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MEL → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from Melbourne International Airport (Melbourne) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the Australian coastline during departure and provides a more consistent perspective of the San Francisco Bay, Silicon Valley, and the coastal ranges during the standard approach into SFO.
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Port Phillip Bay
Expansive views of the Mornington Peninsula and the turquoise waters of the bay.
Gippsland Lakes
A stunning look at Australia's largest inland water system and the Ninety Mile Beach.
Pacific Atolls
Rare glimpses of remote Polynesian or Micronesian islands depending on the daily jet stream routing.
Silicon Valley
Clear views of the headquarters of major tech companies and the colorful salt ponds of the South Bay.
San Mateo Bridge
The long stretch of the bridge across the bay as the aircraft aligns for the 28L or 28R runways.
The right side is ideal for the 'Bridge Visual' approach into SFO, which is common in clear weather. You will see the entire length of the San Francisco Peninsula. Be aware that during the final morning descent, the sun will be on this side, so have sunglasses ready for the glare off the water. For the best departure views from Melbourne, check if the wind is blowing from the south, as this usually triggers a north-easterly takeoff path.
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Melbourne CBD
Aerial views of the city center and the winding Yarra River immediately after takeoff.
Great Dividing Range
The rugged peaks of the Snowy Mountains as the flight tracks northeast toward the coast.
Equatorial Sunrise
Dramatic light shifts over the vast Pacific as the flight crosses the International Date Line.
Golden Gate Bridge
A potential view of the bridge if the aircraft is routed via the Point Reyes arrival from the north.
Marine Layer
The iconic 'Karl the Fog' rolling over the Marin Headlands before touchdown.
Sit on the left if you want to avoid the direct morning sun during the final three hours of the flight. This side is also best for capturing the sunrise over the horizon if you are on a late-night departure from Melbourne. Keep your window shade down during the middle of the flight to avoid waking other passengers with the harsh equatorial light.
Get eSIMs for Australia
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 12,654 km (7,863 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 14 hrs 53 min
Departure: MEL (-37.673302, 144.843002)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: International
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