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DFW → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (Dallas-Fort Worth) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior indirect lighting and the most iconic northern landmarks, including the best angles for Lake Powell, the Grand Canyon, and the Sierra Nevada peaks.
Sangre de Cristo Mountains
The southernmost subrange of the Rockies, often snow-capped well into the early summer months.
Lake Powell
A stunning contrast of deep blue water against the jagged, bright orange sandstone of Glen Canyon.
Grand Canyon
Incredible vistas of the North Rim and the Colorado River cutting through the Kaibab Plateau.
Yosemite National Park
Look for the distinct granite face of Half Dome and the high alpine lakes of the Central Sierra.
San Francisco Bay
A breathtaking final approach often featuring views of the Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, and the city skyline.
The right side avoids direct southern glare, making it easier to take photos of the Grand Canyon approximately 2 hours after departure. During winter, look for the heavy snowpack in the High Sierra, which provides one of the most dramatic scenic transitions in North America.
Palo Duro Canyon
The second-largest canyon in the US, featuring vibrant red clay and unique hoodoos in the Texas Panhandle.
Meteor Crater
A massive, perfectly circular impact site located near Winslow, Arizona, easily visible from cruising altitude.
Las Vegas Strip
A distant but distinct view of the bright lights and towering resorts of the Mojave's gambling capital.
Mount Whitney
The highest summit in the contiguous United States, marking a dramatic rise in the Sierra Nevada range.
Silicon Valley
Aerial views of the sprawling tech campuses of Cupertino, Mountain View, and Palo Alto during the final descent.
Choose the left side for late afternoon flights to catch the sunset over the Pacific horizon as you approach California. Keep an eye out for the stark transition from the flat Texas plains to the rugged New Mexican terrain roughly 45 minutes into the flight.
Distance: 2,352 km (1,461 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 8 min
Departure: DFW (32.896801, -97.038002)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: Domestic
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