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MCO → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from Orlando International Airport (Orlando) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior vantage point for the most iconic landscapes of the American West, including the snow-capped Colorado Rockies, the vibrant red rock formations of Utah's national parks, and the brilliant blue waters of Lake Tahoe.
Mississippi River
A clear view of the massive river's winding oxbows and the surrounding fertile floodplains.
Colorado Rockies
Dramatic views of the Continental Divide and the high-altitude peaks near Denver.
Canyonlands & Arches
The intricate, deep red canyons and sandstone arches of Utah are highly visible from this side.
Lake Tahoe
The striking cobalt blue of the lake nestled in the mountains is a highlight roughly 45 minutes before landing.
Mount Shasta
On more northerly routes, this massive volcanic peak can be seen towering in the distance.
San Francisco Skyline
Depending on the arrival pattern, you may see the Golden Gate Bridge and the city's financial district.
Sit on the right for the best photographic lighting on the Rockies and Utah canyons during morning and midday flights. Keep your window shade open as you cross the Nevada-California border for a spectacular view of Lake Tahoe.
Florida Space Coast
Distant views of Cape Canaveral and the Atlantic coastline during the initial climb out of Orlando.
Painted Desert
Vibrant, multi-colored geological layers across the high plateaus of Northern Arizona.
Las Vegas Strip
The concentrated cluster of resort towers and the Sphere are often visible as the flight crosses Nevada.
Yosemite National Park
Glimpses of the rugged granite peaks and glacial valleys of the central Sierra Nevada range.
Silicon Valley
Views of the tech campuses and the salt ponds of the South Bay during the final approach.
The left side is ideal for sunset flights to enjoy the golden hour over the Mojave Desert. On arrival, this side provides the best perspective of the dense urban sprawl of the South Bay and the headquarters of major tech companies.
Distance: 3,929 km (2,441 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 37 min
Departure: MCO (28.429399490356445, -81.30899810791016)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: Domestic
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