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SFO → DXB
Which side of the plane to sit from San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco) to Dubai International Airport (Dubai)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a front-row seat to the Greenland ice cap and the most consistent views of the Dubai skyline during the standard arrival sequence into DXB.
Canadian Rockies
Snow-capped peaks and vast glacial valleys of British Columbia and Alberta visible in the first few hours.
Greenland Icecap
A breathtaking expanse of the massive ice sheet and coastal fjords during the trans-polar crossing.
Caspian Sea
The eastern coastline of the world's largest inland body of water as the flight enters Central Asia.
Zagros Mountains
Dramatic, folded mountain ridges across Iran that lead directly toward the Persian Gulf.
Dubai Skyline
A stunning view of the Burj Khalifa and the dense skyscraper corridor of Sheikh Zayed Road during the descent.
This route typically departs SFO in the morning, meaning you will have full daylight over the North American continent. Choose the left side for the best lighting over Greenland. As the flight arrives in Dubai in the evening, the left side is usually favored for views of the illuminated city skyline if the aircraft approaches from the northwest.
Northern Lights
High probability of spotting the Aurora Borealis while traversing the high Arctic latitudes during winter.
Arctic Archipelago
Remote, ice-covered islands of Northern Canada and frozen sea patterns visible during the polar leg.
Eastern Europe
Nighttime lights of major urban centers across Russia and the fringes of Eastern Europe.
The World Islands
The man-made archipelago off the coast of Dubai, often visible just before touchdown.
Arabian Desert
The vast, golden dunes of the Arabian peninsula as the flight nears its final destination.
The right side is ideal for passengers hoping to see the Aurora Borealis; keep your window shade open during the middle portion of the flight. For the arrival into Dubai, the right side often catches a glimpse of the Palm Jumeirah and the World Islands depending on the specific air traffic control pattern for runway 30L.
Distance: 13,020 km (8,090 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 15 hrs 19 min
Departure: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Arrival: DXB (25.252799987800003, 55.3643989563)
Route Type: International
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