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SFO → LHR
Which side of the plane to sit from San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco) to London Heathrow Airport (London)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior due to the high probability of witnessing the stunning Greenland ice cap and the potential for the Northern Lights during the night portion of the flight.
Search flights from SFO to LHR
Sierra Nevada
Rugged mountain peaks and Lake Tahoe visible shortly after departure from SFO.
Hudson Bay
Vast arctic wilderness and sea ice patterns over Northern Canada.
Greenland Glaciers
Unparalleled views of the massive ice sheet, jagged fjords, and icebergs.
Northern Lights
Visible during winter months on the dark, high-latitude North Atlantic crossing.
Windsor Castle
A clear view of the historic royal residence on the final descent into Heathrow.
For the best experience, choose a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine glare. The Greenland crossing usually occurs 5-6 hours into the flight. If flying between September and March, keep your eyes peeled for the Aurora Borealis during the middle of the night.
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San Francisco Bay
Spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city skyline during takeoff.
The Rockies
Stunning aerial vistas of the snow-capped mountain ranges of the American West.
Southern Ireland
The first sighting of land after the Atlantic crossing, featuring green coastal cliffs.
London Landmarks
Iconic views of the River Thames, the London Eye, and the Shard on the approach.
The right side offers the best views of the San Francisco Bay Area during the initial climb. Upon arrival at Heathrow, if the flight is landing towards the west (the most common pattern), this side often provides a better view of Central London's skyscrapers.
Book Hotels in LondonDistance: 8,616 km (5,354 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 8 min
Departure: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Arrival: LHR (51.4706, -0.461941)
Route Type: International
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