The right side wins due to the desert mountain terrain on approach into Phoenix, which adds visual drama absent from the flat Midwest departure; the left side stays comparatively featureless throughout both takeoff and landing.
Flown CMH to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Columbus to Phoenix is 1,667 miles (2,682 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
Great Plains of Kansas and Oklahoma panhandle, followed by the high desert plateau and scattered mesas of eastern New Mexico and Arizona as the route approaches the Mogollon Rim.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CMH
RIGHTDeparting CMH to the west, the right side offers views over downtown Columbus and the Scioto River confluence before the flight heads toward flatter farmland. It's a modestly interesting urban departure compared to the largely featureless plains on the left.
Landing at PHX
RIGHTArriving into PHX from the east typically brings the aircraft over the Superstition Mountains and the rugged desert terrain northeast of Phoenix before turning onto final approach, giving right-side passengers dramatic desert mountain views. Left side sees flatter suburban sprawl during the final turn.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Port Columbus International (CMH) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Columbus to Phoenix. The right side wins due to the desert mountain terrain on approach into Phoenix, which adds visual drama absent from the flat Midwest departure; the left side stays comparatively featureless throughout both takeoff and landing.
What can I see during takeoff from Port Columbus International in Columbus?
During takeoff from Port Columbus International (CMH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing CMH to the west, the right side offers views over downtown Columbus and the Scioto River confluence before the flight heads toward flatter farmland. It's a modestly interesting urban departure compared to the largely featureless plains on the left. Notable sights include: Downtown Columbus skyline, Scioto and Olentangy river confluence, Ohio State University campus area.
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. Arriving into PHX from the east typically brings the aircraft over the Superstition Mountains and the rugged desert terrain northeast of Phoenix before turning onto final approach, giving right-side passengers dramatic desert mountain views. Left side sees flatter suburban sprawl during the final turn. Notable sights include: Superstition Mountains, Salt River bed, Sonoran Desert ridgelines, Phoenix Camelback Mountain area.
How long is the flight from Columbus to Phoenix?
The flight from Port Columbus International (CMH) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,667 miles (2,682 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Columbus to Phoenix flight path pass over?
Great Plains of Kansas and Oklahoma panhandle, followed by the high desert plateau and scattered mesas of eastern New Mexico and Arizona as the route approaches the Mogollon Rim.