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ATL → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Atlanta) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is the definitive choice for this transcontinental route, offering a front-row seat to the Great Salt Lake and the iconic San Francisco skyline during the standard approach into SFO.
Mississippi River
A massive geographical milestone as the plane crosses the border between Tennessee and Arkansas.
Midwestern Mosaic
The geometric precision of the Great Plains' center-pivot irrigation circles creates a mesmerizing green and gold patchwork.
Great Salt Lake
The stunning contrast between the white salt flats and the turquoise waters near Antelope Island is a route highlight.
Sierra Nevada Crest
Rugged, jagged peaks and alpine lakes as the flight crosses the California border near Lake Tahoe.
San Francisco Skyline
The ultimate prize: views of the Transamerica Pyramid, Salesforce Tower, and often the Golden Gate Bridge on the final turn.
Sit on the right side for the 'Bridge Visual' arrival, which is the most common landing pattern for runways 28L/R. About 15-20 minutes before landing, look for the stark color divide in the Great Salt Lake. Note that afternoon flights may experience some glare, so a window shade adjustment might be necessary until the descent begins.
Atlanta Skyline
Clear views of Downtown, Midtown, and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium shortly after takeoff if departing to the west.
Southern Rockies
Spectacular vistas of the snow-capped Front Range peaks in Colorado, including the prominent 14,115-foot Pikes Peak.
Moab & Canyonlands
The deep red hues and winding carved canyons of eastern Utah are highly visible along the southern flight corridor.
Yosemite National Park
On a clear day, the granite domes and high-altitude wilderness of the Sierra Nevada are visible to the south.
Silicon Valley
During the descent, look for the 'spaceship' Apple Park campus in Cupertino and the tech hubs of the South Bay.
Choose the left side for morning departures to avoid the harsh southern sun. It offers superior views of the Southwest's red rock geology. As you approach SFO, keep your eyes peeled for the distinctive salt ponds in the South Bay, which appear in vibrant shades of pink and orange.
Distance: 3,435 km (2,134 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 2 min
Departure: ATL (33.6367, -84.428101)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: Domestic
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