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LAX → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side (Port) is the superior choice for this route, offering iconic views of the rugged Pacific coastline, the Channel Islands, and the dramatic transition from the Southern California beaches to the San Francisco Peninsula.
Search flights from LAX to SFO
California Coastline
Continuous views of the Pacific Ocean meeting the dramatic cliffs and beaches from Malibu up to Big Sur.
Channel Islands
A clear view of the northern Channel Islands, including Santa Cruz and Anacapa, shortly after takeoff.
The American Riviera
The red-tiled roofs of Santa Barbara framed by the Santa Ynez Mountains and the deep blue sea.
Coastal Sunset
On late afternoon or evening flights, this side provides front-row seats to the sun dipping below the horizon.
Book a window seat ahead of the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the coastline. This side is especially rewarding on clear days when the marine layer is thin. During the arrival into SFO, look for the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge and the coastal hills of the Peninsula.
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LA Urban Sprawl
Massive aerial views of the Los Angeles basin, the Hollywood Hills, and the San Gabriel Mountains.
Tehachapi Range
The rugged mountain pass that serves as the natural gateway between Southern California and the Central Valley.
San Joaquin Valley
The immense geometric patchwork of California's primary agricultural hub stretching toward the Sierras.
Silicon Valley
Direct views of the tech campuses in San Jose, Mountain View, and the sprawling suburbs of the South Bay.
South Bay Salt Ponds
The striking neon reds and greens of the industrial salt ponds near the southern tip of the SF Bay.
The right side is best for morning flights as the sun will be on the opposite side, reducing glare on the window. Keep an eye out for the Stanford University campus and Hoover Tower as you begin your final descent into the Bay Area.
Book Hotels in San FranciscoDistance: 543 km (337 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 54 min
Departure: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: Domestic
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