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SFO → LAX
Which side of the plane to sit from San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco) to Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a premium aerial tour of the California coastline, featuring Monterey Bay, the rugged Big Sur cliffs, and a stunning descent over the Pacific Ocean into Los Angeles.
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Monterey Bay
The deep blue crescent of the bay, often clear enough to see the shoreline of Santa Cruz and Monterey.
Big Sur Coastline
Dramatic views of the Santa Lucia Mountains dropping sharply into the Pacific Ocean waves.
Channel Islands
The rugged peaks of Anacapa, Santa Cruz, and Santa Rosa islands visible offshore in the Santa Barbara Channel.
Santa Monica Bay
A sweeping view of the coastline from Malibu down to the iconic Santa Monica Pier and Ferris wheel.
Pacific Approach
Final descent usually takes you over the ocean before a smooth touchdown on the western runways of LAX.
The right side is unbeatable for sunset flights as the sun sinks into the Pacific. Choose a seat forward of the wing for the best view of the coastline. Marine layer clouds are common in the morning, so afternoon or evening flights typically offer the clearest views of the Channel Islands.
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Silicon Valley
Aerial views of major tech campuses like the Apple Park 'spaceship' and Googleplex in Mountain View.
Diablo Range
A series of rolling mountains that divide the San Francisco Bay Area from the Central Valley.
Central Valley Agriculture
Expansive geometric patterns of almond orchards and vineyards stretching across the San Joaquin Valley.
Tehachapi Wind Farms
Massive clusters of wind turbines visible as the plane crosses the mountains into Southern California.
San Fernando Valley
Dense urban sprawl leading toward the Hollywood Hills and the iconic Griffith Observatory during descent.
Sit here for morning flights to keep the sun behind you and avoid glare. Watch closely after takeoff to spot the distinctive circular Apple Park building. During the final approach, you might catch a glimpse of the Downtown LA skyline if the pilot executes a wide eastern turn.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 543 km (337 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 54 min
Departure: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Arrival: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)
Route Type: Domestic
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