While the Boston harbor takeoff is scenic, the right side wins overall thanks to a strong combination of cruise-phase mountain terrain near the New Mexico-Arizona border and a dramatic Phoenix approach featuring Camelback Mountain and the Superstitions.
Flown BOS to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Boston to Phoenix is 2,295 miles (3,693 km), a flight of about 5 hours 30 minutes.
Great Plains of Oklahoma and Texas panhandle give way near the New Mexico border to the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande valley near Albuquerque, followed by the high desert mesas and mountains of eastern Arizona before descending into the Phoenix basin.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BOS
LEFTBOS noise-abatement departures typically climb out over Boston Harbor before turning west, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the harbor islands, Logan's peninsula, and the downtown skyline along the Charles River. The right side mostly shows Winthrop and the flat North Shore suburbs.
Landing at PHX
RIGHTArrivals into PHX from the east typically descend over the Salt River Valley, putting Camelback Mountain, the McDowell Mountains, and the jagged Superstition Mountains on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mainly shows the flatter South Mountain Park area and suburban Ahwatukee.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Boston to Phoenix. While the Boston harbor takeoff is scenic, the right side wins overall thanks to a strong combination of cruise-phase mountain terrain near the New Mexico-Arizona border and a dramatic Phoenix approach featuring Camelback Mountain and the Superstitions.
What can I see during takeoff from General Edward Lawrence Logan International in Boston?
During takeoff from General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS), sit on the Left side for the best views. BOS noise-abatement departures typically climb out over Boston Harbor before turning west, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the harbor islands, Logan's peninsula, and the downtown skyline along the Charles River. The right side mostly shows Winthrop and the flat North Shore suburbs. Notable sights include: Boston Harbor Islands, downtown Boston skyline, Charles River, Logan Airport peninsula.
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 descend over the Salt River Valley, putting Camelback Mountain, the McDowell Mountains, and the jagged Superstition Mountains on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mainly shows the flatter South Mountain Park area and suburban Ahwatukee. Notable sights include: Camelback Mountain, McDowell Mountains, Superstition Mountains, Salt River Valley grid.
How long is the flight from Boston to Phoenix?
The flight from General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 5 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,295 miles (3,693 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Boston to Phoenix flight path pass over?
Great Plains of Oklahoma and Texas panhandle give way near the New Mexico border to the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande valley near Albuquerque, followed by the high desert mesas and mountains of eastern Arizona before descending into the Phoenix basin.