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ORD → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior sequence of iconic landmarks, including a more consistent view of the Chicago skyline upon departure, the vast Great Salt Lake, and a spectacular look at Lake Tahoe during the descent into Northern California.
Search flights from ORD to SFO
Chicago Skyline
Dramatic views of the Willis Tower and Lake Michigan's shoreline shortly after takeoff from ORD.
Rocky Mountains
Cross over the rugged, snow-capped peaks of the Southern Rockies and Wyoming ranges.
Great Salt Lake
The shimmering turquoise and silver expanses of Utah's massive saline lake and salt flats.
Lake Tahoe
The deep blue waters of this massive alpine lake are a signature view on the left side during the SFO arrival.
South Bay Salt Ponds
Vibrantly colored red and orange salt evaporation ponds visible during the final approach over the San Francisco Bay.
Sit forward of the wing to avoid engine heat distortion when photographing the Rockies. On morning flights, the left side avoids direct glare from the southern sun, making it ideal for clear views of the Utah desert and Lake Tahoe. This side is also best for seeing the Silicon Valley landscape during the final minutes of flight.
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Mississippi River
The wide, winding waters marking the border between Illinois and Iowa early in the journey.
Wind River Range
Aerial perspectives of some of the highest and most remote peaks in the Wyoming wilderness.
Great Basin
The rhythmic 'basin and range' topography of the Nevada desert stretching toward the horizon.
Golden Gate Bridge
Potential views of the iconic bridge and the Marin Headlands if the plane executes a northern arrival into SFO.
San Francisco Skyline
A bird's-eye view of the Financial District, Alcatraz Island, and the Bay Bridge during descent.
The right side is excellent for afternoon flights as the sun is positioned to the south, perfectly illuminating the Sierra Nevada mountains for photography. If the flight path takes a northern loop for landing (common during specific wind conditions), the right side offers the most iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco city center.
Book Hotels in San FranciscoDistance: 2,964 km (1,842 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 57 min
Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: Domestic
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