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BWI → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (Baltimore) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides provide a grand tour of the American heartland, the Right Side is preferred for its superior views of the Great Lakes region and the iconic San Francisco skyline and Golden Gate Bridge during the final descent into SFO.
Baltimore/D.C. Urban Corridor
Immediate views of the dense Mid-Atlantic urban landscape and the Patapsco River upon takeoff.
The Great Lakes
Distant but clear views of the shorelines of Lake Erie and Lake Michigan as the plane heads west.
Chicago Skyline
Often visible in the distance when the flight path follows the northern transcontinental corridor.
Sierra Nevada Peaks
Spectacular views of Lake Tahoe and the high granite peaks of northern California before the descent.
San Francisco & Golden Gate
On typical clear-weather arrivals (Runways 28L/R), the right side offers the best view of the city and bridge during the turn.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid direct glare from the southern sun. Ensure you are seated forward of the wing for an unobstructed view of the San Francisco city skyline, which usually appears during the final left-hand turn over the bay.
Blue Ridge Mountains
The rolling, ancient ridges of the Appalachian range shortly after departure from the Chesapeake region.
St. Louis Gateway Arch
On clear days, the iconic stainless steel monument is visible as the flight crosses the Mississippi River.
Southern Rocky Mountains
Expansive views of the snow-capped peaks of Colorado, including Pikes Peak if the route stays south.
Canyonlands of Utah
Dramatic red rock formations and deep-carved river beds of the American Southwest.
San Francisco Bay Salt Ponds
Vividly colored evaporation ponds in the South Bay during the final approach.
Choose the left side for morning departures to keep the sun at your back, providing better lighting for the Rockies. This side is also better for spotting the unique geography of the Colorado River basin and the southern Sierra Nevada range.
Distance: 3,944 km (2,451 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 38 min
Departure: BWI (39.1754, -76.668297)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: Domestic
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