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PIT → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from Pittsburgh International Airport (Pittsburgh) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is superior for this transcontinental journey, offering iconic views of Lake Tahoe, the Great Salt Lake, and the quintessential aerial panorama of the San Francisco skyline and Golden Gate Bridge upon approach.
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Chicago & Lake Michigan
On clear northern flight paths, the distant skyline of Chicago and the vast blue of Lake Michigan appear mid-flight.
Great Salt Lake
The striking turquoise and pink hues of the Great Salt Lake and the vast white Bonneville Salt Flats.
Lake Tahoe
A stunning view of the deep blue alpine lake surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada range.
San Francisco Skyline
Unmatched views of the Salesforce Tower, Transamerica Pyramid, and the downtown financial district during the 'Bridge Visual' landing.
Golden Gate Bridge
The iconic orange bridge is frequently visible as the plane banks over the bay for its final landing sequence.
Select a window seat on the right for the best chance to see the Golden Gate Bridge. If the flight path takes a northern route over the Rockies, you will have an incredible vantage point of the Tetons and the Wyoming wilderness. Aim for a morning departure to avoid glare when looking north toward the Great Salt Lake.
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Ohio River Valley
Dramatic views of the winding Ohio River and its lush green valleys shortly after departing Pittsburgh.
Canyonlands
Aerial perspectives of the rugged red rock formations and deep canyons of Southern Utah.
High Sierras
Jagged granite peaks and glacial valleys of the Sierra Nevada, often including glimpses of Yosemite National Park.
Silicon Valley
The dense tech corridors of San Jose and Palo Alto are visible during the final descent into the Bay Area.
The left side is best for sunset viewing on late afternoon flights, casting a golden glow over the desert landscapes. During the final approach into SFO, look for the vibrant, multicolored salt ponds at the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 3,618 km (2,248 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 15 min
Departure: PIT (40.49150085, -80.23290253)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: Domestic
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