While takeoff favors the left, the landing view is more dramatic and sustained. Right seats on descent into Tel Aviv offer extended views of the Mediterranean and the Israeli coastline—the most visually distinctive part of this route. The takeoff view, though excellent, is brief.
Flight Path
This route crosses the North Atlantic, passing south of Greenland and Iceland (not visible at cruise altitude), then over the UK and continental Europe. Over the Atlantic, you'll see only open ocean and cloud formations. Crossing into European airspace, the Alps become visible on the right (south) side during descent into the Mediterranean basin. The route then follows the Mediterranean eastward, with North Africa (Libya, Egypt) visible on the right at cruise altitude, before turning inland toward Israel. The Suez Canal region and the Nile Delta become visible during the final descent phase.
Phase by phase
Takeoff from
Landing at
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
.jpg?width=600)
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Ben Gurion (TLV)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Tel-aviv. While takeoff favors the left, the landing view is more dramatic and sustained. Right seats on descent into Tel Aviv offer extended views of the Mediterranean and the Israeli coastline—the most visually distinctive part of this route. The takeoff view, though excellent, is brief.
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 runways 28L/R (westbound) or 01L/R (northbound). Left seats on westbound departures capture the San Francisco Bay shoreline and the Golden Gate Bridge immediately after rotation. Northbound departures from 01L/R also favor left seats, showing the bay's eastern shore and Oakland hills as you climb. Notable sights include: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay (entire expanse), Oakland Hills, Marin Headlands.
What can I see when landing at Ben Gurion in Tel-aviv?
When landing at Ben Gurion (TLV), sit on the Right side for the best views. Ben Gurion approaches from the west over the Mediterranean Sea, then turns inland toward runways 03/21. Right-side seats on final approach capture the Tel Aviv coastline, the Mediterranean's western horizon, and the coastal plains as you descend. The city's high-rise district becomes visible on the right as you cross the shoreline. Notable sights include: Mediterranean Sea, Tel Aviv coastline and beachfront, Coastal plains of central Israel, Tel Aviv urban skyline.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Tel-aviv?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Ben Gurion (TLV) takes Approximately 14.5 to 15.5 hours.
What does the San Francisco to Tel-aviv flight path pass over?
This route crosses the North Atlantic, passing south of Greenland and Iceland (not visible at cruise altitude), then over the UK and continental Europe. Over the Atlantic, you'll see only open ocean and cloud formations. Crossing into European airspace, the Alps become visible on the right (south) side during descent into the Mediterranean basin. The route then follows the Mediterranean eastward, with North Africa (Libya, Egypt) visible on the right at cruise altitude, before turning inland toward Israel. The Suez Canal region and the Nile Delta become visible during the final descent phase.