west during descent, offering views of the Parnaíba River delta and the Atlantic coastal plains. The river's distinctive braided channels and the transition from inland terrain to coastal wetlands are striking visual features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Senador Petronio Portella (THE)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Teresina. While takeoff offers excellent Bay Area geography, the landing approach over the Parnaíba River delta—a genuinely distinctive and rarely-seen landscape—provides the more memorable and geographically unique experience for this long transoceanic route.
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 typically departs westbound over the Pacific (Runways 28L/R) or northbound over the Bay (Runways 01L/R). Left seats capture the San Francisco Bay's eastern shoreline, the Oakland Hills, and the Diablo Range receding inland—all prominent during initial climb. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay (immediate water feature), Oakland Hills (dark ridge to the east), Diablo Range (distant peaks beyond the hills), Golden Gate Bridge area (visible to the north as a reference point).
What can I see when landing at Senador Petronio Portella in Teresina?
When landing at Senador Petronio Portella (THE), sit on the Right side for the best views. THE uses Runway 09 (eastbound approach). Right-side seats face south and west during descent, offering views of the Parnaíba River delta and the Atlantic coastal plains. The river's distinctive braided channels and the transition from inland terrain to coastal wetlands are striking visual features. Notable sights include: Parnaíba River delta (complex braided channels), Atlantic coastal plain (flat, vegetation-patterned terrain), Teresina's urban area (grid pattern visible in final approach), inland cerrado scrubland (tan and green patchwork).
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Teresina?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Senador Petronio Portella (THE) takes about 12 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 5,865 miles (9,438 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Teresina flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the central Pacific (no significant landmarks visible), then approaches South America over the Amazon Basin and its river systems. During descent into northeastern Brazil, the transition from dense rainforest to cerrado scrubland and the Parnaíba River system become visible. The delta itself is the most striking geographic feature in the final 200 miles of approach.