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CLT → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (Charlotte) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior lighting for photography while traveling westward and provides iconic views of the Colorado Rockies, the red rock desert landscapes of Utah, and the best angle for the San Francisco skyline on a standard approach.
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Appalachian Mountains
Shorty after takeoff from CLT, witness the rolling peaks of the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains.
Mississippi River
A clear view of the massive river systems near the Missouri/Illinois border.
Colorado Rockies
Breathtaking views of the high 14,000-foot peaks near the continental divide.
Canyonlands & Moab
Deep red rock canyons and unique geological formations of southeastern Utah.
San Francisco Bay
On final approach, see the San Mateo Bridge and the salt ponds' vibrant colors.
Sit behind the wing for unobstructed photos of the Utah desert. Since you are flying West, the sun will be on your side in the afternoon; keep the window shade down if the glare is too intense, but peek out for the Rockies. This side is prime for the classic SFO skyline view if the plane circles for a 28L or 28R landing.
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Great Plains Grids
The geometric beauty of center-pivot irrigation circles across Kansas and Nebraska.
Great Salt Lake
The stark color contrast between the northern and southern halves of the lake.
Sierra Nevada Range
Snow-capped peaks including views near Lake Tahoe or Yosemite depending on the flight path.
Silicon Valley
Aerial views of major tech campuses in Mountain View and Palo Alto during descent.
Oakland Skyline
Clear views of the East Bay and the Port of Oakland cranes during the final minutes of flight.
The right side avoids direct sunlight for most of the westbound journey, making it easier to look out the window comfortably. Watch for the dramatic transition from the arid Great Basin to the lush Sierra Nevada mountains. In winter, this side offers the best views of the snow-packed northern Rockies and the Great Salt Lake's distinctive causeway.
Book Hotels in San FranciscoDistance: 3,687 km (2,291 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 20 min
Departure: CLT (35.2140007019043, -80.94309997558594)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: Domestic
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