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IND → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from Indianapolis International Airport (Indianapolis) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides a superior vantage point for iconic landmarks like the Great Salt Lake and Lake Tahoe, while avoiding the harsh southern sun glare during this westbound journey.
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Great Plains Patchwork
View the intricate circular and square patterns of Midwestern agriculture from above.
Front Range
The dramatic rise of the Rocky Mountains north of Denver is a major mid-flight milestone.
Great Salt Lake
Witness the stark contrast of the turquoise water against the white salt flats of Utah.
Lake Tahoe
One of the route's crowns; look for the deep blue alpine lake nestled in the Sierra Nevada.
SF Skyline
Depending on the approach path, catch views of the Salesforce Tower and the Bay Bridge.
The right side is ideal for daytime flights to avoid glare. Watch for Lake Tahoe approximately 30-40 minutes before landing. In winter, the snow-covered Sierra Nevada range on this side is breathtaking.
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Mississippi River
Cross the historic waterway near the Missouri border early in the flight.
Southern Rockies
View the high peaks of southern Colorado and the expansive San Juan National Forest.
Canyonlands
The rugged red rock geography of southern Utah reveals deep fissures and plateaus.
Mojave Edge
The northern fringes of the Mojave Desert offer stark, arid beauty before the Sierras.
Silicon Valley
On final descent, see the sprawling headquarters of global tech giants in the South Bay.
Sit behind the wing to maximize your view of the Colorado Plateau. This side is excellent for sunset flights, providing a direct view of the horizon over the Pacific as you approach Northern California.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 3,120 km (1,939 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 40 min
Departure: IND (39.7173, -86.294403)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: Domestic
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