The right side captures the more visually interesting terrain throughout the flight: Hill Country lakes near Austin during climb, and the Superstition and McDowell Mountains framing the desert approach into Phoenix, while the left side offers mostly flat, featureless terrain during both phases.
Flown AUS to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Austin to Phoenix is 871 miles (1,401 km), a flight of about 2 hours 35 minutes.
Chihuahuan Desert basins, Guadalupe Mountains near the Texas-New Mexico border, and the Rio Grande valley near El Paso are visible along the route before the descent into Arizona's Sonoran Desert.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from AUS
RIGHTDeparting AUS to the south before turning onto the westbound track, the right side offers views of Lake Travis and the Balcones Escarpment's limestone hill country northwest of Austin, a more textured landscape than the flatter blackland prairie to the south.
Landing at PHX
RIGHTOn approach into PHX from the east, the right side faces north toward the jagged McDowell Mountains and the distinctive red rock spires of the Superstition Mountains, giving a dramatic desert mountain backdrop as the plane descends into the Salt River Valley.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Austin to Phoenix. The right side captures the more visually interesting terrain throughout the flight: Hill Country lakes near Austin during climb, and the Superstition and McDowell Mountains framing the desert approach into Phoenix, while the left side offers mostly flat, featureless terrain during both phases.
What can I see during takeoff from Austin Bergstrom International in Austin?
During takeoff from Austin Bergstrom International (AUS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing AUS to the south before turning onto the westbound track, the right side offers views of Lake Travis and the Balcones Escarpment's limestone hill country northwest of Austin, a more textured landscape than the flatter blackland prairie to the south. Notable sights include: Lake Travis, Balcones Escarpment hill country, Colorado River bends.
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. On approach into PHX from the east, the right side faces north toward the jagged McDowell Mountains and the distinctive red rock spires of the Superstition Mountains, giving a dramatic desert mountain backdrop as the plane descends into the Salt River Valley. Notable sights include: Superstition Mountains, McDowell Mountains, Salt River, Phoenix skyline.
How long is the flight from Austin to Phoenix?
The flight from Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 2 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 871 miles (1,401 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Austin to Phoenix flight path pass over?
Chihuahuan Desert basins, Guadalupe Mountains near the Texas-New Mexico border, and the Rio Grande valley near El Paso are visible along the route before the descent into Arizona's Sonoran Desert.