Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the transcontinental cruise, the left side also offers better views of the Great Lakes region and the Hudson Valley on descent into New England, making it the stronger choice for the full journey.
Flown SJC to BOS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Jose to Boston is 2,682 miles (4,317 km), a flight of about 5 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Sierra Nevada range over Nevada, then tracks across the Great Basin desert of Utah and Colorado, over the Rocky Mountains, across the Great Plains of Nebraska and Iowa, over the Great Lakes region near Lake Michigan and Lake Erie, then descends across upstate New York and the Connecticut River Valley into Boston. The Sierra Nevada and Rockies are the most visually dramatic features at cruise altitude.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SJC
LEFTSJC typically departs on runway 30L/30R heading northwest, then turns east. Left side seats get a clear view of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the southern end of San Francisco Bay as the aircraft climbs and banks. You can see the salt evaporation ponds of the South Bay, which are visually striking in pink and green hues.
Landing at BOS
LEFTLogan Airport sits on a peninsula in Boston Harbor, and most arrivals from the west approach on runway 04L/04R or 22L/22R. Left side seats on approach from the west get a direct view of downtown Boston, the Charles River, Cambridge, and Boston Harbor. The city skyline is compact and highly recognizable from the air.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Norman Y Mineta San Jose International (SJC) to General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Jose to Boston. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the transcontinental cruise, the left side also offers better views of the Great Lakes region and the Hudson Valley on descent into New England, making it the stronger choice for the full journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Norman Y Mineta San Jose International in San Jose?
During takeoff from Norman Y Mineta San Jose International (SJC), sit on the Left side for the best views. SJC typically departs on runway 30L/30R heading northwest, then turns east. Left side seats get a clear view of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the southern end of San Francisco Bay as the aircraft climbs and banks. You can see the salt evaporation ponds of the South Bay, which are visually striking in pink and green hues. Notable sights include: South San Francisco Bay salt evaporation ponds, Santa Cruz Mountains, Downtown San Jose grid, Diablo Range to the east.
What can I see when landing at General Edward Lawrence Logan International in Boston?
When landing at General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Logan Airport sits on a peninsula in Boston Harbor, and most arrivals from the west approach on runway 04L/04R or 22L/22R. Left side seats on approach from the west get a direct view of downtown Boston, the Charles River, Cambridge, and Boston Harbor. The city skyline is compact and highly recognizable from the air. Notable sights include: Downtown Boston skyline, Charles River and Cambridge, Boston Harbor islands, Fenway Park.
How long is the flight from San Jose to Boston?
The flight from Norman Y Mineta San Jose International (SJC) to General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS) takes about 5 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,682 miles (4,317 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Jose to Boston flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Sierra Nevada range over Nevada, then tracks across the Great Basin desert of Utah and Colorado, over the Rocky Mountains, across the Great Plains of Nebraska and Iowa, over the Great Lakes region near Lake Michigan and Lake Erie, then descends across upstate New York and the Connecticut River Valley into Boston. The Sierra Nevada and Rockies are the most visually dramatic features at cruise altitude.