Which side to sit on flying from San Francisco (SFO)?

Flying out of SFO, the left side usually has the better view, morning to evening. Some routes flip with the sun, so check your time of day.

The better side for flights leaving at that time and its usual score: landmark points after glare, plus any sunset. ☀ means that side also has more sun glare. Tap a side to open that flight; tap a column to sort by it.

Flying out of San Francisco

Flying into San Francisco

On the climb out of SFO

• SF: left on most routes (left on 6, right on 3 of 9)
• Oakland: left on most routes (left on 6, right on 3 of 9)
• Salt ponds: right on most routes (left on 1, right on 4 of 9)
• San Jose: right on most routes (left on 1, right on 3 of 9)
• Mt. Tam: right on most routes (left on 1, right on 2 of 9)
• Bay Bridge: right on most routes

On the way down into SFO

• Salt ponds: left on most routes (left on 8, right on 8 of 16)
• Monterey Bay: left on most routes (left on 8, right on 7 of 16)
• San Jose: left on most routes (left on 6, right on 6 of 16)
• NUQ: left on most routes (left on 5, right on 5 of 16)
• Altamont Wind: right on most routes
• Mt. Diablo: right on most routes

From the real paths of every nonstop on these routes in the last 10 days, with no clouds. Within 3 days of your flight, pick your exact flight in the app for the cloud forecast.

Questions

Which side of the plane sees SF on takeoff from SFO?

Usually the left. It depends on the route and the runway in use: open your route for its usual climb-out.

Which side is best flying out of San Francisco in the morning?

Usually the left. The table above has each route's own answer and score.

Which side is best flying out of San Francisco in the afternoon?

Usually the left. The table above has each route's own answer and score.

Which side is best flying out of San Francisco in the evening?

Usually the left. The table above has each route's own answer and score.

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