The right side offers a more varied and dramatic full-flight experience, combining glimpses of the Labrador coastline and Canadian Shield lakes during cruise with a scenic northern Arizona approach featuring the San Francisco Peaks and Sonoran Desert mountains near Phoenix.
Flown CDG to LUF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Paris to Phoenix is 5,476 miles (8,813 km), a flight of about 11 hours 30 minutes.
North Atlantic Ocean, southern tip of Greenland's coastal waters, Labrador Sea, and the rocky, lake-studded terrain of northern Quebec and Labrador
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from CDG
LEFTDeparting CDG on the typical westerly runway configuration, the initial turn gives left-side passengers a distant glimpse of the Paris skyline and the Seine valley before the aircraft climbs over the Normandy countryside. The right side mostly shows flat agricultural land north of Paris with little variation.
Landing at LUF
RIGHTOn approach to LUF from the north, the flight path descends past the Colorado Plateau and northern Arizona, giving right-side passengers views of the San Francisco Peaks and the rugged Mogollon Rim country before the final turn into Phoenix reveals the Sonoran Desert's isolated mountain ranges. The left side mostly faces open desert basin with fewer distinct features.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Luke Afb (LUF)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Phoenix. The right side offers a more varied and dramatic full-flight experience, combining glimpses of the Labrador coastline and Canadian Shield lakes during cruise with a scenic northern Arizona approach featuring the San Francisco Peaks and Sonoran Desert mountains near Phoenix.
What can I see during takeoff from Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
During takeoff from Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing CDG on the typical westerly runway configuration, the initial turn gives left-side passengers a distant glimpse of the Paris skyline and the Seine valley before the aircraft climbs over the Normandy countryside. The right side mostly shows flat agricultural land north of Paris with little variation. Notable sights include: Paris skyline (La Défense, Eiffel Tower area in distance), Seine river bends, Normandy farmland patchwork.
What can I see when landing at Luke Afb in Phoenix?
When landing at Luke Afb (LUF), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to LUF from the north, the flight path descends past the Colorado Plateau and northern Arizona, giving right-side passengers views of the San Francisco Peaks and the rugged Mogollon Rim country before the final turn into Phoenix reveals the Sonoran Desert's isolated mountain ranges. The left side mostly faces open desert basin with fewer distinct features. Notable sights include: San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff, Mogollon Rim escarpment, Superstition Mountains, South Mountain Park ridges near Phoenix.
How long is the flight from Paris to Phoenix?
The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Luke Afb (LUF) takes about 11 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,476 miles (8,813 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to Phoenix flight path pass over?
North Atlantic Ocean, southern tip of Greenland's coastal waters, Labrador Sea, and the rocky, lake-studded terrain of northern Quebec and Labrador