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CIC → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from Chico Municipal Airport (Chico) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior perspective of the Sutter Buttes shortly after takeoff and the most iconic views of the San Francisco skyline and Golden Gate Bridge during the standard approach into SFO.
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Sutter Buttes
The 'World's Smallest Mountain Range,' a dramatic circular cluster of volcanic peaks rising from the flat valley.
Northern Coast Range
The rugged, forested mountains to the west that separate the Central Valley from the Pacific Ocean.
San Pablo Bay
The northern extension of the San Francisco Bay, often featuring the famous 'Karl the Fog' rolling in.
San Francisco Skyline
Unrivaled views of the Salesforce Tower, Transamerica Pyramid, and the dense urban core during the descent.
The Golden Gate
On clear days during the standard 'Bridge Visual' approach, the world-famous orange bridge is visible to the west.
The right side is the 'money seat' for this route. For the best experience, choose a seat behind the wing to see the Sutter Buttes early and the SF skyline during the turn toward the runway. Late afternoon flights provide spectacular lighting on the coastal hills and the city's glass towers.
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Sacramento Valley Floor
A vast, geometric patchwork of rice paddies and orchards that dominate the Northern California landscape.
Mount Diablo
An isolated 3,849-foot peak in the East Bay that serves as a primary navigational landmark for the region.
California Delta
The complex labyrinth of islands and channels where the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers converge.
Carquinez Strait
A narrow tidal strait that connects Suisun Bay with San Pablo Bay, often filled with cargo ships.
East Bay Bridges
Clear views of the Benicia-Martinez and San Mateo-Hayward bridges spanning the southern reaches of the bay.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. This side is excellent for viewing the intricate waterways of the Delta. Keep an eye out for the massive wind farms near Rio Vista as you transition from the valley toward the bay area.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 246 km (153 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 25 min
Departure: CIC (39.79539871, -121.8580017)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: Domestic
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