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CDG â SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from Charles de Gaulle International Airport (Paris) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for this route as it offers the iconic view of the San Francisco Bay upon arrival and captures the most dramatic lighting of the Greenlandic fjords during the trans-Atlantic crossing.
English Channel & UK
Aerial perspectives of the white cliffs and the southern British coastline shortly after departure.
Southern Greenland
Stunning vistas of jagged mountains and deep fjords filled with floating icebergs in the North Atlantic.
Hudson Bay
The frozen beauty of the Canadian North with vast ice fields and intricate patterns in the remote tundra.
Canadian Rockies
Dramatic snow-covered peaks stretching across the horizon as the flight path moves toward the US border.
San Francisco Arrival
Unrivaled views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the city skyline during the standard northern approach.
Choose the left side for the best photography lighting; since the flight moves west, the sun remains to the south, perfectly illuminating the landmarks. On the approach to SFO, the left side typically offers the most famous 'Bridge Visual' perspective of the city.
Scottish Highlands
Rugged northern landscapes and remote islands visible while tracking toward the Atlantic crossing.
Greenland Ice Sheet
The mesmerizing and desolate beauty of the world's second-largest ice sheet extending to the horizon.
Aurora Borealis
Frequent sightings of the Northern Lights on high-latitude tracks during winter months or night segments.
Boreal Forests
Vast expanses of untouched evergreen forests and thousands of pristine lakes in the Canadian Northwest Territories.
Pacific Coastline
The rugged meeting of land and sea along the northern California and Oregon coast during the descent.
The right side is ideal for passengers looking to avoid direct sunlight and glare, which is helpful for viewing the bright Arctic ice. If flying during the winter, this side provides the best opportunity to see the Aurora Borealis over the high latitudes.
Distance: 8,962 km (5,569 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 33 min
Departure: CDG (49.012798, 2.55)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: International
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