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SAT → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from San Antonio International Airport (San Antonio) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides the most iconic views including the shimmering White Sands of New Mexico, the High Sierra peaks, and the classic aerial approach over the San Francisco Bay.
White Sands
The world's largest gypsum dunefield visible as a brilliant white patch in the New Mexico desert.
Gila Wilderness
Rugged volcanic landscapes and deep canyons in America's first designated wilderness area.
High Sierra Peaks
Majestic views of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains including parts of the Yosemite region.
Central Valley
The vast agricultural heartland of California stretching north toward the horizon.
SF Bay Area
Spectacular views of the Oakland hills, the Bay Bridge, and the San Francisco skyline on the final approach.
Choose the right side for the iconic 'City by the Bay' approach. On clear days, keep an eye out for Yosemite's Half Dome in the distance as you cross the mountains. Sunset flights offer a golden glow over the Sierra Nevada peaks, making for incredible photography.
Chihuahuan Desert
Expansive views of the rugged Texas and New Mexico borderlands with deep desert colors.
Tucson Basin
The sprawling desert city surrounded by the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains.
Mojave Landscapes
Diverse geological features and arid basins across the Southwestern United States.
Sierra Nevada South
High-altitude views of the southern section of the mountain range near Mount Whitney.
South Bay Shoreline
Aerial perspectives of the San Mateo Bridge and colorful salt ponds during descent.
Sit behind the wing for the clearest view of the desert floor. Morning flights are ideal as the sun will be behind you, highlighting the terrain without glare. Watch for the sharp contrast between the green Central Valley and the brown coastal ranges as you approach Northern California.
Distance: 2,382 km (1,480 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 11 min
Departure: SAT (29.533700942993164, -98.46980285644533)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: Domestic
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