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SFO → ZRH
Which side of the plane to sit from San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco) to Zürich Airport (Zurich)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side (Port) is generally superior for this transatlantic route, offering prime views of the Greenland ice sheet, the rugged Canadian Arctic, and potential views of the Aurora Borealis during night flights.
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Sierra Nevada Range
View the snow-capped peaks of the High Sierra and Lake Tahoe shortly after departure from SFO.
Greenland Ice Sheet
Spectacular views of massive glaciers and the vast white expanse of the Greenland interior.
Baffin Island
Stunning arctic scenery featuring deep fjords and frozen coastal waters in the Canadian North.
North Sea Coast
Observe the intricate coastlines of the Netherlands and the North Sea wind farms during descent.
Benelux Cities
Detailed views of the densely populated urban layouts of Amsterdam and the surrounding Low Countries.
Choose the left side for the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights during the middle of this long-haul night flight. Ensure your window is clear of frost for the Greenland crossing, which usually occurs 5-7 hours into the flight. If departing in the morning, the sun will be on the right side, making the left side better for photography without glare.
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San Francisco Skyline
Excellent views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the city skyline immediately after takeoff.
Utah Salt Flats
Unique geometric patterns and vibrant colors of the Great Salt Lake and surrounding desert terrain.
Great Lakes
Expansive views of Lake Michigan or Lake Huron depending on the specific flight track over North America.
Swiss Alps
Breathtaking views of the central Alpine peaks and glaciers during the final approach into Zurich.
Lake Zurich
Low-altitude views of the picturesque lake and the city of Zurich just before touchdown.
The right side is unbeatable for the arrival into Switzerland; request a seat here to see the Alps and Lake Zurich. However, be aware that the sun will be shining directly into these windows for much of the eastbound journey, which can make the cabin hot and the views hazy during daylight hours. Keep your shade down during the mid-flight sleep period to avoid waking neighbors.
Book Hotels in ZurichDistance: 9,376 km (5,826 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 11 hrs 2 min
Departure: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Arrival: ZRH (47.464699, 8.54917)
Route Type: International
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