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SFO → AUS
Which side of the plane to sit from San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco) to Austin Bergstrom International Airport (Austin)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a more consistent display of diverse terrain, including the Sierra Nevada mountains, the vibrant red rocks of the Utah/Arizona border, and the high peaks of New Mexico, all while typically avoiding direct solar glare on this eastbound trajectory.
San Francisco Bay
Aerial views of the Bay Bridge, Oakland skyline, and the rolling hills of the East Bay immediately after takeoff.
Sierra Nevada Peaks
Dramatic views of the high alpine wilderness, including the Yosemite region and snow-capped granite ridges.
Colorado Plateau
Spectacular red rock formations, deep canyons, and the intricate drainage patterns of Southern Utah and Northern Arizona.
Sangre de Cristo Range
The southern tip of the Rocky Mountains in New Mexico, offering high-altitude peaks and forested slopes.
Austin Skyline
On a northern approach into AUS, the left side provides a clear view of the Texas State Capitol and downtown high-rises.
Select the left side for morning or midday flights to avoid the sun's glare coming from the south. The most dramatic mountain views occur within the first 45 minutes of the flight. If the flight path dips south, look for the unique circular patterns of center-pivot irrigation in the Texas Panhandle about 3 hours in.
Silicon Valley
A bird's-eye view of the tech campuses in San Jose, Palo Alto, and the dense urban sprawl of the South Bay.
Mojave & Sonoran Deserts
Vast stretches of arid basins, ancient dry lakes, and the rugged, sun-drenched topography of the Southwest.
Grand Canyon (South Rim)
Depending on the specific airway, distant but majestic views of the Grand Canyon's southern edges are possible.
West Texas Mesas
The transition from the flat Llano Estacado to the rugged, flat-topped mesas of the Permian Basin region.
Texas Hill Country
The lush, rolling limestone hills and winding rivers characteristic of the region just west of Austin.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights to catch the sunset over the desert landscapes. During descent into Austin, watch for the shift from brown desert tones to the deep greens of the Hill Country. Be aware that the sun will be on this side of the aircraft for the majority of the flight, which can make photography difficult due to glare.
Distance: 2,416 km (1,501 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 13 min
Departure: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Arrival: AUS (30.194499969482425, -97.6698989868164)
Route Type: Domestic
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