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SFO → ABQ
Which side of the plane to sit from San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco) to Albuquerque International Sunport (Albuquerque)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior sequence of iconic American landmarks, including the high peaks of the southern Sierra Nevada, the Las Vegas strip, and the breathtaking expanse of the Grand Canyon.
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Silicon Valley
Views of the tech hubs in San Jose and Palo Alto as you head southeast from the Bay Area.
Mount Whitney
The highest point in the contiguous United States, visible as part of the rugged southern Sierra crest.
Las Vegas Strip
The dense cluster of mega-resorts and the High Roller wheel rising out of the Mojave Desert.
Lake Mead & Hoover Dam
The massive reservoir and the architectural marvel of the dam on the Colorado River.
The Grand Canyon
Spectacular views of the South Rim and the winding Colorado River deep within the canyon walls.
Painted Desert
Vibrant, multi-colored badlands of Northern Arizona stretching toward the New Mexico border.
The right side is the 'star of the show' for this route. Sit here for the best chance to see the Grand Canyon, which usually sits just to the south of the flight path. For evening flights, the sunset over the desert can be magnificent, though you may need to lower your window shade periodically to block direct glare. During winter, look for the sharp contrast between the red rocks and white snow in the high desert.
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San Francisco Skyline
Aerial views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the downtown financial district shortly after takeoff.
Lake Tahoe
The deep blue waters of North America's largest alpine lake surrounded by the snow-capped Sierra Nevada.
Mono Lake
An ancient saline soda lake featuring unique tufa towers and a stark, volcanic landscape.
Great Basin Peaks
Successive mountain ranges and basins across Nevada, showcasing the 'basin and range' topography.
Sandia Mountains
The dramatic western face of the Sandias as the plane descends into the Rio Grande Valley near Albuquerque.
The left side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct sun glare. It provides the best perspective of the San Francisco Bay Area during the initial climb. As you approach ABQ, keep your eyes peeled for the Rio Grande winding through the valley. This side remains cooler and more comfortable during afternoon departures when the sun is in the south/west.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,439 km (894 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 55 min
Departure: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Arrival: ABQ (35.040199, -106.609001)
Route Type: Domestic
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