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PEK → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the volcanic wonders of the Kamchatka Peninsula and the dramatic mountain ranges of the North American West Coast.
Kamchatka Volcanoes
Clusters of active stratovolcanoes visible along the Russian coast during the first few hours.
Aleutian Islands
The northern side of the volcanic island arc stretching toward Alaska, visible in clear weather.
Saint Elias Mountains
Massive glaciated peaks near the border of Alaska and Yukon territory.
Olympic Peninsula
Lush evergreen forests and rugged coastal peaks of Washington State as you reach North America.
Cascade Volcanoes
Iconic peaks like Mount Rainier and Mount Baker visible in the distance to the east.
Golden Gate Bridge
A potential view of the iconic bridge if the flight path approaches SFO from the north.
This side avoids direct sun glare for most of the eastward journey across the Pacific. Keep your window shade open 3 to 5 hours into the flight to spot the dramatic volcanoes of the Russian Far East. During the final descent, the left side typically offers the best angle for viewing the San Francisco skyline.
Sea of Japan
Early views of the deep blue waters and distant island horizons shortly after departing Beijing.
Pacific Sunsets
Stunning color gradients over the open water during the flight's eastward progression.
Pacific Marine Layer
Vast fields of low-level clouds characteristic of the North Pacific weather patterns.
Point Reyes
The distinctive rocky cape and lighthouse on the California coast during the approach.
San Mateo Bridge
A clear view of the longest bridge in the San Francisco Bay Area during the final landing segment.
Expect significant glare and heat from the sun as it stays to the south throughout the flight. This side is better for travelers who enjoy watching the vastness of the Pacific Ocean and observing the approach over the San Francisco Peninsula and Silicon Valley before touchdown.
Distance: 9,494 km (5,899 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 11 hrs 10 min
Departure: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: International
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