While takeoff offers city views, the landing approach into San Francisco provides more dramatic and memorable scenery—the Sierra Nevada, the bay, and coastal topography are far more visually striking than the flat Polish plains. Left-side seats capture the best of the arrival experience.
Flown WAW to SFO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Warsaw to San Francisco is 5,852 miles (9,418 km), a flight of about 10 hours 15 minutes.
Transatlantic crossing over the North Atlantic with no visible landmarks; the flight path passes north of Greenland and over the Canadian Arctic Archipelago (ice, tundra, sparse terrain visible only on clear days); then over northern Canada and Alaska with occasional views of the Rocky Mountains and Cascade Range as the aircraft approaches the Pacific coast near British Columbia and Washington State.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from WAW
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Vistula River winding through Warsaw's city center and the flat Polish plains extending eastward. The departure path from Okecie typically heads northwest, so right seats face the initial climb over the city and surrounding agricultural landscape.
Landing at SFO
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of the Sierra Nevada mountains as the aircraft descends into the San Francisco Bay Area, and the San Francisco Bay itself during final approach. The standard landing path from the east brings these features into view on the left side.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Okecie (WAW) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Warsaw to San Francisco. While takeoff offers city views, the landing approach into San Francisco provides more dramatic and memorable scenery—the Sierra Nevada, the bay, and coastal topography are far more visually striking than the flat Polish plains. Left-side seats capture the best of the arrival experience.
What can I see during takeoff from Okecie in Warsaw?
During takeoff from Okecie (WAW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Vistula River winding through Warsaw's city center and the flat Polish plains extending eastward. The departure path from Okecie typically heads northwest, so right seats face the initial climb over the city and surrounding agricultural landscape. Notable sights include: Vistula River (central Warsaw), Warsaw city center districts, Polish plains extending to the horizon, Masovian Lowland terrain.
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. Left-side seats offer views of the Sierra Nevada mountains as the aircraft descends into the San Francisco Bay Area, and the San Francisco Bay itself during final approach. The standard landing path from the east brings these features into view on the left side. Notable sights include: Sierra Nevada range (distant, snow-capped peaks), San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Strait, Marin Headlands.
How long is the flight from Warsaw to San Francisco?
The flight from Okecie (WAW) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 10 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,852 miles (9,418 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Warsaw to San Francisco flight path pass over?
Transatlantic crossing over the North Atlantic with no visible landmarks; the flight path passes north of Greenland and over the Canadian Arctic Archipelago (ice, tundra, sparse terrain visible only on clear days); then over northern Canada and Alaska with occasional views of the Rocky Mountains and Cascade Range as the aircraft approaches the Pacific coast near British Columbia and Washington State.