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SFO → SAT
Which side of the plane to sit from San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco) to San Antonio International Airport (San Antonio)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side of the aircraft offers superior views of major geological landmarks including the high Sierra Nevada peaks, the massive expanse of Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam, and the iconic Sandia Mountains near Albuquerque.
San Francisco Bay
Aerial views of the Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, and the East Bay hills immediately after takeoff from SFO.
Southern Sierra Nevada
The rugged, snow-capped peaks of the southern Sierras, including views toward Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park.
Hoover Dam & Lake Mead
A stunning view of the concrete marvel and the deep blue waters of the Colorado River reservoir on the Arizona-Nevada border.
Painted Desert
The vibrant, multi-colored sedimentary layers of the Arizona high desert visible mid-flight.
Sandia Mountains
The dramatic western escarpment of the mountains overlooking Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Guadalupe Peak
The highest point in Texas, marking the entry into the Trans-Pecos region of the Lone Star State.
Opt for a window seat on the left for the best chance to see the Hoover Dam about 75-90 minutes into the flight. Morning departures are preferable to avoid direct sun glare when looking north toward the Grand Canyon and the Painted Desert.
Silicon Valley
Aerial perspective of the tech hubs in Palo Alto, Mountain View, and San Jose during the initial climb.
Central Valley
The vast, geometric patchwork of California's agricultural heartland.
Sonoran Desert
The unique landscape of southern Arizona, characterized by expansive desert plains and saguaro forests.
Phoenix Metro Area
The sprawling grid and desert architecture of the Valley of the Sun.
US-Mexico Border
Views of the Rio Grande and the international boundary near the El Paso and Ciudad Juarez region.
Texas Hill Country
The rolling limestone hills and green plateaus as the flight descends into San Antonio.
The right side is excellent for afternoon flights to witness the sunset over the desert. Look for the glowing lights of Phoenix and the winding path of the Rio Grande near the border. Be aware that the sun will be on this side for most of the flight on a midday journey.
Distance: 2,382 km (1,480 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 11 min
Departure: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Arrival: SAT (29.533700942993164, -98.46980285644533)
Route Type: Domestic
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