Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over Paris on departure you get the city's iconic landmarks, and on approach into Phoenix you get South Mountain, the downtown skyline, and the Salt River valley. During the transatlantic crossing the views are largely ocean and cloud regardless of side, so the departure and arrival experiences are the deciding factor.
Flight Path
The flight tracks northwest over the English Channel and southern England, then across the North Atlantic — typically passing south of Greenland's ice sheet, which may be visible as a white mass on the horizon on clear days. The route then crosses Newfoundland and Quebec, where the boreal forest and St. Lawrence River are visible. Over the continental US the flight crosses the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains of Colorado or Utah (dramatic from altitude), and the Colorado Plateau before descending into the Sonoran Desert.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CDG
LEFTCDG typically departs westward on runways 26L/26R or northward on 09/27 configuration. A left-side seat during a westbound departure gives you a view south over Paris — you can pick out the Eiffel Tower, the Seine's distinctive bends, and the dense urban grid of central Paris before the city gives way to the Île-de-France suburbs. Right side faces north toward flat agricultural land with little of interest.
Landing at PHX
LEFTPhoenix Sky Harbor primarily uses runways 26L/26R for westbound arrivals, meaning the approach comes in from the east. A left-side seat on approach faces south, giving you a clear view of South Mountain Park, the broad Salt River valley, and the downtown Phoenix grid. The right side faces north toward the McDowell Mountains and Scottsdale but the left offers the more dramatic urban-meets-desert panorama as you descend.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Phoenix. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over Paris on departure you get the city's iconic landmarks, and on approach into Phoenix you get South Mountain, the downtown skyline, and the Salt River valley. During the transatlantic crossing the views are largely ocean and cloud regardless of side, so the departure and arrival experiences are the deciding factor.
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. CDG typically departs westward on runways 26L/26R or northward on 09/27 configuration. A left-side seat during a westbound departure gives you a view south over Paris — you can pick out the Eiffel Tower, the Seine's distinctive bends, and the dense urban grid of central Paris before the city gives way to the Île-de-France suburbs. Right side faces north toward flat agricultural land with little of interest. Notable sights include: Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars, Seine River bends through central Paris, La Défense business district towers, Bois de Boulogne.
What can I see when landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Phoenix?
When landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Phoenix Sky Harbor primarily uses runways 26L/26R for westbound arrivals, meaning the approach comes in from the east. A left-side seat on approach faces south, giving you a clear view of South Mountain Park, the broad Salt River valley, and the downtown Phoenix grid. The right side faces north toward the McDowell Mountains and Scottsdale but the left offers the more dramatic urban-meets-desert panorama as you descend. Notable sights include: South Mountain Park and Preserve, downtown Phoenix skyline, Salt River bed (usually dry), Camelback Mountain.
How long is the flight from Paris to Phoenix?
The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes Approximately 11 to 12 hours.
What does the Paris to Phoenix flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northwest over the English Channel and southern England, then across the North Atlantic — typically passing south of Greenland's ice sheet, which may be visible as a white mass on the horizon on clear days. The route then crosses Newfoundland and Quebec, where the boreal forest and St. Lawrence River are visible. Over the continental US the flight crosses the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains of Colorado or Utah (dramatic from altitude), and the Colorado Plateau before descending into the Sonoran Desert.