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AMS → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (Amsterdam) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is superior for viewing the spectacular Greenland ice cap and provides the iconic aerial view of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge during the standard approach.
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Greenland Ice Sheet
Uninterrupted views of the vast arctic ice cap and glaciers.
Baffin Island
Dramatic arctic tundra and frozen landscapes of Nunavut.
Northern Rockies
Rugged peaks of Idaho and eastern Oregon.
Golden Gate Bridge
The world-famous red bridge during the coastal approach.
SF Skyline
Clear views of the Financial District and Salesforce Tower.
Alcatraz Island
The historic island prison visible in the San Francisco Bay.
The right side is preferred for the Bridge approach into SFO. Keep your camera ready about 20 minutes before landing for the turn over the Pacific coast which often lines up perfectly with the city skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge.
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Greenland Coast
Southern edge of the ice sheet and coastal fjords.
Hudson Bay
The massive expanse of the northern Canadian waters.
Canadian Prairies
Endless patterns of farmland across Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Sierra Nevada
The high peaks of the California mountain range.
Since the flight travels west, the left side faces south, meaning you will have the sun shining directly at you for much of the journey. Use the window shade to manage glare while watching for the South Bay's colorful salt ponds on final descent.
Get eSIMs for Netherlands
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 8,786 km (5,459 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 20 min
Departure: AMS (52.308601, 4.76389)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: International
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