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TUS → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from Tucson International Airport (Tucson) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior primarily for the approach into San Francisco, offering iconic views of the Silicon Valley, the San Mateo Bridge, and often the San Francisco skyline and Pacific coastline depending on the arrival pattern.
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Sonoran Desert Landscape
Vast expanses of Saguaro-studded desert immediately after departing Tucson.
Mojave Desert
Views of the arid California desert and rugged mountain ranges like the San Bernardinos.
Apple Park
The famous 'Spaceship' campus in Cupertino is often visible during the descent.
Salt Ponds
Vibrant, multi-colored salt evaporation ponds at the southern end of the SF Bay.
San Francisco Skyline
Excellent views of the Transamerica Pyramid and Salesforce Tower on a clear 28R approach.
Choose the left side for afternoon flights to keep the sun behind you. This side is the 'money side' for the final descent into SFO, where you can see the dense urban layout of the Peninsula and the sprawling tech campuses of Silicon Valley. Ensure you have a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat blur over the Bay.
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Santa Catalina Mountains
Stunning views of Mount Lemmon and the rugged peaks north of Tucson at takeoff.
Sierra Nevada Range
Distance views of the high peaks, including potential glimpses toward the southern Sierras.
Central Valley
The massive, geometric agricultural heartland of California stretching to the horizon.
Dumbarton Bridge
A clear view of the bridge and the East Bay hills during the final minutes of flight.
Oakland Port
The massive cranes and shipping containers of the East Bay ports visible across the water.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to see the desert landscape illuminated by the rising sun. You'll get better views of the Sierra Nevada mountains to the north as you transit through California. During landing, you'll look across the bay toward Oakland and the East Bay hills.
Book Hotels in San FranciscoDistance: 1,208 km (751 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 37 min
Departure: TUS (32.116100311279304, -110.94100189208984)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: Domestic
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