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MSY → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (New Orleans) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side offers a superior vantage point for the Grand Canyon, the stunning peaks of Yosemite or Lake Tahoe, and the iconic San Francisco city skyline during the final approach into SFO.
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Lake Pontchartrain
Expansive views of the massive brackish lake bordering New Orleans immediately after departure.
Grand Canyon
The most famous geological wonder in the world is often visible from the northern flight corridor.
Las Vegas Strip
The neon lights and massive hotels of Vegas are frequently visible when passing over Nevada.
Yosemite National Park
Look for Half Dome and the high alpine lakes of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
SF Skyline and Bay
The best view of the Transamerica Pyramid, Salesforce Tower, and the Bay Bridge on final approach.
The right side is the 'money side' for SFO arrivals; as the plane turns for the runway, the city skyline usually appears on this side. During winter months, this side offers the best views of snow-capped peaks in the Rockies and Sierras. Sunset flights are particularly dramatic as the sky turns orange over the Pacific Coast Range.
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Mississippi River Delta
Aerial views of the winding river and the wetlands of southern Louisiana shortly after takeoff.
Painted Desert
Vibrant, multi-colored rock layers across the high plateau of Northern Arizona.
Meteor Crater
A massive, well-preserved impact site visible in the desert landscape near Winslow, Arizona.
Southern Sierra Nevada
Rugged mountain terrain and the southern reaches of the California mountain range.
Silicon Valley
Views of major tech campuses and the salt ponds of the southern San Francisco Bay during descent.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the southern sun. This side is excellent for viewing the intricate hydrology of the Mississippi and the geometric patterns of the South Bay salt ponds. Keep an eye out for the white dome of the Palomar Observatory if the route stays south.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 3,069 km (1,907 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 37 min
Departure: MSY (29.99340057373047, -90.25800323486328)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: Domestic
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