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IAH → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior vantage point for the most iconic landmarks of the American West, including potential views of the Grand Canyon and the Sierra Nevada, concluding with the world-famous aerial approach over the San Francisco skyline and Golden Gate Bridge.
Search flights from IAH to SFO
Colorado Plateau
Stunning red rock formations and deep canyons across Northern Arizona and Southern Utah.
Lake Powell
The deep blue waters of the reservoir winding through dramatic sandstone canyons.
Yosemite National Park
Aerial views of the high Sierra peaks, often including distant glimpses of Half Dome.
San Francisco Skyline
A breathtaking view of the Transamerica Pyramid, Salesforce Tower, and the dense urban core.
Golden Gate Bridge
The iconic orange bridge is frequently visible during the standard approach patterns into SFO.
Mount Shasta
On clear days with a northerly routing, this massive volcanic peak may be visible in the distance.
The right side is essential for the classic San Francisco arrival. Most SFO landings follow a route that passes the city to the west before turning back, offering a panoramic view of the skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge. Keep your camera ready about 20 minutes before landing as you cross over the Sierra Nevada mountains for spectacular alpine scenery.
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Chihuahuan Desert
Expansive views of the rugged, arid landscapes of West Texas and southern New Mexico.
Sonoran Peaks
The dramatic basin and range topography of the Arizona desert south of the flight path.
Sequoia National Forest
The southern tip of the Sierra Nevada mountains, home to some of the world's largest trees.
San Joaquin Valley
The vast, colorful agricultural grid of California's Central Valley.
Don Edwards Salt Ponds
Vibrant, multi-colored salt evaporation ponds in the South San Francisco Bay area.
Choose the left side for morning flights to keep the sun behind you and avoid glare. This side provides excellent views of the southern Sierra Nevada and the colorful salt evaporation ponds during the final descent into SFO. It is generally quieter for viewing the expansive desert horizons of the southern US.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 2,627 km (1,632 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 30 min
Departure: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: Domestic
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