While left offers good views during Sacramento departure, the right side captures the more dramatic and visually distinctive landing sequence over the Persian Gulf and Abu Dhabi's coastal features, which are more striking than the valley terrain during climb-out.
Flown SMF to AUH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sacramento to Abu Dhabi is 8,068 miles (12,984 km), a flight of about 15 hours 20 minutes.
Flight path crosses the Rocky Mountains (visible from both sides during climb), then traverses the Great Plains and Midwest. Over the Atlantic, the aircraft passes south of Greenland and Iceland. Crossing into European airspace, the Alps and Mediterranean are potential sights depending on exact routing. The flight then proceeds over North Africa (Sahara Desert visible as vast tan expanse), the Red Sea, and into the Arabian Peninsula before descending toward the Persian Gulf. The Nile Delta, Dead Sea, and Arabian Peninsula's interior deserts are notable geographic features along this routing.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SMF
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range during initial climb-out heading northeast. The western slopes and foothills are clearly visible as the aircraft gains altitude over central California.
Landing at AUH
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Persian Gulf coastline and Abu Dhabi's coastal geography during descent. The shallow waters, barrier islands, and the city's waterfront development are visible on approach from the northwest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Sacramento International (SMF) to Abu Dhabi International (AUH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sacramento to Abu Dhabi. While left offers good views during Sacramento departure, the right side captures the more dramatic and visually distinctive landing sequence over the Persian Gulf and Abu Dhabi's coastal features, which are more striking than the valley terrain during climb-out.
What can I see during takeoff from Sacramento International in Sacramento?
During takeoff from Sacramento International (SMF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range during initial climb-out heading northeast. The western slopes and foothills are clearly visible as the aircraft gains altitude over central California. Notable sights include: Sierra Nevada range, Sacramento Valley floor, Folsom Lake, American River valley.
What can I see when landing at Abu Dhabi International in Abu Dhabi?
When landing at Abu Dhabi International (AUH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Persian Gulf coastline and Abu Dhabi's coastal geography during descent. The shallow waters, barrier islands, and the city's waterfront development are visible on approach from the northwest. Notable sights include: Persian Gulf, Abu Dhabi coastline and islands, Jebel Dhanna peninsula, coastal salt flats.
How long is the flight from Sacramento to Abu Dhabi?
The flight from Sacramento International (SMF) to Abu Dhabi International (AUH) takes about 15 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 8,068 miles (12,984 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sacramento to Abu Dhabi flight path pass over?
Flight path crosses the Rocky Mountains (visible from both sides during climb), then traverses the Great Plains and Midwest. Over the Atlantic, the aircraft passes south of Greenland and Iceland. Crossing into European airspace, the Alps and Mediterranean are potential sights depending on exact routing. The flight then proceeds over North Africa (Sahara Desert visible as vast tan expanse), the Red Sea, and into the Arabian Peninsula before descending toward the Persian Gulf. The Nile Delta, Dead Sea, and Arabian Peninsula's interior deserts are notable geographic features along this routing.