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DTW → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior perspective of the Great Salt Lake and is the preferred side for the iconic final approach into San Francisco, providing views of the city skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Search flights from DTW to SFO
Lake Michigan Shoreline
Expansive views of the Great Lakes and the scenic western coastline of Michigan's lower peninsula.
Great Salt Lake
The striking color contrast between the salt-rich waters and the surrounding white desert flats of Utah.
Lake Tahoe
Often visible as a deep blue gem nestled high in the Sierra Nevada mountains during the start of the descent.
The Golden Gate
On typical Runway 28 approaches, this side provides the legendary view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline.
Alcatraz & The Bay
Clear views of the infamous prison island and the Bay Bridge just before touchdown.
The right side is the clear winner for the landing sequence at SFO. Most flights land facing West on runways 28L/R; the right side looks north across the city. Try to book a window seat away from the wing to fully capture the Great Salt Lake. On summer afternoon flights, be prepared for some sun glare while flying west, but the rewards during the final 15 minutes of the flight are worth it.
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Chicago & Lake Michigan
Aerial views of the southern tip of Lake Michigan and the sprawl of the Chicago metropolitan area shortly after departure.
Southern Rockies
Dramatic views of the jagged peaks and high-altitude plateaus of the Colorado and Wyoming Rockies.
Nevada High Desert
Stunning desert topography featuring deep canyons and desolate basin-and-range landscapes.
Yosemite Perimeter
The southern portion of the Sierra Nevada range, often showcasing snow-capped peaks and dense forest coverage.
Silicon Valley
On descent, look down at the tech campuses of Palo Alto and the salt ponds of the South Bay.
The left side is excellent for mid-day flights to keep the sun behind you for most of the westward journey, reducing glare. It offers a great view of the high-altitude desert sunrises if you take an early morning departure. For the best view of the Sierra Nevada, choose a seat behind the wing to see the vast mountain range as it slopes toward the Central Valley.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 3,337 km (2,074 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 56 min
Departure: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: Domestic
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