The north side offers the more consistent scenic payoff: Atlanta's skyline at takeoff, the Texas Panhandle's mesa-edged plains at cruise, and the Superstition Mountains and Salt River basin on final approach into Phoenix. The south side stays comparatively flat and featureless for most of the route.
Flown ATL to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Atlanta to Phoenix is 1,584 miles (2,549 km), a flight of about 3 hours 40 minutes.
Texas Panhandle high plains, Llano Estacado escarpment, eastern New Mexico desert grassland near the Pecos River valley
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATL
RIGHTDeparting ATL to the west, the initial climb puts downtown Atlanta's skyline and the Buckhead towers on the north (right) side of the aircraft, giving a brief but recognizable urban view before the plains take over. The left side mostly shows suburban sprawl and forested Piedmont terrain with no standout features.
Landing at PHX
RIGHTArrivals into PHX from the east typically track over the Superstition Mountains and the Salt River basin before turning onto final approach, putting these rugged desert peaks on the north (right) side. The left side shows flatter Sonoran desert scrub and South Mountain in the far distance, less visually dramatic.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Atlanta to Phoenix. The north side offers the more consistent scenic payoff: Atlanta's skyline at takeoff, the Texas Panhandle's mesa-edged plains at cruise, and the Superstition Mountains and Salt River basin on final approach into Phoenix. The south side stays comparatively flat and featureless for most of the route.
What can I see during takeoff from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International in Atlanta?
During takeoff from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing ATL to the west, the initial climb puts downtown Atlanta's skyline and the Buckhead towers on the north (right) side of the aircraft, giving a brief but recognizable urban view before the plains take over. The left side mostly shows suburban sprawl and forested Piedmont terrain with no standout features. Notable sights include: Downtown Atlanta skyline, Buckhead towers, Chattahoochee River, Piedmont forest belt.
What can I see when landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Phoenix?
When landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into PHX from the east typically track over the Superstition Mountains and the Salt River basin before turning onto final approach, putting these rugged desert peaks on the north (right) side. The left side shows flatter Sonoran desert scrub and South Mountain in the far distance, less visually dramatic. Notable sights include: Superstition Mountains, Four Peaks, Salt River, McDowell Mountains.
How long is the flight from Atlanta to Phoenix?
The flight from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 3 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,584 miles (2,549 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Atlanta to Phoenix flight path pass over?
Texas Panhandle high plains, Llano Estacado escarpment, eastern New Mexico desert grassland near the Pecos River valley