The right side edges ahead because the San Francisco departure delivers a strong, unmistakable landmark sequence (Golden Gate Bridge, city skyline, headlands) right at takeoff, while both sides share the same featureless ocean cruise for the bulk of the flight.
Flight Path
Open North Pacific Ocean, passing north of Hawaii, then tracking south past Japan's eastern coast and through the Philippine Sea before descending toward the South China Sea and the Malay Peninsula
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
RIGHTDeparting SFO on runway 28 over the Pacific, the aircraft typically banks right (north) to join the great-circle track toward Asia, swinging the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco's skyline, and the Marin Headlands into view on the right side of the cabin during the initial climb.
Landing at XSP
LEFTOn approach into Seletar from the north, the descent path crosses the Johor Strait and swings past Singapore's eastern skyline, giving left-side passengers a clear view of the CBD towers, Marina Bay, and the strait separating Singapore from Malaysia.
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 Seletar (XSP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Singapore. The right side edges ahead because the San Francisco departure delivers a strong, unmistakable landmark sequence (Golden Gate Bridge, city skyline, headlands) right at takeoff, while both sides share the same featureless ocean cruise for the bulk of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from San Francisco International in San Francisco?
During takeoff from San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing SFO on runway 28 over the Pacific, the aircraft typically banks right (north) to join the great-circle track toward Asia, swinging the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco's skyline, and the Marin Headlands into view on the right side of the cabin during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco downtown skyline, Marin Headlands, Point Reyes coastline.
What can I see when landing at Seletar in Singapore?
When landing at Seletar (XSP), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Seletar from the north, the descent path crosses the Johor Strait and swings past Singapore's eastern skyline, giving left-side passengers a clear view of the CBD towers, Marina Bay, and the strait separating Singapore from Malaysia. Notable sights include: Johor Strait, Singapore CBD skyline, Marina Bay towers, Pulau Ubin.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Singapore?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Seletar (XSP) takes 17h 45m.
What does the San Francisco to Singapore flight path pass over?
Open North Pacific Ocean, passing north of Hawaii, then tracking south past Japan's eastern coast and through the Philippine Sea before descending toward the South China Sea and the Malay Peninsula