While the takeoff from CLE gives a brief edge to the right side with Lake Erie, the much longer cruise segment over New Mexico's Sandia and Manzano Mountains plus the dramatic desert approach into Phoenix firmly favor the left side for the majority of the flight.
Flown CLE to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Cleveland to Phoenix is 1,734 miles (2,790 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Missouri Ozarks, the plains of Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle, then passes near Albuquerque, New Mexico, close to the Sandia and Manzano Mountains, before continuing over the Rio Grande Valley and the Mogollon Rim into Arizona's high desert toward Phoenix.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CLE
RIGHTDeparting CLE on the southwest-facing runway (24), the climb-out briefly reveals Lake Erie's shoreline and the Cleveland skyline off the right side before the aircraft settles onto its southwest heading over flat Ohio farmland. The left side only sees suburban sprawl and open fields with no distinguishing features.
Landing at PHX
LEFTOn approach into PHX from the east, the left side offers sweeping views of the Sonoran Desert mountains ringing Phoenix, including the jagged Superstition Mountains and South Mountain Park, with the Salt River Valley and city grid spread below. The right side mostly shows flatter desert and distant haze over the Phoenix suburbs.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cleveland to Phoenix. While the takeoff from CLE gives a brief edge to the right side with Lake Erie, the much longer cruise segment over New Mexico's Sandia and Manzano Mountains plus the dramatic desert approach into Phoenix firmly favor the left side for the majority of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Cleveland Hopkins International in Cleveland?
During takeoff from Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing CLE on the southwest-facing runway (24), the climb-out briefly reveals Lake Erie's shoreline and the Cleveland skyline off the right side before the aircraft settles onto its southwest heading over flat Ohio farmland. The left side only sees suburban sprawl and open fields with no distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Lake Erie shoreline, Cleveland skyline (Terminal Tower), Cuyahoga River mouth, Ohio farmland patchwork.
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. On approach into PHX from the east, the left side offers sweeping views of the Sonoran Desert mountains ringing Phoenix, including the jagged Superstition Mountains and South Mountain Park, with the Salt River Valley and city grid spread below. The right side mostly shows flatter desert and distant haze over the Phoenix suburbs. Notable sights include: Superstition Mountains, South Mountain Park, Salt River bed, Phoenix downtown skyline.
How long is the flight from Cleveland to Phoenix?
The flight from Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,734 miles (2,790 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Cleveland to Phoenix flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Missouri Ozarks, the plains of Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle, then passes near Albuquerque, New Mexico, close to the Sandia and Manzano Mountains, before continuing over the Rio Grande Valley and the Mogollon Rim into Arizona's high desert toward Phoenix.