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BOS → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport (Boston) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is the premier choice for this transcontinental journey, offering a glance at the Great Lakes and a spectacular entry into the Bay Area featuring Lake Tahoe and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Search flights from BOS to SFO
Finger Lakes
The ten narrow, glacial lakes in Upstate New York are clearly visible roughly 45 minutes after takeoff.
Chicago & Lake Michigan
On clear days, the 'Windy City' skyline and the vast blue expanse of Lake Michigan appear to the north.
Great Salt Lake
The striking color contrast between the white salt flats and the shimmering water of Utah's massive saline lake.
Lake Tahoe
The crown jewel of the Sierra Nevada, visible as a deep blue basin surrounded by rugged alpine peaks.
Golden Gate & SF Skyline
During the standard 'Point Reyes' arrival, the right side gets the iconic view of the bridge and the city skyline.
Sit on the right for the iconic 'Golden Gate' approach; planes usually bank south over the Pacific before turning back toward the city. Look for Lake Tahoe roughly 35 minutes before landing. On morning flights, this side is ideal as it faces north, away from the direct sun, making for better photography.
Book Hotels in San FranciscoBoston Skyline
Dramatic panoramic views of downtown Boston and the Charles River immediately after takeoff from Logan Airport.
Appalachian Ridges
The long, parallel folded ridges of Pennsylvania offer a unique geological display early in the flight.
Mississippi River
Crossing the continent's largest drainage basin usually occurs about three hours into the journey.
Colorado Rockies
Vibrant aerial views of the snow-capped Front Range peaks as the aircraft transitions from the Great Plains.
Yosemite National Park
Distinctive granite landmarks like Half Dome and El Capitan are often visible to the south during the Sierra Nevada crossing.
Choose the left side for a stunning view of the Boston skyline immediately after departure. During the final descent into SFO, this side offers views of the vibrant, colorful salt ponds of the South Bay and the Silicon Valley tech campuses. On late afternoon flights, be prepared for some direct sun glare.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 4,341 km (2,697 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 5 hrs 6 min
Departure: BOS (42.36429977, -71.00520325)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: Domestic
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