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SFO → SAL
Which side of the plane to sit from San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco) to Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (San Salvador)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for this route as it provides an incredible panorama of the Central American volcanic arc during the descent, along with diverse views of the Mexican interior and the Mojave desert.
Mojave and Salton Sea
Aerial views of the stark desert landscapes of Southern California and the shimmering Salton Sea.
Sierra Madre Occidental
The rugged, high-altitude peaks and deep canyons of Mexico's primary western mountain range.
Guatemalan Volcanoes
Dramatic views of the active Fuego, Acatenango, and Agua volcanoes as you cross into Central America.
San Salvador Skyline
A clear view of the capital city nestled in the valley of the hammocks during the final approach.
Lake Ilopango
The massive volcanic caldera lake located just east of the city, often visible during the landing pattern.
Book a window seat ahead of the wing for unobstructed views of the volcanic peaks. For morning flights, the sun will be on this side, so bring sunglasses or a shade. The most dramatic views occur in the final 45 minutes of the flight as you traverse Guatemala and enter El Salvador.
California Coastline
Breathtaking views of Big Sur and the rugged cliffs of the Central Coast shortly after departure from SFO.
Baja Peninsula
The unique meeting point of the arid desert mountains and the deep blue Pacific Ocean along Baja California.
Mexican Riviera
Views of coastal resort towns like Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta as the flight hugs the western shoreline.
Pacific Horizon
Uninterrupted views of the sunset over the Pacific Ocean on afternoon and evening departures.
Gulf of Tehuantepec
The vast, sweeping curve of the southern Mexican coast before turning toward El Salvador.
The right side is ideal for photographers interested in coastal geography and maritime views. On evening flights, this side offers a front-row seat to the sunset. Keep an eye out for the distinctive white sand beaches of southern Mexico and the offshore currents in the Gulf of Tehuantepec.
Distance: 4,250 km (2,641 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 5 hrs
Departure: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Arrival: SAL (13.4409, -89.055702)
Route Type: International
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