The left side wins on both ends of the flight: DC monuments and the Potomac during departure, and the dramatic Superstition Mountains during the Phoenix approach, while the right side offers comparatively featureless suburban and plains views throughout.
Flown DCA to PHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Washington to Phoenix is 1,974 miles (3,177 km), a flight of about 4 hours 50 minutes.
Appalachian ridgelines of West Virginia, the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys, the Great Plains of Kansas, and the high desert plateaus of New Mexico and eastern Arizona
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DCA
LEFTDepartures from DCA typically climb north on Runway 01 then bank west/southwest toward Phoenix, putting the Potomac River, the National Mall, and downtown DC skyline on the left side of the aircraft during the turn. The right side mostly shows Maryland suburbs with little distinction.
Landing at PHX
LEFTOn typical west-flow arrivals into PHX, aircraft descend from the east along the Salt River valley, and the rugged, layered ridgelines of the Superstition Mountains sit just south of the approach path, visible on the left side as the plane turns toward the runways. The right side shows flatter desert and North Phoenix suburbs.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Phoenix. The left side wins on both ends of the flight: DC monuments and the Potomac during departure, and the dramatic Superstition Mountains during the Phoenix approach, while the right side offers comparatively featureless suburban and plains views throughout.
What can I see during takeoff from Ronald Reagan Washington National in Washington?
During takeoff from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departures from DCA typically climb north on Runway 01 then bank west/southwest toward Phoenix, putting the Potomac River, the National Mall, and downtown DC skyline on the left side of the aircraft during the turn. The right side mostly shows Maryland suburbs with little distinction. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Washington Monument and National Mall, US Capitol dome, Arlington/Pentagon 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 Left side for the best views. On typical west-flow arrivals into PHX, aircraft descend from the east along the Salt River valley, and the rugged, layered ridgelines of the Superstition Mountains sit just south of the approach path, visible on the left side as the plane turns toward the runways. The right side shows flatter desert and North Phoenix suburbs. Notable sights include: Superstition Mountains, Salt River, downtown Phoenix skyline, Sonoran Desert terrain.
How long is the flight from Washington to Phoenix?
The flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) takes about 4 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,974 miles (3,177 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Washington to Phoenix flight path pass over?
Appalachian ridgelines of West Virginia, the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys, the Great Plains of Kansas, and the high desert plateaus of New Mexico and eastern Arizona