Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Buffalo to Phoenix. While takeoff offers Lake Ontario views on the right, the landing approach into Phoenix provides more dramatic and sustained scenery. The left side during descent shows the entire Phoenix metro basin, South Mountain, and the Sierra Estrellas—a more visually rewarding finale than the relatively brief Lake Ontario view at takeoff.

During takeoff from Buffalo Niagara International (BUF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side seats offer views of Lake Ontario immediately after departure. BUF typically departs runways 24 or 26 (westbound), so the right side faces north toward the lake during initial climb. You'll see the shoreline and water body that dominates the Buffalo region. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario (north), Niagara River (northeast), City of Buffalo urban grid (south), Niagara Escarpment ridge line (east).

When landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side seats provide excellent views of the Phoenix metropolitan area and the surrounding desert basin during descent. PHX typically lands on runways 25L/R or 26L/R (westbound final approach), so the left side faces south and southwest toward the city. You'll see urban sprawl against the desert and distant mountains. Notable sights include: Phoenix metropolitan area (south and southwest), South Mountain Park (southwest), Sierra Estrella Mountains (south-southwest), Salt River valley floor (immediate vicinity).

The flight from Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes Approximately 4 hours 45 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes.

The flight path crosses the Appalachian plateau (Pennsylvania/Ohio border region), then transitions over the flat agricultural plains of Indiana and Illinois. Around the midpoint, you'll pass over or near the Mississippi River valley. Continuing westward, the terrain gradually rises toward the Great Plains of Kansas and Oklahoma, with the Rocky Mountain foothills becoming visible on the western horizon in the final 90 minutes of flight. The Sangre de Cristo Range and other Colorado peaks may be visible far to the north on clear days. As you approach Arizona, the terrain becomes increasingly arid with sparse vegetation, and the Phoenix basin becomes visible as a distinct urban heat island against the surrounding Sonoran Desert.