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SFO → TPE
Which side of the plane to sit from San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco) to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (Taipei)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft typically offers a more scenic experience, featuring iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge on departure, potential glimpses of the Aleutian Islands, the coastline of Japan, and a dramatic approach into northern Taiwan.
Golden Gate Bridge
If departing from runway 28L/R, you get a world-class view of the bridge and the Marin Headlands as the plane turns west.
Aleutian Islands
On the northern great circle route, catch glimpses of the volcanic islands stretching across the North Pacific near Alaska.
Japanese Archipelago
Views of the snowy peaks of Hokkaido or the rugged coastline of Honshu depending on the specific flight path and jet stream.
Yangmingshan National Park
Dramatic views of the lush, volcanic mountains of northern Taiwan during the descent into TPE.
Port of Keelung
Spot the busy shipping traffic and the harbor of Keelung just before the final turn for landing.
Choose the right side for the highest chance of seeing landmasses. If the flight is overnight, this side faces north, offering a rare opportunity to see the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) during winter months over the North Pacific. Note that the sun will be on the opposite side for most of the flight, making it the better side for glare-free photography of the clouds and sea.
San Francisco Peninsula
Aerial views of the San Mateo Bridge, Foster City, and the sprawling Silicon Valley landscape immediately after takeoff.
Pacific Ocean Horizon
Hours of expansive, deep-blue ocean views, often with striking cloud formations and sunset colors on westbound afternoon flights.
Northern Taiwan Coastline
As the plane descends, the rugged cliffs and fishing ports of Taiwan's northeast coast come into view.
Taipei Cityscape
A distant view of the urban sprawl of Taipei and New Taipei City during the final approach into Taoyuan.
The left side is ideal for travelers wanting to avoid direct sunlight during the majority of the westbound daytime flight. It provides a better view of the San Francisco city center if the plane departs towards the south before banking west. For the arrival in Taiwan, this side often sees the sun setting over the Taiwan Strait if landing in the late afternoon.
Distance: 10,391 km (6,457 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 12 hrs 13 min
Departure: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Arrival: TPE (25.0777, 121.233002)
Route Type: International
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