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ZRH → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from Zürich Airport (Zurich) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is the superior choice for this transpolar route, offering unparalleled views of the heart of the Greenland ice sheet and a majestic sequence of volcanic peaks in the Cascade Range during the descent into California.
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Greenland Interior
The right side provides a front-row seat to the massive, blindingly white expanse of the central Greenland ice cap.
Canadian Arctic
Fly over the frozen landscapes of Baffin Island and the unique geological patterns of the Arctic Archipelago.
Hudson Bay
Look down upon the world's second-largest bay, often filled with spectacular swirling ice floes even in early summer.
The Cascades
Enjoy a parade of snow-capped volcanoes including Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Shasta during the descent.
Bay Bridge
As the plane makes its final turn over the bay, the right side views the Bay Bridge and the industrial beauty of the Oakland docks.
The right side is the 'landscape' winner. It offers the best views of the Arctic and the volcanic peaks of the Pacific Northwest. An advantage of the right side is that it faces north, away from the sun, making it much better for photography without glare. Keep your window shade open over Greenland (approx. 4.5 hours after takeoff) and as you cross from Oregon into California.
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Jura Mountains
Shortly after departing Zurich, enjoy the folded limestone ridges of the Jura range stretching into France.
Southern Greenland
If the flight takes a southerly track, the left side sees the jagged fjords and dramatic coastal mountains of Cape Farewell.
Canadian Boreal Forest
A vast expanse of green wilderness and thousands of glacial lakes across the Canadian Shield.
San Francisco Skyline
On the standard approach, the left side offers a stunning view of the Transamerica Pyramid and Salesforce Tower.
Golden Gate Bridge
The most iconic view from the air, the left side usually faces the bridge as the plane banks for its final approach.
The left side is the 'arrival' winner. For the best views of the San Francisco city center and the Golden Gate Bridge, stay alert during the last 20 minutes of the flight. Be aware that because this is a westbound flight, the sun will be on the left side (south) for much of the trip, which may cause significant glare during the mid-flight hours.
Get eSIMs for Switzerland
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 9,376 km (5,826 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 11 hrs 2 min
Departure: ZRH (47.464699, 8.54917)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: International
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