Both sides share the same long Pacific crossing, but the left side's payoff at the end—the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco's skyline during descent—outweighs the brief Singapore skyline glimpse on departure that favors the right side.
Flight Path
Vast open North Pacific Ocean, with the great-circle track passing south of the Aleutian Islands and through the Gulf of Alaska before the aircraft makes landfall near the Pacific Northwest and turns south along the California coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SIN
RIGHTDeparting Changi to the north, the aircraft banks right onto its northeast track toward the Philippines and Pacific, putting Singapore's skyline, Marina Bay, and the crowded shipping lanes of the Singapore Strait on the right side as the city falls away below.
Landing at SFO
LEFTAfter crossing the Pacific, the descent path curves down the Northern California coast and turns south past Marin County, giving left-side passengers a clear view of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco's downtown skyline, and the Bay just before the final turn onto SFO's runways.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Singapore Changi (SIN) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Singapore to San Francisco. Both sides share the same long Pacific crossing, but the left side's payoff at the end—the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco's skyline during descent—outweighs the brief Singapore skyline glimpse on departure that favors the right side.
What can I see during takeoff from Singapore Changi in Singapore?
During takeoff from Singapore Changi (SIN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Changi to the north, the aircraft banks right onto its northeast track toward the Philippines and Pacific, putting Singapore's skyline, Marina Bay, and the crowded shipping lanes of the Singapore Strait on the right side as the city falls away below. Notable sights include: Marina Bay Sands and downtown Singapore skyline, Singapore Strait shipping lanes, Sentosa Island, Johor Strait toward Malaysia.
What can I see when landing at San Francisco International in San Francisco?
When landing at San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Left side for the best views. After crossing the Pacific, the descent path curves down the Northern California coast and turns south past Marin County, giving left-side passengers a clear view of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco's downtown skyline, and the Bay just before the final turn onto SFO's runways. Notable sights include: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco downtown skyline, San Francisco Bay, Marin Headlands.
How long is the flight from Singapore to San Francisco?
The flight from Singapore Changi (SIN) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes 16h 20m.
What does the Singapore to San Francisco flight path pass over?
Vast open North Pacific Ocean, with the great-circle track passing south of the Aleutian Islands and through the Gulf of Alaska before the aircraft makes landfall near the Pacific Northwest and turns south along the California coast.