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PHL → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from Philadelphia International Airport (Philadelphia) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior lighting by avoiding direct southern sun glare and provides the most iconic views of Lake Tahoe and the Golden Gate Bridge on the standard approach into SFO.
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Philadelphia Skyline
Excellent views of Center City and the Schuylkill River right after takeoff.
Great Lakes Glimpse
Distant views of Lake Erie's shoreline as the flight heads toward the Midwest.
Heartland Patterns
The mesmerizing geometric circular irrigation patterns across Nebraska and Iowa.
Northern Rockies
Dramatic views of the rugged wilderness stretching toward the Tetons.
Lake Tahoe
The stunning deep-blue alpine lake straddling the border of Nevada and California.
Golden Gate Bridge
The iconic orange bridge and San Francisco skyline during the 'Bridge Visual' approach.
Alcatraz Island
The famous prison island clearly visible in the middle of the bay just before landing.
Sit on the right to avoid the harsh glare of the sun on this westward route, which makes photography much easier. The final 15 minutes are the highlight; if the flight follows the common arrival path from the north, you will have a front-row seat to the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the downtown San Francisco skyscrapers.
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Appalachian Mountains
The ancient, rolling green ridges of Pennsylvania visible shortly after departure.
Mississippi River
The massive waterway marking the transition from the Eastern US to the Great Plains.
Southern Rockies
High-altitude peaks of Colorado, often snow-capped even into early summer.
Great Salt Lake
The vast, shimmering expanse of Utah's saltwater sea with its distinct color variations.
Sierra Nevada Range
The jagged granite peaks of California's most famous mountain range.
Silicon Valley
Aerial views of the tech campuses and the salt ponds of the South Bay during descent.
The left side is exceptional for viewing the Great Salt Lake and the higher peaks of the southern Rocky Mountains. For evening flights, this side offers a spectacular view of the sunset over the Pacific as you enter the California coast. Ensure your window is clear of frost for the high-altitude mountain passes.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 4,048 km (2,515 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 46 min
Departure: PHL (39.87189865112305, -75.24109649658203)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: Domestic
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