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SFO → BOS
Which side of the plane to sit from San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco) to General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport (Boston)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of Lake Tahoe, the Great Salt Lake, and the Great Lakes, while providing better lighting conditions for morning departures.
San Francisco Bay
Aerial views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the Berkeley Hills immediately after takeoff.
Lake Tahoe
The deep blue waters of Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada peaks are visible about 25-30 minutes into the flight.
Great Salt Lake
Dramatic views of the salt flats and the turquoise-tinted waters of Utah's massive inland sea.
Chicago Skyline
On many flight paths, you can see the Sears Tower and the Lake Michigan shoreline in the distance.
Niagara Falls
If taking a northerly route, the mist of the falls and the Niagara River are visible on the New York border.
North Shore Massachusetts
The historic coastline of Salem and Marblehead during the final descent into Logan International.
Choose a seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat distortion. On morning flights heading east, the left side is the 'shade side,' which significantly reduces window glare and makes photography easier. Keep your camera ready about 90 minutes after takeoff for the Salt Lake crossing.
Yosemite High Sierra
The rugged granite peaks and wilderness areas of the southern Sierra Nevada range.
Colorado Rockies
Snow-capped 14,000-foot peaks as the flight passes near the Denver area.
Mississippi River
The massive, winding artery of the American Midwest visible roughly halfway through the flight.
Appalachian Ridges
The long, parallel forested ridges of Pennsylvania and southern New York.
Cape Cod
On specific approaches, the distinct hook shape of the Cape is visible to the southeast.
Boston Skyline
A spectacular close-up view of the Financial District and Back Bay if landing on Runway 4R or 4L.
Be aware that on morning departures, this side will experience heavy direct sunlight, making it difficult to keep the window shade up for long. However, if the flight arrives at sunset, the right side offers spectacular golden hour views of the Boston skyline and the Charles River.
Distance: 4,341 km (2,697 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 5 hrs 6 min
Departure: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Arrival: BOS (42.36429977, -71.00520325)
Route Type: Domestic
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