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SFO → FLL
Which side of the plane to sit from San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco) to Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport (Fort Lauderdale)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is the clear winner for this transcontinental route. It offers a prime perspective of the Grand Canyon's northern rim and the Southern Rockies, all while avoiding the intense glare of the southern sun during the majority of the flight.
Sierra Nevada Range
Spectacular views of high-altitude peaks and glacial valleys shortly after departure from SFO.
Great Basin Desert
Dramatic basin-and-range topography across Nevada, featuring desolate salt flats and rugged ridges.
Grand Canyon
On a typical southerly track, the left side provides a sweeping view of the North Rim's vast depth and color.
Sangre de Cristo Mountains
The majestic southern edge of the Rocky Mountains as you cross into New Mexico.
Mississippi River
The massive, winding waterway marks the transition from the Great Plains to the humid Southeast.
The Everglades
A vast sea of grass and wetlands visible as the aircraft descends into the South Florida region.
Choosing the left side allows you to avoid the harsh southern sun glare, which can make the cabin hot and photos difficult. About 90 to 120 minutes into the flight, look out for the Grand Canyon. In the winter months, the snow-covered peaks of the Rockies and Sierras are particularly photogenic against the clear desert sky.
San Francisco Bay
Excellent views of the Peninsula, San Mateo Bridge, and the Silicon Valley landscape during climb-out.
Mojave Desert
The stark beauty of the Mojave, including the distinct formations of Joshua Tree and the Ivanpah Solar Facility.
Lake Mead
The deep blue waters of the reservoir contrasted against the surrounding red rock canyons near the Nevada-Arizona border.
Phoenix Metro
Aerial perspective of the sprawling Valley of the Sun and the surrounding desert mountains.
Gulf Coast Beaches
As the flight crosses the Florida Panhandle, look for the turquoise waters and white sands of the Emerald Coast.
Miami Skyline
On the final approach to FLL from the west, the right side often catches a distant view of the Miami skyline to the south.
While the right side gets more direct sun, it offers the best views of the Gulf of Mexico and the Florida coastline as you approach the peninsula. If you are on an evening flight, the right side is the 'sunset side,' offering beautiful colors over the desert. Keep your window shade down during mid-day to avoid excessive heat from the sun.
Distance: 4,151 km (2,579 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 53 min
Departure: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Arrival: FLL (26.072599, -80.152702)
Route Type: Domestic
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