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MUC β SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from Munich Airport (Munich) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a front-row seat to the most dramatic mountain ranges, including the Canadian Rockies and the Cascade Volcanoes, and often captures the iconic Golden Gate Bridge on arrival.
Canadian Rockies
Breathtaking views of the jagged, snow-capped peaks of Jasper and Banff National Parks as you cross into Alberta and BC.
Cascade Volcanoes
Dramatic aerial views of major peaks like Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Shasta during the descent through the Pacific Northwest.
Southern Greenland
Stunning vistas of the southern tip's deep fjords, massive glaciers, and floating icebergs.
Golden Gate Bridge
On the standard 'Point Reyes' approach to SFO, the left side offers a classic view of the bridge and the city skyline.
Bavarian Countryside
Immediate views of the rolling hills and orderly villages of southern Germany shortly after departure from Munich.
Sit behind the wing to ensure your view of the mountains isn't blocked by the engine. Since this is a westbound flight, the sun will be on the left (south) for much of the journey; keep your window shade partially closed during the peak afternoon to avoid glare, but open it as you reach the Canadian border. The descent into SFO usually happens from the north, making the left side superior for seeing the city and bridge.
Arctic Ice Sheet
An endless, mesmerizing expanse of the Greenland ice cap and the frozen wilderness of the high Arctic.
Aurora Borealis
On winter flights or late evening departures, the right side (facing North) provides the best chance to spot the Northern Lights.
Scottish Highlands
Views of the rugged northern UK coastline and the Shetland Islands during the initial Atlantic crossing.
Hudson Bay
The unique, swirling patterns of sea ice and the desolate beauty of the Nunavut tundra in Northern Canada.
Oregon Coastline
Visuals of the dense forests and rugged, misty cliffs where the Pacific Ocean meets the West Coast.
The right side is the 'cool' sideβboth literally and figuratively. You are facing North, meaning you avoid direct sunlight for the entire flight, making photography easier. If you are flying during the winter months, this is the side to choose for a chance to see the Aurora Borealis. While you miss the famous volcanoes, you get a much better look at the vast, uninhabited stretches of the Canadian Arctic and the Farallon Islands upon final approach.
Distance: 9,437 km (5,864 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 11 hrs 6 min
Departure: MUC (48.353802, 11.7861)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: International
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