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SFO → CLE
Which side of the plane to sit from San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco) to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (Cleveland)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is superior for its iconic departure views of the San Francisco Bay, its pass by the northern edge of the Great Salt Lake, and the scenic approach into Cleveland over the Lake Erie shoreline.
Search flights from SFO to CLE
San Francisco Bay
Aerial views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the city skyline immediately after takeoff from SFO.
Lake Tahoe
The deep blue waters of North America's largest alpine lake situated in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Great Salt Lake
The striking contrast of turquoise waters and white salt flats in Northern Utah.
Chicago Skyline
On a clear day, look north to see the skyscrapers of the Windy City along the edge of Lake Michigan.
Lake Erie Shoreline
A beautiful view of the lake's vast expanse and the Cleveland docks during the final descent.
Downtown Cleveland
Unmatched views of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Progressive Field when landing from the west.
For morning flights, the left side avoids the harshest sun glare, making it easier to photograph the Sierras. In winter, the snow-covered Rockies are a highlight; try to book a seat forward of the wing to ensure the engine doesn't block the view of the Great Salt Lake. The approach into CLE often involves a turn over the lake, providing a perfect view of the city's industrial and urban layout.
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Yosemite National Park
Distant but majestic views of the High Sierra granite peaks and the Yosemite Valley region.
Utah Red Rocks
The dramatic, eroded landscapes of the Moab and Arches region in Southern Utah.
Colorado Rockies
View the high-altitude peaks of the Front Range as the flight crosses into the Great Plains.
Great Plains
The intricate geometric patchwork of agricultural fields across Nebraska and Iowa.
Mississippi River
The massive, winding waterway that marks the transition into the Eastern United States.
Cuyahoga Valley
The lush, green rolling hills of the National Park just south of Cleveland during arrival.
The right side is excellent for sunset flights, as the 'golden hour' light illuminates the red canyons of Utah with intense colors. Midday travelers should be aware that the sun will be on this side for most of the flight, which can make the cabin hot and the glare difficult for photos. During summer months, this side often provides a safe distance to view massive convective thunderstorms building over the plains.
Book Hotels in ClevelandDistance: 3,470 km (2,156 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 5 min
Departure: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Arrival: CLE (41.4117012024, -81.8498001099)
Route Type: Domestic
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